Why We Do What We Do

chapter elevenOur Brain and Leadership

‘The future depends on what we do in the present’.

MAHATMA GANDHILawyer, politician, social activist and writer (1869–1948)

ABOUT THIS CHAPTER

Our appetite for learning about leadership shows no sign of abating. From the latest theories presented by business schools, to the biographies of high achievers and self-help guides with easy-to-follow steps, we continue to reach for new tools and practical solutions based on others' tried and tested successes.

But can we really distil leadership into several key nuggets that can be replicated across a wider population? Consistent and effective leadership still seems to be an elusive concept that is hard to define and pin down.

This chapter discusses how our brain works within the context of the leadership role and why leaders could benefit from an understanding of the workings of the human brain.

Part 1: The science explained

Neuroscience and leadership

All leaders affect the brainpower of the people they lead (see Figure 11.1). It is therefore essential that leaders understand how the human brain works.

But finding good leaders appears to be a worldwide problem. A recent Global Workforce Leadership Survey found that as Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) retire, leadership will be the hardest skill to find in the remaining workforce.¹ A report entitled Business Human Capital Challenges Today and in the Future, from the Society of

FIGURE 11.1: Leaders affect the brains of those ...