Metaphors and Neuroscience in Executive Coachingpar [ author ]
The authors are executive coaches based in Europe and North America and possess an engineering background. They wrote this article collaboratively, wishing to share their belief that leveraging metaphors and cutting edge neuroscience discoveries have the potential to derive infinite avenues for individuals, corporation and world betterment. - e.g. using a unifying force rather than a dividing one: Left Brain-Right Brain, Extravert/Introvert, In-group/Out-group, Think/Feel. The intention is to generate inspiring analogies and insights.
Roxanne Vézina, rvezina@optimumtalent.com et Hans-Joachim Spreng hjs@sprengcoaching.com
Neuroscience applied to management and leadership
Many of the structures of the brain can be modified by experience, even in adulthood. Neuroplasticity also called brain plasticity or malleability is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections in endless possibilities, like an ever-evolving worldwide web (www). This capability allows a coachee to adjust to new situations, such as a promotion - and rewire the brain by embarking on new and supporting habits. In a way, coaching is facilitating self-directed neuroplasticity.
Similar to a visionary harvester allowing a dormant seed to sprout into a magnificent tree, with water, sun and proper soil, the coach can leverage the Pygmalion Effect - phenomenon whereby the greater the expectation placed upon someone, the better the performance. One can ultimately shift how they lead.
A Medical Doctor becomes Division Head in Southern Europe
Samir is an outstanding, brilliant medical doctor from India. He studied in the U.S. and has recently been promoted to a higher leadership position in Europe, in a scientific environment with researchers for a major Pharma.
In short: He feels lonely and is underperforming.
No, it is not rejection from his co-workers.
Yes, some employees feel the difference in his communication style.
No, it is not a lack of openness on his part, for he got actively involved in his new community.
Yes, his ways collide with the hidden cultural mind set and informal power of this business unit.
No, it is not solely because of the introduction of innovative and advanced technology.
Yes, he questions the methods people used to work at this very traditional site.
No, it is not a lack of hierarchical support from the very top.
Yes, the Board members and the CEO trust him, but one key colleague expressed some doubts.
All these points affect him. His initial enthusiasm is dimmed but is not gone. He has become isolated, has lost his edge and does not know what to think and how to address this situation. He wonders if this could damage his career and destroy his reputation.
Metaphors’ impact
When the executive coach asked Samir: ‘Does the situation you are experiencing remind you of anything you have experienced in your life?’
After a long pause, Samir had an ‘Aha moment’ look on his face and said: ‘You know what?
‘This reminds me of a liver-transplant sadly being rejected… And for which a very special medication had to be given to one of my patients’.
Samir’s insight triggered the access to his existing knowledge and wisdom. Within three months he had adapted and modified his leadership style while creating a major turnaround within the organization.
When integration coaching protects a highly paid recruiting investment
Our thinking is guided by the questions we ask ourselves. Trained and certified executive coaches are masters in asking surgeon-like questions to artfully bring awareness & powerful insights. They help successful people make the next big leap forward by focussing on their inner strengths for more sustainable performance & greater results.
Indeed, the body’s immune system may unfortunately reject a healthy organ. Transplant rejection can be lessened by determining the compatibility between donor and recipient (cultural fit and political acumen) and by use of immune-suppressant drugs after transplant (integration coaching).
Yes, a system may become toxic and disrupt the career path of a competent and highly paid executive. The transplanted organ may heal the host body or be rejected. The subtle implications embedded in the graft metaphor were very powerful for the coachee, who started to see his situation with new lenses, connected with confidence and competence to thrive, using internal resources he had put aside.
Why metaphors work
We can create an image quickly, with almost no effort. It takes a fraction of a second and can be done even when we are distracted. Focus, as we know, takes an immense amount of energy. We are easily distracted and our working memory is easily overwhelmed. Our finite attention span is limited to 2000 signals per second, even if our body is exposed and registers a lot more. We just have 30,000 fibers for hearing, but this is surpassed by our visual ability, having about one million neural fibers. Visualization has been successfully used by Olympic athletes for many years now – when the American Psychological Association accepted sports psychology as a sub-discipline in 1986. It is easier to hold complex ideas when we have a picture in our mind. Our right brain allows this holistic understanding. Holding a rich mental map in your mind for a while enables rewiring in the brain. This lifelong sculpting capacity (neuroplasticity) gives birth to a creative 3D white-board space - with surround sound - for fresh perspectives and solutions.