Last week at the Sydney Businesswomen’s Breakfast Series we were forunate enough to have Katharine McLennan speak to us about the Neuroscience of Leadership.  Katharine held that room in the palm of her hand with her researched, thoughtful and timely discussion.  There were some great pearls of wisdom delivered, and way too many to list here, but there are certainly some that can make a huge impact in the way we manage our staff – or even how we raise our kids!  I have listed a few below:

1. Slow down!  Katharine reminded us that our best creative thinking doesn’t happen at work – it usually happens in obscure places such as the shower, while walking or while relaxing.  Surely that tells us something!  If you want to be great leader who fosters innovation then give your staff space to think!

2. Status – we are constantly scanning our environment for status – we need to know where we are on the totem pole and how we compare to others.  We go into survival mode if we feel threatened which takes us away from our decision making.  So another tip?  Make your staff comfortable, appreciated and respected for the role they play in the organisation.

3. Certainty is another desired trait in the human psyche – we like to know what we are doing and what our routine should be – constant change makes most of us anxious.  Staff need to know they are a valued member of the organisation and that respect is constant.

4. Autonomy – we need to know we are in control of our environment.  Our decision making ability is nurtured by a degree of autonomy in making that decision.  This goes hand in hand with learning how to delegate as a manager and trusting your staff to do the job.

5. Relatedness – “they vs. us” – we are tribal human beings.  If we feel threatened – our decision making ability is affected.  Al the more reason to foster a cohesive workplace where departments interact smoothly.

6. Fairness –  For example, in an experiment, two people were given a percentage of a total – the first person was given $1 from $2 and was happy with the distribution.  Another person was given $10 from $30 but felt it was not a fair exchange so was disappointed.  It is not the amount that is important but the fairness of the exchange in the person’s eyes. 

Katharine has also provided us with a fabulous article where you can read more about the Neuroscience of Leadership. 

Setting a consistant standard and a nurturing culture for your team may just set you apart as a manager and make your team thrive – there is certainly more to gain for employees in being part of a cohesive team than simply throwing more money at them.  In times like these where staff retention is a critical issue – what have you got to lose?  What do you do to keep your staff focused, motivated and happy?  Leave a comment – we’d love to know!

Enjoy your week

Kim