Debunking Myths About Neuroleadership

Hi friends,

Did you catch my post on neuroleadership the other day?

I ask because we talk plenty about “how we’re wired” in our TTGG workshops. But if you’ve never attended one, the idea might seem a little strange.

Why does it matter how our brains work, provided they work?

How does understanding synapses help you manage others more effectively, and who (really) cares if you’re “left-brained” or “right-brained?”

There are DEFINITELY things we don’t need to know to excel in our roles, but a little brain science can go a long, long way.?

It’s the only way you can ever start practicing neuroleadership; in other words, leveraging neuroscientific insights to enhance your leadership strategies and behaviors.?

I promise to illustrate this the fun way, though—by debunking some common brain myths that may surprise you!

Myth 1: You Are A Left- or Right-Brained Leader

Do you consider yourself a more logical, analytical, or “left-brained” leader?

Or perhaps you’re more creative, artistic, and “right-brained?”

If you’ve been called either of these things before, you’re not alone. That’s because it’s very widely assumed that our brain’s left hemisphere is exclusively associated with logical thinking, while the right hemisphere is responsible for creativity.

There is some truth to this popular belief, but in fact...

Your cognitive functioning isn't exclusive to one hemisphere or the other.?

EXTENSIVE communication is ALWAYS taking place between our two brain hemispheres—without it, we couldn’t even coordinate our brain activity across both sides!

And this matters because…?

Even knowing this tiny fact can influence the way you perceive yourself and realize your capabilities, the same way dismissing ANY stereotype gives you new insights into your own and others’ true potential.

It’s the key to leveraging ALL your diverse cognitive strengths. It’s how you can leverage your team’s MULTIFACETED talents to foster innovation and creativity.

Myth 2: Effective Leaders Can't Be Emotional

Wrong, wrong, and wrong again, I’m afraid.

Effective leaders practice professional closeness—they don’t suppress their emotions, they understand and harness the power of those feelings.?

In fact, this is a central part of leadership, and I’ve spoken before about how neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin play pivotal roles.?

Learning to engage these systems is how you can:

• Foster motivation
• Practice and encourage empathy, and?
• Establish trust, both personally with teammates and within the groups you lead.?

And this matters because…?

Because it’s emotional intelligence ??

Anyone can learn to be more logical through frameworks and cognitive strategies, but this is a soft skill that will transform you from a manager into a TRULY inspiring and empowering leader.

Myth 3: We Can’t Change How Our Brains Are Wired

Ever had the age-old debate about nature versus nurture?

“I was built this way…” or “Just make the best of what you’ve been given!”

The truth is that the learning effect isn't just a cognitive phenomenon—it's also a molecular one.?

In a nutshell, research has proven that learning leads to the growth of existing synapses and the formation of new synapses, or the “connections” between cells within your brain.

Development is a dynamic and ongoing process: don’t ever underestimate your brain's remarkable capacity to adapt.?

And this matters because…?

It highlights the importance of continuing to learn as a leader, as well as exposing yourself to new ideas and stimuli.

Knowing this is central to embracing that growth mindset that will foster curiosity and experimentation within your team. It will help you drive innovation and adaptation in the face of change, ultimately creating an agile and resilient organization that lasts well into the future of our VUCA world.

Over to You

So, what on Earth are you supposed to do with this information on a practical level?

The theory is that challenging common myths about ANYTHING—and that includes our brains—is how we unlock new leadership and growth opportunities.?

On a practical level, as a leader, you can start to utilize this knowledge through self-reflection:

1. How do the myths about left and right-brained thinking influence your approach to leadership? Are there areas in your everyday role where you could challenge these preconceptions and start to leverage your potentially “underused” cognitive strengths?

2. Reflecting on your own EQ and its impact on your leadership style, how do you currently engage with neurotransmitter systems like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin when you interact with teammates? What opportunities do you have to enhance your leadership effectiveness by leveraging emotional insights?

3. Considering your approach to learning and personal growth, how do you actively stimulate your brain's capacity to adapt and change? And at a collective level, what strategies could you apply to build a team culture of continuous learning and development?

If you only take one thing away from me today, don’t let it be any single debunked myth.

Instead, choose one way to apply that new insight and put it into action.?

What is one single step you can take to start practicing neuroleadership??

Let me know in a DM here on LinkedIn!

— Govert