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Articles, Books & Publications | Contact Information“Primal Leadership,” “5 Theaters of the Mind” and Other Practical Tools They Didn’t Teach Us in Graduate School
“Great leaders move us. They ignite our passion and inspire the best in us .... No matter what leaders set out to do -- whether it’s creating strategy or mobilizing teams to action -- their success depends on how they do it” (Goleman, D., Boyatzis, R., and McKee, A., 2002). This session, based on the book by Goleman, Boyatzis, and McKee, will examine the concept of “primal leadership.” Participants will examine what “primal leadership” is and key abilities or capabilities effective leaders seem to possess. Research demonstrates that while I.Q. and technical skills are important, the most effective leaders are alike in one crucial way: they all have a high degree of emotional intelligence. This session will explain what these four critical domains of emotional intelligence are, and will provide practical examples of how they can be employed for greater productivity in the workplace.
One of the reasons that a leader’s manner matters so much lies in new research about the brain. Recent research documents the presence of five brain systems through which learners receive, process, interpret, integrate and apply information/new learnings. Information from these systems is processed throughout each hemisphere and across hemispheres. This occurs somewhat like what happens in a multi-cinema movie theater, where several movies play at the same time. The brain watches these movies and makes sense of them. The brain’s movie theaters never close, don’t serve popcorn, but do offer food for thought! Participants in this session will examine “5 Theaters of the Mind” (Given, 2002): the emotional, social, cognitive, physical, and reflective, and the critical role they play in leadership and learning.
Simulations, graphic organizers, video clips, windowpane lecturettes, cartoon lectures, reflective and cooperative tasks will be used in the session to convey these findings and simultaneously model them. At the end of the session participants will have a wide array of practical tools they can employ immediately to make a difference in the workplace. An extensive handout will be provided.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Discuss key attributes of effective leaders.
- Examine the concept of “primal leadership” and its implications for practice.
- Investigate why constituents look to leaders as “emotional guides.”
- Explore four domains of emotional intelligence.
- Analyze “5 Theaters of the Mind” and their influence in leadership actions and learning.
- Network with colleagues.
- Reflect upon personal next steps.