While conducting interviews and doing the research I needed for writing my book on engagement at work, it became apparent to me that several crucial ingredients are needed to being fully engaged with what we do. 

One of the “big ones” is certainty. Knowing the vision of where the company/leaders are heading, clear goals and direction and what needs to be done seem to be very important to most people. 

The more unclear or ambiguous the directions, the more uncomfortable people seem to be. And this is not unusual if we understand how the brain likes to function. The brain is like a pattern prediction machine and without some degree of certainty, prediction becomes impossible.

There are not many situations in life where we can be in control (even though many people may feel otherwise) as there is always “the unexpected” factor that can emerge at any moment and affect all the work already done.

The more that people believe they are in control, the more readily they are able to gather information to predict what may happen and design contingency plans, the more satisfied the brain seems to be.

When there is certainty the brain releases dopamine which gives us a sense of reward and satisfaction. Uncertainty acts in the opposite way, activating parts of the limbic brain (amygdale and insula) and inhibiting the release of dopamine.

In summary, we do not feel very good when we do not know what is going to happen. Research shows that even when we know that something bad is going to happen, our brain does not react in such a dramatic way as when we do not know “anything at all”.

From the perspective of becoming an effective leader, it is essential to remind ourselves that, providing some information is better than providing no information. A few comments can ease the pain of change implementations, restructures and other corporate “fashionable” movements.

Change for the sake of change is always a cause of discomfort for those who are not in charge and have to accept what is proposed. At least, let’s do implement change, protecting the need that we all have for “some” facts and insights into what is going on.

Meetings “face to face” are better than a written email. People feel more acknowledged and satisfied if they can interact and see others’ expressions and ask questions pertinent to the change that is taking place.

Originally posted on: 11 May 2010
Last updated on: 24 March 2024
Silvia Damiano

Silvia Damiano

Founder & CEO
About my Brain Institute

Scientist, educator, author, speaker, coach, award-winning leadership specialist, filmmaker and creator of the i4 Neuroleader Model & Methodology.

Silvia's scientific background and curiosity about the human brain led her to a decade long journey of research into optimal brain functioning and the application of neuroscience in leadership and daily life. Her past and current roles have uniquely prepared her for the current undertaking, that of leadership activist & change agent.

Silvia Damiano founded The About my Brain Institute in 2009, with the purpose of democratising leadership & neuroscience. She has a passionately held belief, that leaders in our 21st century global economy and their organisations must radically change long-held ideas of what constitutes effective leadership

In her ground-breaking books ‘Leadership is Upside Down’, ‘Brain-Friendly Leadership’ and the 2018 documentary ‘Make Me A Leader’, Silvia provides both compelling evidence and explores the importance of leadership in our personal and professional lives and what it takes to develop the human behind the leader.

Silvia has worked in different countries, across many industries, helping teams and organisations improve business performance. Silvia’s clients have described her as a passionate, dynamic, a highly experienced speaker and master facilitator on the topics of Emotional Intelligence, Cultural Change, Neuroleadership & Engagement.

Silvia is passionate about leaving a legacy of well-rounded leaders who can act and decide in a way that better serves humanity. Her clients include Microsoft, Australian Stock Exchange, NSW Government, VISA, Fuji Xerox and Manpower amongst many other global companies.

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