This document summarizes a webinar presented by Dr. Jeffrey Schwartz and David Rock on the neuroscience of leadership. [1] Dr. Schwartz is a research psychiatrist who studies neuroplasticity, while David Rock is an author and consultant who helps organizations apply brain science. [2] The webinar discussed findings from neuroscience research on topics like attention, working memory, insight learning, and how these apply to leadership. [3] In particular, they explained how focusing attention can change the brain over time, and how reflection and insight can lead to new patterns of thought.

1. The neuroscience
of leadership
Webinar with Dr. Jeffrey Schwartz & David Rock
November 2006
© 2006 Jeffrey M Schwartz and David Rock

2. Dr Jeffrey Schwartz David Rock
Jeffrey is a research psychiatrist at the School David is an author, consultant, and
of Medicine at the University of California at lecturer. He created a global coaching
Los Angeles. Jeff’s work with OCD patients organization that has trained over 5,000
led to a study of how their brain was changing professionals. He now helps Fortune 100
through the effort of attention. He is now clients integrate brain discoveries into their
one of the world’s leading experts in the leadership development frameworks.
David is an adjunct lecturer at NYU SCPS
field of neuroplasticity.
and a guest lecturer at 5 other universities.
Jeff’s books include ‘The Mind and the Brain’
David met Jeff while doing research for his
and the bestseller ‘Brain Lock’.
new book ‘Quiet Leadership’. He lives
Jeff lives in Santa Monica Ca. between Sydney and New York.
© 2006 Jeffrey M Schwartz and David Rock

3. Neuroscience says…
Up close, our brains are
dramatically different

4. GENES ENVIRONMENT

6. Neuroscience says…
The brain hardwires
everything it can

7. Working memory
Versus
Hardwiring
Massive capacity, minimal effort needed

8. Working Memory is like a Stage
Used for: Challenges:
• Understanding • Limited capacity
• Decisions • Easily distracted
Working memory
• Remembering • Energy intensive

9. Attention is like a spotlight
Used for: Challenges:
• Understanding • Limited capacity
• Decisions • Easily distracted
Working memory
• Remembering • Energy intensive

10. Neuroscience says…
Attention changes the brain

11. Attention density
Quantum Zeno Effect (QZE)
High energy
Radioactive
Low energy
particle
© 2006 Jeffrey M Schwartz and David Rock

12. Quantum Zeno Effect (QZE)
The mental act of focusing attention
holds in place brain circuits
associated with what is focused on.
© 2006 Jeffrey M Schwartz and David Rock

13. Neuroscience says…
Insight is at the heart of learning

14. The four faces of insight
1. Awareness 2. Reflection
4. Action 3. Insight

15. The four faces of insight
2. Reflection
By EEG: Alpha band waves arise, signifying
external stimuli being shut out of the senses
to focus on internal processes.

16. The four faces of insight
3. Insight
By EEG: Sudden burst of gamma band activity,
associated with complex cognitive processing.
Represents a change in internal circuitry.

17. The four faces of insight
3. Insight
• Adrenaline-like substances are released
• Dopamine-like substances are released

18. In summary
The role of leadership is to
help others develop the
most useful hardwiring.
© 2006 Jeffrey M Schwartz and David Rock

19. In summary
The power is in the focus.
© 2006 Jeffrey M Schwartz and David Rock

20. Further resources
Books
Quiet Leadership - David Rock, Collins 2006
The Mind and the Brain - Jeffrey Schwartz & Sharon Begley, Regan Books 2003
Papers and articles
The neuroscience of leadership - Strategy & Business, May 06
A brain based approach to coaching - Rock & Schwartz, www.ijco.info, June 2006
The new science of change - CIO Magazine, September 06
Slides and recording
A recording of the event and slides will be posted within 48 hrs at:
http://www.strategy-business.com/webinars
Email and web
jmschwar@ucla.edu
davidrock@workplacecoaching.com www.workplacecoaching.com
1st Global Neuro-Leadership Summit: 14-16 May 2007, Asolo Italy. info@cimba.it