September 9, 2008
While the argument that leaders are born with better brains is age old, new studies of the brain take a different stance. Leaders are different to the rest of us in terms of their “social intelligence,” a trait that the learn or develop which allows them to be attuned to others’ moods and exhibit empathy.
According to Daniel Goleman and Richard Boyatzis of the Harvard Business Review, social intelligence is “a set of interpersonal competencies built on specific neural circuits (and related endocrine systems) that inspire others to be effective.”
Effective leaders “are those whose behavior powerfully leverages the system of brain interconnectedness. Leading effectively is… less about mastering situations- or even mastering social skill sets- than about developing a genuine interest in and talent for fostering positive feelings in the people whose cooperation and support you need.”
The way this all ties back to the brain: leaders recognize that brains are interconnected – their brain chemistry affects the brain chemistry of others (by triggering mirror neurons) and hence by acting in a manner that syncs up their brain chemistry, they are able to influence the follower’s thoughts to fall in line with their own.
Goleman and Boyatzis state that such behavior can be learned if one does not already fire up social neurons in one's followers. This happens through the not so easy process of changing one’s behavior.
Comments | 15 Total
September 9, 2008 at 10:12am by Douglas Paul
I agree but with reluctance. Clearly there is something about the brains of a leader that allows them to do what they do ( inspire, calm, listen and etc. ) but I also believe that great leaders have wisdom that goes beyond brain chemistry, neurons and the like. Obviously this study speaks about one facet of leadership but even in this case, the ability to do and the wisdom to know when to do is the difference between a leader and a great leader.
Now I've always been told that I affected rooms I was in and therefore regardless of how I felt I had make sure to not project it on to others. Having a scientific explanation is nice but it is the advice ( i.e. shared wisdom ) that allows me to better lead and use this ability.
September 9, 2008 at 11:27am by Pamela Miller
Better Brains? What about EQ?
September 9, 2008 at 11:41am by Steven Collier
Leadership can be learned and developed. Some individuals seem to have greater gifts than others in the areas of persuasion and inspiration. Others have external advantages derived from wealth or power that may have been inherited or imposed rather than obtained through leadership skill. Not that leadership is always good. At one extreme there are the likes of Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler, Dick Cheney, Jeff Skilling, et. al. At the other there are the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, Mahatma Ghandi, Bill George.
September 9, 2008 at 11:44am by Doug Boyer
There are so many variables to this statement. How does one define a great leader? Does everyone with certain brain chemistry become a great leader, or only some? Obviously genetics plays a huge role in who we become, but so does parenting, socialization, life experience, and personal choices. Perhaps one common characteristic of some great leaders has to do with their brain configuration, but not the only (and certainly not the determining factor) among great leaders.
September 9, 2008 at 12:27pm by Steve Glynn
The greatest of leaders capture the hearts of their followers. That can only be achieved when the follower feels that their leader understands how they feel, what they do and how they must do it.
September 9, 2008 at 12:29pm by David Grossman
I doubt that General Patten employed this leadership technique.
The ability to manipulate people into agreeing with you is a trait shared by many sociopaths.
I'm sure Charles Manson was very good at "naturally firing up the social neurons" in his followers. Not sure I would argue that he had a better brain than your average non-psycho.
September 9, 2008 at 12:45pm by Viral Navsariwala
Does not necessary that every time leaders born with better brains, what i think is, it is live practicle experience with the happening around him/her. A person always learns from his/her past experience but it is necessary to follow it and put into the practice.
Proper knowledge + Experience + Interactivity + Positive + Actionable = Have Better Brain.
September 9, 2008 at 1:17pm by Bailey King
In any subject, those who endeavor with the most passion typically rise to the top, thus becoming "natural" leaders. In my experience, the most effective leaders are those who find passion and are able to share it selflessly, who are willing to disappear. I think there is a gene for a capacity to generate desire, and that all other leadership behaviors are educateable or environmentally determined.
September 9, 2008 at 4:01pm by Terrence Chavis
Leadership has more to do with emotional connection than intelligence although the latter obviously helps.
September 9, 2008 at 8:03pm by Carel Two-Eagle
People tend to rise to the level of their greatest competence, provided they are not spiritually, mentally, &/or emotionally crippled in some way. There have been "evil geniuses" just as there have been "good geniuses" throughout history in every culture. But no matter how it's sliced, "leadership" is more than simpy the mirror-firing of neurons, one brain to another.
September 10, 2008 at 3:17am by marry stella
I thought I would offer a word or two of advice for our up and coming graduates.
As many of you know, we are taught to meet every challenge with a thorough understanding of each situation and applying the rationale of many years of arduous studies.
================
marry
Used Cars
September 10, 2008 at 4:33am by Raymond Durrant
Presumably a less ambiguous (if less snappy) phrasing would be "Great leaders are born with brains better adapted for leadership". As far as I am aware, research shows that with enough persistence and practise, there are no limits to what can be learned. There is also research that shows that different areas of the brain grow more developed with increased use. It follows that a great leader is not necessarily born a great leader.
September 10, 2008 at 1:03pm by Edward Reid
Nature and nurture!
September 12, 2008 at 3:28pm by Aaron Chan
EQ, yes clearly you want to make sure you have enough bass.
:)
September 12, 2008 at 10:40pm by Stanley Patterson
Great leadership involves a melding of IQ and EQ competence with character--something not normally associated with IQ. Goleman and Boyatzis gave a huge boost toward debunking the "born leader" myth. However, as we face the challenges before us as a global community I believe the character that supports the product of competency will becoming increasingly important to outstanding leadership.