As everyone hustles and bustles their way to work, home, or to complete errands, the people sitting in the shadows are often forgotten. The homeless, the hungry, the sick, the needy. They are always there, even if no one acknowledges them. In this modern era, it is time to stop letting people suffer and to help lift everyone to a life of hope, peace, and happiness. 

Do You Even See Them Anymore?

When you see someone stand with a sign on a street corner, do you read it? Do you automatically assume that the person is lazy and doesn’t want to work? Do you continue on your way, with your face on your phone? Most of us are probably guilty of doing these things, but it doesn’t mean you can’t change for the better NOW.

You may protest and say you barely get by yourself. The kids’ schooling is expensive, you had to get a new pair of boots—the excuses go on and on. Even if you are short on funds, you can donate something even more valuable. Your time and compassion are needed just as much as money. Perhaps it’s time to set aside the excuses and volunteer for a good cause.

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.

Winston S. Churchill

Why not make an effort to adopt small, positive changes in your life? You don’t have to make huge changes—the little ones will add up to great things. As a leader, part of your job (even if you don’t want to admit it) is to inspire others. You don’t have an army of emotionless, cold robots working for you. You have living, breathing, dreaming, creative and passionate human beings.

Awaken Your Own Inspiration First

Some people see inspiration everywhere, from a bent blade of grass to an abandoned shoe in the alley. Others need a little nudge to help them out. When you inspire others, you are breathing this vision and trust and passion into them. You are sharing a part of yourself, and by being an inspiration with your actions, others will see, and others will follow.

We now understand the role of neurotransmitters in the brain thanks to research in neuroscience. One such neuromodulator, oxytocin, is essential for social recognition and interactions. Scientists have recently shown that the processes involve many parts of the brain, including the hippocampus, which helps regulate emotions (Raam, 2017).

The i4 Model can teach you how to blend science and leadership. You can take advantage of the most cutting-edge research and change how you interact and inspire and lead others. You will improve collaboration when you understand how the brain works and why we think the way we do.

It’s Never Too Late. The Time Is Now!

We have now entered the Imagination Age. It’s a new beginning for all of us. The world and the living things in it deserve to have competent, compassionate leaders. You can become the kind of leader that inspires others and who collaborates effortlessly with people from around the globe. The question is, are you ready to lead by example and guide us into the future?

Citation:
Raam, T., McAvoy, K. M., Besnard, A., Veenema, A.,; Sahay, A. (2017). Hippocampal oxytocin receptors are necessary for discrimination of social stimuli. Nat Commun, 8, 2001. doi: 10.1038/s41467-017-02173-0.

Originally posted on: 10 April 2018
Last updated on: 16 April 2024

You May Also Like

These Stories on Collaboration

Silvia Damiano

Silvia Damiano

Founder & CEO
About my Brain Institute

Scientist, educator, author, speaker, coach, award-winning leadership specialist, filmmaker and creator of the i4 Neuroleader Model & Methodology.

Silvia's scientific background and curiosity about the human brain led her to a decade long journey of research into optimal brain functioning and the application of neuroscience in leadership and daily life. Her past and current roles have uniquely prepared her for the current undertaking, that of leadership activist & change agent.

Silvia Damiano founded The About my Brain Institute in 2009, with the purpose of democratising leadership & neuroscience. She has a passionately held belief, that leaders in our 21st century global economy and their organisations must radically change long-held ideas of what constitutes effective leadership

In her ground-breaking books ‘Leadership is Upside Down’, ‘Brain-Friendly Leadership’ and the 2018 documentary ‘Make Me A Leader’, Silvia provides both compelling evidence and explores the importance of leadership in our personal and professional lives and what it takes to develop the human behind the leader.

Silvia has worked in different countries, across many industries, helping teams and organisations improve business performance. Silvia’s clients have described her as a passionate, dynamic, a highly experienced speaker and master facilitator on the topics of Emotional Intelligence, Cultural Change, Neuroleadership & Engagement.

Silvia is passionate about leaving a legacy of well-rounded leaders who can act and decide in a way that better serves humanity. Her clients include Microsoft, Australian Stock Exchange, NSW Government, VISA, Fuji Xerox and Manpower amongst many other global companies.

No Comments Yet

Let us know what you think