Leadership and the Neuroscience of Motivation

Judith E. Glaser's June 21st, 2016 blog in the Huffington Post  on the neurochemistry of motivation is worth a read:

"Once a person has been triggered by fear - let’s say from an angry boss, a yelling, or merely a passive-aggressive or blaming boss who is embarrassing that person in front of colleagues - a cascade of neurochemicals starts in the lower brain - and literally spews out into the rest of the brain - like someone was spray painting their brain! This cortisol bath sends messages to the other parts of the brain - there are actually 5 brains working in concert - and tells them to move into hyper-gear to protect the person from harm....Inspired leaders would be further inspired if they understand the neurochemistry of motivation - how praise and support can unlock the neurochemical patterns that also cascade chemistry throughout the brain. This powerful and almost drug-like dopamine state that comes with appropriate, honest and well-deserved (sincere) praise will set into place a pattern of intrinsic motivation that will open up new pathways for the employee to access new skills and talents..."

Read more here:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/judith-e-glaser/neurochemistry-of-motivat_b_10590480.html



Teachers' affects that lead to emotionally healthy classrooms

Teachers are most often evaluated and prepared in measurable and quantifiable skills despite the fact that teachers' dispositions are a vital component of effective teaching. Rick Wormeli's article in the ASCD lists 7 habits of highly affective teachers. Note the emphasis on affective teachers and not effective teachers. Wormeli makes the case that positive affects in a teacher are important for any classroom to be emotionally healthy. In his article he lists 8 habits (adding one bonus habit to his list of seven):


Find joy in others' success

Cultivate perspective and reframe

Ditch the easy caricature

Explore the ethics of teaching

Embrace humility

Value intellect

Maintain passion and playfulness

Self-renew


Emotionally Healthy Kids, October 2015, 73 (2), pp. 10-15

The full article can be found at the link below:

http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/oct15/vol73/num02/The-Seven-Habits-of-Highly-Affective-Teachers.aspx