Neuroscience Hacks to Enhance Learning Agility in Leaders

• Published in: Consulting psychology journal 2022-09, Vol.74 (3), p.291-310
• Main Authors: Williams, Janette S., Nowack, Kenneth M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Goal Setting; Human; Learning; Learning Ability; Memory; Neurosciences; Organizations
• ISSN: 1065-9293; 1939-0149
• DOI: 10.1037/cpb0000231

To help organizations find and nurture leaders to be prepared for the complexity and multiplicity of challenges, Lombardo and Eichinger (2000) developed the framework characterized as learning agility. Their research, along with other colleagues (De Meuse, 2022; De Meuse et al., 2011) have typically identified five dimensions (observable behaviors) to learning agility: mental agility, people agility, change agility, results agility, and self-awareness. Although in the early stages of research, there is a promising body of evidence showing learning agility as a significant predictor of identifying potential leaders, leader performance, and leader success (Burke & Smith, 2019; De Meuse, 2019). This article summarizes the current conceptualization of learning agility, provides a neuroscience lens, and identifies associated key brain structures involved in enhancing learning agility. Specific evidence-based neuroscience hacks for practitioners are introduced to enhance each of those five more popularly cited dimensions of learning agility. What's It Mean? Implications for Consulting Psychology There is a growing body of evidence showing an association between learning agility and leaders' potential, performance, and success (Burke et al., 2016; Burke & Smith, 2019; Dai et al., 2013; De Meuse, 2019). Brain science provides some evidenced-based hacks and strategies for practitioners to enhance learning agility for leaders.