By Continuing Education

Neuroleadership is the study of applying neuroscience to human and organizational performance, specifically in four core areas - collaboration, managing change, making decisions, and regulating emotions.

In our performance-based and competitive world, experts are discovering that success in life is more than degrees or job experiences. Research from multiple fields is proving that what seems to distinguish the highest achievers from the rest is their mindset. Those with what Carol Dweck, Psychology Professor at Stanford University, calls a "growth mindset" consistently perceive opportunity even in the face of temporary challenge. It seems that curiosity, a love of learning, and motivation can bring a person farther than raw intellect alone.

Neuroleadership_Matt Hunt

Strong Roots & Rich Soil
While hard work and some luck still tend to be present, multiple studies show that the "super  successful" share key traits. Great achievers are not defined by what they know, but by how they think, develop and nurture their brains. Top performers do this in ways that build upon their abilities to seize opportunities, engage others, manage complexity and overcome challenges.

Much of the research has roots in neuroscience - an interdisciplinary science that brings together multiple fields such as chemistry, linguistics, psychology, biology, medicine and computer science, and from which the new field of neuroleadership has emerged. As research is produced, people like Dr. Erika Garms integrate it into curriculum, leadership practices and coaching methodologies.Her aim in incorporating neuroscience into the fabric of organizations is to create "brain-friendly" organizations. She describes these as places "where people are able to do their best thinking and produce great work in terrific environments. These workplaces have high trust, high employee engagement, and alignment between the organization's values and their practices. They 'walk their talk', which allows the brain to focus better on higher order thinking and not get distracted by anxiety and fear."

Branching OutNeuroleadership_Dr. Erika Garms
Some of the best news to come out of recent neuroscience research is that humans have neuroplasticity. This means that our brains continually grow and change as our thoughts and experiences shape them. The following are just some skills that can be enhanced through neuroleadership training:

When individuals gain strategies in areas like sense-making and reframing, they can cut through complexity or see opportunity where it did not exist before. They know that they do not achieve success on their own. They learn to build networks, galvanize teams and cultivate ecosystems. They become brilliant communicators. They develop their listening skills while mastering the art of telling stories with purpose. They learn to experiment, test ideas and embrace failure. Instead of frustration, setbacks become opportunities to learn. According to author and consultant Matt Hunt, "Individuals that are set to excel are the ones who understand that risk-taking and failure are critical to
building something new." When people practice mindfulness, they become more in tune with their thoughts and emotions. They also gain greater clarity and confidence in day-to-day interactions and longterm decisions.

Success Germinators
So what does this mean? When we nurture a growth mindset, we learn that our brains and talents have infinite possibilities. Achievements, accomplishments and successes come from multiple practices which build our productivity, resiliency and creativity. And most importantly, it becomes possible for us to discover greater satisfaction and happiness throughout our lives.

If you are interested in implementing brain-friendly strategies to enhance your own performance or create a more productive work environment, attend Erika Garms' Neuroleadership workshop. Or, give us a call at 952-358-8343 to see how you can enhance productivity at your company.