An orchestra perfectly in tune led by a competent conductor can create balanced, beautiful music. When our bodies are in tune, with a healthy brain at the helm, we also achieve balance. However, when our brain health is not optimised, our balance is thrown off and our minds and bodies are no longer in tune, resulting in behaviours and emotions that can negatively impact performance and lead to bad choices and decisions.
In the book
When our systems are not properly integrated, we perform like an orchestra out of tune, and poor performance impacts our relationships with others, how we make decisions, and how we overcome obstacles in work and life.
Brain integration is critically important in terms of leadership effectiveness and general health and wellbeing. To prepare the workforce of the future, we must improve how our brains function and incorporate the tools of science into the methods we currently use to developing leaders.
When we think of great leaders, what characteristics do these individuals possess? According to recent research, world-class leaders have higher levels of brain integration that positively correlate with higher emotional stability, greater awareness, and undivided focus.2
Neuroscience is helping us to understand how the chemistry in the brain is altered by factors such as lack of sleep, a poor diet, alcohol, and stress. Stress in itself is a killer of high performing teams, and this altered brain chemistry can have an impact on how we behave, at work, at home, socially, everywhere. Fortunately, in most cases, brain function can be improved.
The thing you realise when you get into studying neuroscience, even a little bit, is that everything is connected to everything else. So it’s as if the brain is trying to use everything at its disposal--what it is seeing, what it is hearing, what is the temperature, past experience.
Paul Allen, Co-founder of Microsoft
Our brains exhibit neuroplasticity, which means that the structure and function of brain cells can change in response to external and internal stimuli. The practical implication is that while our brains can be damaged by things we do or experience, we have the capacity to correct this damage and improve performance, well-being, resilience and how we interact with others.3
Some ways to increase brain integration include:
Once we realise the importance and potential benefits of improving our minds and bodies, we can achieve balance and live a life in tune with our potential.
The future of leadership requires people who are knowledgeable, but also mindful, ready to collaborate, and open to new, or even radical ideas. Integrating your brain and body results in increased performance, and higher levels of productivity, harmonious environments, and better decision making.6