Can brain scans tell us who makes a good chief executive?
Interesting article here on the BBC site about John Madjeski. He'll be having brain scans to try and determine if there is anything neurological that separates him from other people.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11730685
Neuroscientists, psychologists and management experts at Reading University are collaborating on a study which aims to examine the brains of chief executives and leaders in other field like the military or voluntary organisations.
Can brain scans tell us who makes a good chief executive?
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Sounds interesting. It will be conducted by Dr Kevin Money, a director at Henley Business School.
http://www.henley.reading.ac.uk/management/about/Staff/kevin-money.aspx
Should be good to hear the outcomes of this study.
Interesting piece here on management and the brain. Advances in neural imaging are giving management researchers a window on how bosses influence their employees' brain functions. Among the most important findings is that bosses' own neural patterns can "infect" those of their workers, so it's vital for leaders to project the emotions and beliefs they hope to inspire in their teams. "Being able to change your internal state might be one of the most powerful techniques you learn in becoming an effective leader -- one who inspires others to learn, adapt and perform at their best," writes Richard Boyatzis.
http://www.iveybusinessjournal.com/neuroscience-and-leadership-the-promi...
Crikey, what a heady subject. Back to nature v nuture again and, if proven, who's to say in a few years time we won't be doing MRI scans on kids and selecting for leadership traits?
I guess it's what one does with information that sets one apart but I have a strange feeling that a certain Mr Hitler might have been very interested in this study................
Can't imagine they'll find anything to be honest. There may be certain personality traits that are common amongst leaders, but you only have to look amongst some of the finest leaders of our age to see the diversity of approaches on offer.
Of course that's not to say this isn't interesting nonetheless but I think leadership is a bit more complicated than a simple brain scan.
Wonder if they've had any results from this yet?
Interestingly, a similar project is being conducted stateside.
"Neuroscience is the study of the wiring of the brain. Researchers at the W. P. Carey School, including management professor David Waldman, are using neuroscience to discover whether there is a neurological signature for effective leadership behavior. In the past, Waldman said, the study of leadership focused on background, skills and personality, but neuroscience promises to provide important new clues on what makes for an effective leader"
http://knowledge.wpcarey.asu.edu/article.cfm?articleid=2019