Ann Betz - The Neuroscience of Leadership

Recently I had the opportunity to connect with Ann Betz, a neuroscience and leadership expert. During our discussion, we explored strategies to better navigate stress, tension, and uncertainty in our daily work environments. From our conversation, I gathered several neuroscience-based techniques (or "hacks," as she calls them) that can help us manage these challenges—both for ourselves and when supporting others.

1) Acknowledge and Express Your Emotions

Suppressing emotions doesn’t make them disappear; instead, they often resurface in unhelpful ways. Simply sharing what you're experiencing can help calm your nervous system.
Hack #1: Reach out to your inner circle and express what you're feeling instead of bottling it up.

2) Take Control by Changing Your Environment

While we can’t always control every aspect of our work or personal life, we do have influence over our immediate surroundings. If stress builds up, try altering your routine—take a different route to work, visit a new café, or create a change in your workspace. Small adjustments can provide a sense of control and refresh your mindset.
Hack #2: Modify your environment or routine to regain a sense of stability.

3) Ask More Questions

Engaging in thoughtful questioning helps activate the logical part of the brain, reducing emotional overwhelm. Leaders who ask more questions can help themselves and others remain calm and approach situations with a clearer mindset.
Hack #3: Use thoughtful questions to shift focus from emotional reactions to problem-solving.

4) Shift Your Perspective

Challenging yourself and others to view situations through a different lens can be a powerful way to navigate stress. Ask yourself, “How can I see this differently?” or “What’s the bigger picture?” Similarly, encourage others to consider new viewpoints by asking questions like, “How might the customer perceive this?” or “What’s another way to approach this problem?”
Hack #4: Reframe challenges by looking at them from different perspectives.

5) Practice Mindfulness

Research shows that mindfulness helps anchor us in the present moment and calms the nervous system. This doesn’t require a formal meditation practice—it can be as simple as sitting still, walking outside, or taking slow, intentional breaths.
Hack #5: Take a deep breath in, then exhale slowly to reset and refocus.

By incorporating these simple yet effective strategies, we can better manage stress, support those around us, and create a more balanced approach to challenges in the workplace.

References: 

Website: https://www.beaboveleadership.com/

Ann’s book: Integration: The Power of Being Co-Active in Work and Life

Ann’s book on ICF Competencies

Amanda Blake's book is Your Body is Your Brain