The Swing of Things
Our brains transition between states of resonance and dissonance, and understanding these shifts is crucial for leading organisations, particularly during times of change.
The Resonance State is where the brain experiences harmony and synchronisation and is closely linked to the release of oxytocin – often referred to as the “love hormone”. Oxytocin is associated with feelings of trust, bonding, and social connection. In an organisational context, resonance occurs when team members feel aligned, understood, and supported.
Key characteristics of resonance include:
High levels of oxytocin
Feelings of trust and safety
Enhanced social connections
Improved collaboration and communication
This in turn leads to increased motivation and morale, enhanced creativity, and a greater willingness to share ideas and take risks.
Conversely, the Dissonance State is almost the anti “love hormone”, where a lack of synchronisation leads to stress and conflict. This state triggers the release of adrenaline, which prepares the body to respond to perceived threats. Dissonance in the workplace can arise from uncertainty and constant change without clear direction.
Dissonance can look like:
High levels of adrenaline
Feelings of stress and anxiety
Decreased social cohesion
Increased conflict and resistance
In the workplace, this can have a detrimental effect. Think lowered morale, increased turnover, and an enlarged risk of burnout…no one wants that.
People work best when they operate in equal measures of resonance and dissonance, known as the neuro swing. To balance the neuro swing, we must manage the natural oscillation between states of comfort and challenge, of predictability and innovation.
I call this balancing sameness and creativity. We need both to operate effectively, receiving both stability and routine with adaptation and progress. With too much sameness, we can become stagnant and resistant to change, and with too much creativity, we can become confused and feel unstable in our roles.
When the swing is off balance, our teams can become either stuck (“nothing is new or challenging me, I’m not developing”) or defensive (“I can’t relax or form a routine, I’m disengaged”).
How Can We Manage the Swing?
Much like a swing in a playground, you need to pay regular attention to the momentum of the neuro swing and act accordingly. If you act too late, you’ve lost the equilibrium of the swing, and have let it remain in one state for too long.
So, how do we do this?
Recognise the Signs
Monitor the stress levels in your team, communication patterns, and overall team dynamics.
Promote Psychological Safety
Encourage an environment where team members feel safe to express ideas and concerns, reducing fears and fostering resonance.
Open Communication, and Keep it Open
Make sure you’re keeping your communication clear, transparent, and consistent to reduce uncertainty.
Encourage Balance
Implement strategies that balance routine with innovation. This can include structured brainstorming sessions, or regular feedback loops.
Provide Support
Offer resources and support systems to help team members navigate periods of change, such as training, counselling, or stress management programmes.
Comments