Neuroscience and the Team Mindset

Did you know that there’s a “Global Unhappiness Index?” Turns out that there is and it is charted by Gallup. They noted in their 2022 Gallup Global Emotions report that world-wide, the rate of unhappiness has been steadily increasing since they began this tracking in 2006. While many variables factor into the causes of unhappiness, the Neurozone company noted in their study, Neuroscience of Teams 2023, that a key factor is resilience. The authors Van Der Walt & Drath define resilience as the “innate capacity to overcome challenges and to learn and grow through those experiences.” The resilience factor is increased and therefore stronger within teams than individuals. This ties directly to high anabolic energy which enables us to view all experiences as opportunities for growth, learning, and development.
Take a look at the Neruozone chart in the image that identifies the predictors of team resilience. Remember, team resilience is stronger than individual resilience; that said, energy attracts like energy! That means that IF each team member chooses to elevate their energy (perspective, outlook) then it will attract those around them to do the same. Note that the #1 predictor of team resilience is Psychological Safety; makes sense, right? Trust within the team must be strong which requires an environment of safety. If you reflect on each predictor from the lens of choice that we have in every moment of every day, it presents a great formula for improving team resilience which in turn improves overall team performance.

Nuggets to Improve Team Mindset

Educate your team by sharing this newsletter, investing in taking the Energy Leadership Index (ELI) with me, or reading Energy Leadership by Bruce D. Schneider. You can refresh your memory around anabolic energy versus catabolic energy, how to leverage BOTH to your advantage and maintaining a peaceful heart, by referring back to my past newsletters — OR — simply connect with me to learn more!

What is a Personal Leadership Philosophy?

The leader is critical in ensuring that the energy blockers are reduced or eliminated while simultaneously promoting the energy boosters (see image). A foundational way to do this is for each leader to have a written and communicated Personal Leadership Philosophy (PLP). First, let’s dig into what a TRUE PLP is and what it is not. If you use your favorite search engine you’ll discover that there are hundreds of examples and definitions of a PLP yet the definitions are not consistent. The term “PLP” has become popular in the leadership training and development industry. You’ll find everything from a personal “why statement” most popularly associated with Simon Sinek’s Ted Talks, to “leadership statements” which summarize in 2-4 sentences what your values, priorities and deal breakers are, to the more in-depth variety that I’ve used since discovering it as a young Captain in the U.S. Army, as I took command of the 109th Military Police Company in Frankfurt, Germany many years ago. While the “why statement” and “leadership statements” are definitely valuable and worthwhile, they don’t represent the full potential and power of an in-depth PLP because they are generally not shared in a written format, nor shared in one-on-one sessions with each direct report; and don’t include key expectations in both directions.
The in-depth PLP, the type that was birthed in the military known as a Commander’s Intent, then brought to the civilian world is the gold standard of PLP’s. Why? The optimal value of a PLP is that it serves multiple purposes.

A Powerful PLP Delivers

Done well, a written and communicated PLP establishes and maintains trust thereby fueling the Energy Boosters while minimizing the Energy Blockers and Energy Leakers (see image). The leader uses their PLP for recurring reflection as well as a source of soliciting feedback from direct reports. A concise “why statement” or “leadership statements” are good exercises to prime the pump but do not provide the full, optimal benefit of an in-depth PLP; they cannot because they are incomplete.
Leverage the maximum benefit of a complete, in-depth PLP by clicking on the image and scheduling your customized PLP workshop with me.

Sources: Tips for Developing a Personal Leadership Philosophy, Penn State Extension March 9, 2023 & Complete Personal Leadership Philosophy

Run with Me!

Whole body fitness is the key to longevity as well as health and well-being. That said, my favorite cardio is running. After taking a break from racing in 2022, I’m back to running half-marathons this year, kicking off with Rock the Parkway in April and Hospital Hill Run (HHR) in June. To celebrate my comeback and HHR’s 50th anniversary, I am offering TWO FREE registrations for the June 3rd suite of races. The FREE registration can be applied to the 5k, 10k or the half-marathon! This is a $50.00 – $115.00 value! Drawing for the two winners will be held on April 24th. Winners will be notified by email.
Multiple ways to win a free registration!

1. Join my free and private wellness journey support group. All new members receive one entry into the drawing! Join Here!

2. New newsletter subscribers earn one entry into the drawing, so please forward this newsletter to anyone who might be interested in running (or walking) the 50th HHR! Simply click on the image and complete the Contact information, please note “HHR” in the comments.

3. Purchase a tub of Hydrate (which you can use during the race or for any cardio activity) and earn three free entries into the drawing! Learn more about Hydrate or purchase here.
Are these ways to win stackable? OF COURSE THEY ARE! Remember, winners will be drawn on April 24th and notified via EMAIL so ensure that the email that you use for any of the above methods is active and monitored. You can add your cell number as a back-up if desired.