Optimum Talks Blog

Bringing Neuromanagement to the Business World

“We are not thinking machines that feel, but emotional machines that think.”  – Dr. Antonio Damasio

Having spent many years as a coach, I could not agree more with Dr. Damasio’s quote. I have worked with incredibly talented people who have great skills to offer, but are not as successful as they could be because of beliefs and emotions getting in their way. As a result, no amount of data analysis, artificial intelligence and/or training can help unless the non-productive ways in which they think and react are addressed.

What is Neuroscience and Neuromanagement and why is it important?

By definition, Neuroscience[1] deals with the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, or molecular biology of nerves and nervous tissue, and especially their relation to behaviour and learning. Neuromanagement[2] uses cognitive neuroscience, among other life science fields, and technology to analyze economic, behavioural, and managerial issues. It focuses on exploring human brain activities and mental processes when people are faced with typical problems of economics and management.

Why is this important? The reality is that an organization with human beings leading or performing work will have emotions present, and those emotions will influence business outcomes – for better or for worse. By learning about neuromanagement, and applying its insights, organizations can manage the ways that emotions influence their business.

I sat down with our colleague, Dr. Carlos Davidovich to learn more about Neuromangement and the business world. As a trailblazer in Neuromanagement, and a thought leader for the Harvard Institute of Coaching, Dr. Davidovich of explained the benefits of using a scientific-based approach to better understand emotions and behaviours. In our discussion, Dr. Davidovich describes how this approach can be used to help individuals and leaders understand the impact that our emotions and behaviours – and the behaviours of those around us – can have on our individual success as well as the success of an organization.

Below is an excerpt of our conversation:

Patricia Polischuk: How is neuromanagement making an impact on businesses?

Dr. Davidovich: Applying the fundamental insights of neuroscience to business is a breakthrough in improving organizational performance. By helping individuals better understand what is going on in their brain and providing approaches that can help them to be more effective in dealing with people at all levels of their organization, we’re able to create sustainable change at an individual and organizational level.

PP: How do individuals benefit from neuromanagement?

CD: There is a correlation between influencers, neurological activity in the brain, behavioural responses, and the practical benefit to an organization. The application of neuroscience creates better relationships at all points on the compass – leaders, employees, peers, and teams; and this leads to better collaboration, idea generation, and implementation of initiatives.

Additionally, leaders become more adept at mentoring, coaching, and developing talent. In the end, these changes manifest themselves in better customer relations and overall business performance.

PP: Some critics have said that this all seems to be too emotional with not enough logical thinking involved. How would you respond to that statement?

CD: This is exactly the reason why we must be interested in these topics. We have the delusion that we are logical and rational beings most of the time. This is far from the truth. The reality is that if an organization has human beings performing work, emotions are present, and those emotions will influence business outcomes – for better or for worse.

Additionally, with the rapid advancements in technology, employers are placing greater value on soft skills over hard skills when making hiring decisions because artificial intelligence can’t yet replicate emotional intelligence. So, leaders who possess an aptitude for self-awareness, collaboration, and connection are really tending to their future employability.

PP: For many, the question is “Why do I need to know about how the brain works? Don’t I just need to be more aware of my behaviour?”

CD: Yes, we need to be more aware of our behavior; but, with an understanding of our brain and how it is wired, we can access very precise information of the brain´s circuits that drive our behaviour. We can now better understand the road map of our behaviour. This dashboard keeps us aware, through specific signs such as how I, my team, and my peers are performing, and how I can improve myself as a leader and support the improvement of my team and colleagues in pursuit of more effective business activity.

PP: It has long been known that during periods of change and more specifically during job loss, it is normal to experience a “roller coaster of emotions.” How does the application of neuromanagement influence career transition?

CD: By sharing the latest research and information in brain studies, individuals can understand the challenges and influences that are affecting their mind-set, emotions, and attitude. Through a better understanding of their reactions to stress and change, they can learn techniques for effectively managing through times of uncertainty, which ultimately enables them to be more effective in their job search.

Those individuals who know Dr. Davidovich, or who have attended one of his many presentations around the world, can feel the passion he has for helping individuals and organizations thrive. To hear Dr. Davidovich explain the concepts of neuromanagement in greater detail or to learn more about the numerous solutions offered through Optimum Talent, please visit https://www.optimumtalent.com/neuro.

Interesting Statistic: According to a study done by Gartner Research Group, the implementation of neuroscience into the ways business is conducted and the way in which companies are run will expand its market share from one percent (in 2011) to 20 – 25 percent by the year 2025.

[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neuroscience

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuromanagement