Gut Feelings Are Data Too

One of the attributes of a great leader is the ability to make great decisions. Decisions require judgement and problem solving. These functions are generally attributed to the pre frontal cortex in the brain.

A neuroleader knows better! They understand the neurobiology behind decision making and realise that there are many parts being played, not only in the brain. They know to listen to their heart and gut because the feelings they both transmit can provide realtime data to aid the decision making process.

Dr. Dan Siegel explains: "We now know that the intestines, our gut, has a set of neural net processors that function like sophisticated computers. We have these parallel processors called PDP models that are in our intestines and also around our heart."

When a neuroleader listens to their gut, their decisions are not made on logic alone. They're using their gut to give them a holistic summation of which direction they should go and when.

Just as it is unwise to make all decisions on logic alone, the same is true of instantly responding to every gut feeling. The secret to a leader making the best possible decisions is to use the data from the body coupled with the judgement and problem solving attributes of the PFC.

In today's fast paced marketplace a leader is constantly being asked to make decisions. To make the best decisions we need to have leaders with effective functioning of the various components of the brain and body that result in a healthy decision making system.