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: Cognitive biases
As you go about your day, your brain constantly interprets your experiences through cognitive biases – mental shortcuts that shape how you perceive and respond to situations based on past experiences, emotions, or social influences, often reinforcing fixed perspectives.
Two of the more commonly seen biases are confirmation bias (favouring information that supports existing beliefs) and negativity bias (giving more weight to negative experiences). When leaders default to these biases, they risk seeing difficult colleagues or challenging relationships as threats rather than growth opportunities.
However, by engaging neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to rewire itself – neuroleaders can consciously shift their perspective. This shift can enhance problem-solving, adaptability, and empathy.
A powerful way to do this is embrace the mindset that “everyone was sent to teach you something“.
Instead of viewing a critical team member as an adversary, a neuroleader might ask, “What lesson is this situation teaching me?” Perhaps it’s patience, clearer communication, or the ability to manage diverse personalities.
Similarly, encountering resistance to change from a long-standing employee might teach a leader how to navigate organisational inertia with greater diplomacy and strategic influence.
A micromanaging superior, rather than being a source of frustration, could be an opportunity to learn how to set boundaries effectively and advocate for autonomy.
Even dealing with a disengaged employee can serve as a lesson in motivation and recognising early warning signs of burnout.
This mindset also fosters psychological safety within teams. When leaders embrace learning from every interaction, they model humility and openness, encouraging employees to do the same. This leads to higher engagement, creativity, and collaboration, as people feel valued rather than judged.
Take a moment now to reflect on a difficult colleague or challenging relationship you are facing. What lesson might they be bringing you? Shifting your approach may offer a new way forward.
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 [email protected] or connect with Wendy on LinkedIn.
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