Leaders - Use Your Brain

March 2, 2015

In a business a vital role in the company belongs to the leaders. The tone of the culture will naturally flow from the leaders to their team. For a company to run smoothly and have maximum profitability the leaders must be better than good, they need to be great!

  • What does it take to be a world class leader?
  • What will give you the edge to stand out as a GREAT leader?
  • Is there a key, a trick to make that transition from good to GREAT!

Yes there is. It is an invaluable resource that only you possess. What is it? It’s your brain!

Each of us has the ability to achieve more in life and business if we think and engage our brain. Current neuroscience research allows us to see just how an individual’s personality is connected not just to their environment but also to the wiring in their brain. This can be a great resource for leaders when they understand how their actions effect the thought process of those that they lead. Yes it is true, what you say, how you act, and the manner that you treat those that you work with can affect their brain chemistry and in turn effect their job performance. When I work with Corporations in the training of their leaders I use the word “brain” as an acronym as a memory aid for the following points. So leaders-USE YOUR B.R.A.I.N.

B-Brain. Yes start at the top. When you engage your synapse before you speak or act you will often find that your initial response will not be the best. When you stop and think, take into consideration who you are interacting with and what their brain might thinking, where they are coming from, you might find a much better way to address a situation.

R-Reason. Great leaders don’t dictate they give the reason. When a person knows the “why” of what you are asking them to do they feel as though they are kept in the loop, as though they are important enough to be given the whole picture.

A-Approachable. This goes beyond just simply saying “Come to me with any questions or problems” you MUST make it comfortable for those you lead to tell you whatever they feel is important. Your response, your facial expressions, the tone of your voice, and your body language all will communicate positive or possible negative messages to those you are interacting with.

I-Idea Seekers. Great leaders are willing to step outside of the box and ask their team for their ideas and thoughts. Great ideas spring up all the time and often they come from within your team. When you openly encourage and consider the ideas coming from your group you never know what amazing brainstorms can happen.

N-Nurture. Great leaders resist the urge to dictate, barking orders as it were. Instead they nurture their group, they inspire. You must understand that the most damaging assault on a person’s feelings of self-worth are the insignificant things said to them by significant people in their lives.

When you are the team leader, you are a significant person in the lives of those you lead. What you say and how you say it WILL make a difference in how important and engaged your team feels. The more engaged, the more valued, the more heard they feel, the more efficient and productive they will be. Resulting in a better bottom line for your company. A win/win for everyone.