GUEST POST BY Wendy Jenkins OAM, READY RESILIENCE
Ready Resilience helps organisations thrive during times of change and challenge, using practical neuroscience-based resilience tools that have been proven to offer in-the-moment solutions and long-lasting results.
Unleashing the Power of Neuroleadership: Leaders who Laugh
Leadership encompasses more than just decision-making; it involves forging connections and motivating teams to excel. One strategy often employed by neuroleaders to achieve this is humour, and there’s a fascinating reason why it works.
Consider a scenario where you’re watching a comedy with a friend. As they laugh at a joke, you might find yourself laughing too, despite not finding it particularly funny.
This phenomenon is attributable to mirror neurons, brain cells that activate both when we perform an action and when we witness others doing the same. When you watch your friend laugh, your mirror neurons fire up too, making you feel like laughing. It is why laughter is contagious!
Now, think about how this relates to leadership.
When a neuroleader injects humour into the workplace – appropriately, of course – the mirror neurons of team members are triggered. This fosters a sense of connection between the leader and their team, cultivating a positive environment conducive to collaboration.
However, humour isn’t just about making people laugh. It’s also one sign of emotional intelligence.
Leaders who can laugh at themselves and find humour in tough situations show that they’re approachable and easy to work with. This can build trust and encourages open communication among team members.
Moreover, humour has tangible neurological effects as it engages parts of our brain that release neurotransmitters and illicit a ‘feel good’ response.
Some research has also shown a link to an increase in the production of antibodies, which aid in the defence against disease and illness.
In essence, laughter, fuelled by mirror neurons, can play a significant role in effective leadership. By using humour wisely, leaders can create a positive environment where people feel connected, content, and more ready to tackle together any challenge that comes their way.
What can you do as a leader to inject some light-hearted humour into your workday?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Wendy Jenkins OAM is the founder of Ready Resilience, Co-Founder of the Lungitude Foundation, Speaker and Lung Transplant Survivor. Ready Resilience helps organisations thrive during times of change and challenge, using practical neuroscience-based resilience tools that have been proven to offer in-the-moment solutions and long-lasting results. Having been told she had two years to live over seventeen years ago, Wendy is driven to help people transform their perspective on challenges in life. To find out more visit www.readyresilience.com.
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