LEADERSHIP

The Best Leaders Keep an Open Mind

Eleven dimensions of a leader: A neuroscience-based approach

With over 300 million known biases and 50,000 thoughts a day, the human brain makes split-second decisions almost unnoticed.

Confirmation bias is just one of 300+ million biases.

In the article How to Spot Confirmation Bias With Computational Thinking self-serving biases are common in all humans. Pre-programmed to guide us towards what we believe will be right or result in a successful outcome.

Anchoring (bias) is when we lean heavily on early information. In doing so we undermine later information, which may actually hold more value.

“You need to be aware of your own cultural biases.” — (Newton, 2012)

Learning to recognize cognitive biases makes us better Leaders.

Think about it

We’re only ever aware of 10%–12% of our 50,000 daily thoughts. Our brain filters out the rest. It has to in order to cope. The intent of this mechanism is to help us to function better.

By functioning better this means that 90% of our thoughts go unnoticed. Our filtration system, grounded in beliefs, and values, is our auto-pilot to navigate whatever the world throws at us.

Some good, some bad.

Some right and some wrong.

As such our automated filter is flawed. We cannot design out the bugs in our auto-pilot brain without effort.

On that note, allow me to draw your attention to the work by Milo-Arne Wilkinson below.

Eleven is the Magic Number

Milo-Arne Wilkinson proposed a “neuroscience-based approach to leadership” that encompasses 11-dimensions of self, as follows:

1. Bravery — The enemy of average. Embrace the role of courage and discomfort in leadership.

2. Innovation — Connect divergent dots in new ways to create ideas that breakthrough. Foster an environment that feels uncomfortable for all the right reasons.

3. Adaptability — Agility is the new essential, and true entrepreneurs find themselves evaluating the need to pivot the business model. Give yourself permission to deviate.

4. Connection — The cornerstone to relationships. Listen to understand rather than listening to respond.

5. Purpose — Finding your purpose is one of lifes greatest tests. Confront your purpose, stay curious to it,and allow it to evolve when it needs to.

6. Authenticity — Own your space. Welcome truths be who you are and create a safe space for others to do the same.

7. Creativity — Tap into your inner child to allow yourself a sense of wonder and original thought.

8. Resilience — Inspire strength in yourself and others especially when it feels hard to do.

9. Awareness — Open your mind to your blind spots no matter how confronting this might be.

10. Empathy — Know your triggers that present true compassion when other peoples differences and choices feel confronting.

11. Vulnerability — It takes courage to be yourself. Address the default strategies you use to avoid being vulnerable — Milo-Arne Wilkinson

Leadership is complex. Milo-Arne Wilkinson, however, has broken this complexity down into human traits, skillsets for great leaders to master.

For thought leaders like Dr Mehmet, Kathryn, P.G., Joe, Bill, Julia, Timothy, Tony, Rasheed, Desiree, Michele, Tree, and Lori I invite you all to learn more about the “neuroscience-based approach to leadership.”

Which one best reflects your leadership style?

References

• Newton, R. (2012). The management consultant. Harlow: Financial Times Prentice Hall.
• Arne Wilkinson, M. (2019). ELEVEN | Ready to take your leadership to extraordinary levels?. [online] Kaplan Professional. Available at: https://www.kaplanprofessional.edu.au/eleven/ [Accessed 3 Feb. 2020].