Leading From The Front of Your Brain
20th century leadership development had us believing that the only way to lead was from the front. Sword raised and pointed daringly towards the enemy. Whilst many have changed their views on the relevance of this type of leadership in the 21st century VUCA world, there is one thing for certain: learning to lead from the front (of our brain) has never been more vital.
Simply put; today's leaders need to be brain focused. We all need to understand how our brain is functioning and how to get the most out of it. Brain friendly leadership reduces stress and conflict to increase engagement and productivity.
Two key areas of the brain we need to consider:
1. The Limbic System (the emotional brain)
It controls the basic emotions (fear, pleasure, anger) and drives. When a leader has little control over their thinking and behaviour, it is usually in reaction to a perceived threat or because they have linked it to past emotional memory.
2. The Prefrontal Cortex PFC (the thinking brain)
In charge of abstract thinking and thought analysis, it is also responsible for regulating behaviour. This vital region regulates thought in terms of both short-term and long-term decision making. It allows leaders to plan ahead and create strategies.
The Prefrontal Leader™ is one who is able to make great decisions under pressure. It’s time for leadership development programs to empower emerging and current leaders to lead from the front of their brain.
