At the Lumin Group, we believe that Central Nervous System (CNS) awareness and regulation are foundational components of leadership effectiveness. The ability to understand the nervous system can help leaders be more effective in their ability to learn, retrieve information, and apply skills. Before we can be effective in applying what we know, we have to be able to access it. At the Lumin Group, we support leaders in establishing this vital connection through Centered Leadership™. To learn more about Centered Leadership™, read An introduction to Centered Leadership resource article.
We’ve all been through training to develop new skills, learn a new process, and try new behaviors. Yet, we often fail to access this information when it matters most – in an important client negotiation meeting, feedback conversation with a direct report, or other moments of pressure or high-stress situations. This failure to access our knowledge and skills can be attributed to various factors, but a key aspect lies in our understanding and management of the central nervous system (CNS).
The CNS, consisting of the brain and spinal cord, plays a pivotal role in processing information, regulating emotions, and coordinating bodily functions. In essence, it's the control panel that manages how we think, feel, and act in response to our environment. When under stress, the CNS can undergo physiological changes that impact cognitive functioning, decision-making abilities, and behavior.
Now, you might wonder how understanding and managing our CNS can impact leadership effectiveness. The answer lies in the interplay between our brain state and our body. Imagine a leader who is constantly stressed, overwhelmed, and reactive. Their CNS is likely in a state of dysregulation, leading to impulsive decision-making, strained relationships, and a lack of strategic foresight. Conversely, a leader who is attuned to their CNS cues can maintain composure under pressure, communicate effectively, and make decisions with clarity and intentionality. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for leaders looking to better understand and regulate their nervous system.
Leading with the brain in mind
One fundamental concept in nervous system awareness is the fight-flight-freeze response. When faced with a perceived threat, the sympathetic nervous system triggers a cascade of physiological changes, preparing the body to either confront the perceived danger or flee from it. This can manifest in the workplace in various forms. Here are some examples:
Important Presentations: Imagine stepping onto a stage in front of a sea of faces or presenting to senior leaders. Your palms get sweaty, your heart races, and your legs feel like jelly. It's as if your body is urging you to run for the hills, or at least find a quick exit (flight response).
Tight Deadlines or High Workloads: Picture this: your to-do list is a mile long, deadlines are looming, and the stress is palpable. You feel like you're drowning in tasks, and your brain is on overdrive, pumping out stress hormones faster than you can say "coffee break." It's a fight to stay focused and productive, or you're tempted to flee and just avoid all together. Perhaps you find procrastination creeping in (flight response).
Performance Reviews or Feedback Sessions: As your boss sits across from you, ready to deliver feedback, your stomach churns with nerves. You brace yourself for criticism, your defenses go up, and you're ready to jump in to defend yourself or your actions (fight response). Or maybe you feel like slipping out the door to avoid the discomfort altogether (flight response).
Organizational Changes or Restructuring: When rumors of layoffs or company shake-ups start swirling, it's like a storm cloud hanging over the office. Anxiety levels soar, and everyone's on edge, wondering if their job is on the chopping block. It's a fight to maintain a sense of stability and control, or you're tempted to flee looking at other possible opportunities.
While the fight-flight-freeze response is adaptive in certain situations, prolonged activation can hinder rational thinking and problem-solving skills. Moreover, chronic stress can lead to dysregulation, resulting in elevated levels of cortisol, the primary stress hormone. Excessive cortisol can impair memory retrieval, weaken immune function, and contribute to burnout. Recognizing the signs of stress and implementing strategies to mitigate its effects are essential for maintaining optimal CNS functioning.
Integrating nervous system awareness and regulation into leadership development initiatives is paramount for fostering resilience, adaptability, and cognitive agility among leaders. By understanding the intricate interplay between stress, cognition, and CNS functioning, leaders can navigate challenges with greater clarity, empathy, and effectiveness. Through Centered Leadership™, we empower leaders to harness the full potential of their nervous systems and lead with purpose in an ever-evolving world.