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. Learn actionable tips you can apply right away in Ready Resilience Founder Wendy Jenkins’ articles, written exclusively for the TEMi community.
Unleashing the power of neuroleadership: Two choices
In neuroleadership, the way we frame decisions for our teams can have a profound impact – not just on productivity, but on how safe and motivated people feel. One simple, science-backed tool? Offer two choices.
Why two?
From a neuroleadership perspective, giving someone two options reduces overwhelm while still activating their sense of autonomy – something our brains crave because they’re wired to seek control and predictability.
When people feel they have no choice, the brain perceives a threat, activating stress responses that can limit creativity, reduce engagement, and trigger defensiveness.
But give too many options, and the opposite happens: decision fatigue. The prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for weighing options and making thoughtful decisions, gets overwhelmed quickly.
That’s why giving just two well-considered choices can hit the sweet spot. It makes the brain feel safe, focused, and in control.
For example:
Instead of saying “What do you want to do about this?” try: “Would you prefer to tackle this now or first thing tomorrow?”
Or, when delegating:
“Do you feel more confident leading the client call, or preparing the summary?”
It may seem small, but it can transform team dynamics. You’re still guiding the outcome, but you’re giving them a sense of control.
That control leads to increased motivation, accountability, and trust – especially valuable in global talent mobility settings where people are navigating high levels uncertainty and change.
This strategy also builds psychological safety. When employees consistently experience choice, even in simple interactions, they’re more likely to speak up, own decisions, and engage with change. Over time, it strengthens both individual resilience and team culture.
So next time you need someone to take action, pause and consider:
Which two options could I offer that align with the task at hand – but still give them the power to choose?
It’s a small shift, but has high impact – and the brain will thrive on it.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Wendy Jenkins is the founder of Ready Resilience, Co-Founder of the Lungitude Foundation, certified Neuroplastician, 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 eighteen years ago, Wendy is passionate about empowering people to transform their perspective on life’s challenges through dynamic masterclasses, workshops, and certified resilience training.
To learn how Wendy can support and inspire you at your next conference, leadership event, or personal development session, visit www.readyresilience.com email we***@*************ce.com or connect with Wendy on LinkedIn.
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