In this session Madeleine will share some key insights from the latest neuroscience research that shed light on why people behave the way they do under certain conditions, and what leaders can do differently in light of this knowledge. 

1. The brain is a prediction machine designed to keep us alive – not to make us reasonable.   

1. The pre-frontal cortex, which is in charge of self-regulation and rational thought gets worn out very quickly and battles for control with the limbic system. The limbic system cannot distinguish between the past and present, will interpret almost everything as a threat and when under stress it will take over every time.  

1. Our brains are wired to connect.  When people feel excluded, the limbic system interprets this as certain death. 

1. Expectations have more power than anyone realizes, which is why managing people’s expectations is a key leadership skill. 

1. Self-care is seen as a “nice to have” but in today’s workplace which demands intense cognitive thinking, and creativity, it is more vital than ever. 

Reflection points: 

• Remember a time when you were thrown into “fight or flight” mode.  The modern workplace version of that can also show up as “freeze or appease” – so it might have been a moment when you agreed or went along with something you knew was a mistake, or simply said nothing when you wish you had. What was going on for you at that time? 

• Think about the last time that you “lost control”; e.g.: said something you regretted, were not able to solve a problem that seemed simple in retrospect; indulged in behaviors that you know did not serve you. What led to that moment?  

• When was the last time you expected one thing, and something else – not nearly as good or indeed, much worse – than what you anticipated happened?  Do you remember how that felt? How did you react? 

• What is one thing you know you could do to take better care of your brain? What keeps you from doing it?