Neuroscience in the News!

Neuroscience continues to command a strong media presence, it feels like every time you switch on the radio, television or read a newspaper there is an article extolling new discoveries in brain research and the links to business.

For those of you who haven't seen them already, we highlight below two articles that may be of interest:

Broadcast on BBC News on 14 November Rory Cellan-Jones, the BBC's Technology Correspondent reported on research by Reading University into   'Can brain scans tell us who makes a good CEO?'  

Neuroscientists, psychologists and management experts at Reading University are collaborating on a study which aims to examine the brains of chief executives and leaders.

Dr Kevin Money of Henley Business School, part of Reading University, explains the aims: "We hope to look at how leaders from different sectors make decisions, what actually leads people to move from making good to bad decisions, what goes on in people's minds and how they make those choices."

Inside an MRI scanner, candidates are asked to make various judgements focused on business and financial acumen. Whilst pressing a keypad to record their decisions brain activity is being measured. The results of this and other scans will be aggregated to try to draw out some conclusions.  Whilst still in its infancy, the research supports the belief of neuroscientists and psychologists that they can make a real contribution to our understanding of what makes leaders tick.  

'Are Leaders Born or Made?'

A major study reported in The Evening Standard has lifted the lid on what businesses want from talented individuals.

In the past a good education, professional experience and self-confidence all contributed to the chemistry of what a good leader looked like. However the world is changing, the research found that businesses want natural leaders who possess the right personal characteristics. Overall the ability to inspire and motivate, emotional intelligence and dealing with people were the most important characteristics.

What employers are looking for in leaders:

* Ability to inspire and motivate 36%
* High levels of emotional intelligence 34%
* Ability to deal with people 34%
* Natural leadership 24%
* Trustworthiness 22%
* A natural communicator 22%
* Possessing vision 22%
* Drive and ambition 22%

According to the research, natural leaders are not always born. Many of the most desirable personal characteristics can be learned. One of the most powerful ways to develop is through a coaching programme and another is 360 degree feedback - ‘You need to put a mirror up to your behaviour because you may not be aware of the traps you are falling into. You also need to know what you become under pressure’.

The article concludes that ‘good leaders and managers are self aware, they understand that no matter how good they are, they can become better, and as the world and the environment changes so must they.’

We are pleased that Neuroscience continues to have such prominence in the media and are sure this will continue as research into the brain becomes more accessible.
If either of these articles has sparked an interest then please do contact us. We would be delighted to discuss how our coaching programmes, 360 degree feedback processes or indeed any of our PRISM tools can add real business value in today's changing world.

360 Degree Enhancements

Following on from the last issue of PRISM Brainwave, we are pleased to confirm the enhancements to the PRISM 360 degree Feedback Report. These enhancements have been designed with a high level of functionality so it can be used across any management structure. The depth and breadth of reporting information positions PRISM as the optimum 360 degree feedback process for the 21st Century.

Enhancements:

The PRISM 360° feedback facility now allows for a maximum of 24 observations on the candidate (excluding the boss), and these can be split into four categories which you name yourself.  You can use as many of these observations as you choose in each observer category.

In addition to the existing competency frameworks (Management/Non Management), we have now added an Enhanced Competency framework designed for leadership and management positions. This new framework comprises 20 competencies, with 5 sub items (behavioural indicators) under each competence.

PRISM Document Updates

PRISM Feedback Planner simplifies preparation and delivery of the PRISM feedback process.

PRISM Structure Chart highlights the structure of the brain in relation to PRISM dimensions.

PRISM Price List 2011

WINTER PRISM COURSE DATES

The next PRISM Practitioner Certification Courses are being held in:

Tunbridge Wells, Kent on 8th & 9th December 2010 and 17th & 18th February 2011

Abu Dhabi on 23rd ,24th and 25th November 2010

Hong Kong on 29th, 30th November and 1st December 2010.