The left brain is the logical, analytical, rational and sequentially thinking side of the brain. The working world has been controlled by left brained managers since the Industrial Age began and most organisations are dominated by left brained professionals such as accountants, lawyers, engineers, economist, scientists and business people.
But every company is in the people business! You hire people, sell or provide services to people and partner with people, but most employees are managed by left brained people.
Managers obsessed with logic who are left brained thinkers are dismissive of feelings and say that emotions do not belong in the workplace. They do not believe that engagement, passion, autonomy and purpose belong in the workplace.
They do not believe that passion and engagement have anything to do with organisational performance, or that people can be passionate about their work.
How many times have you heard the phrase “they just need to do their job” or “that’s what they get paid for, why do I need to recognise them as well?”
This is a guaranteed engagement killer.
Managers need to understand that emotional intelligence and right brained thinking are critical skills for becoming successful leaders with high brand values in the emerging global economy.
If this sounds all too familiar you need to address the situation now before you lose your best people to your competitors.
Tony Delaney, CEO, Brownie Points Software
