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Key Points:
Embodied Learning: Integrate physical and mental challenges for effective leadership training.
Challenge Stressors (Eustress): Promote growth and learning.
Hindrance Stressors (Distress): Obstruct personal development.
Psychological Capital: Build self-efficacy, optimism, hope, and resilience.
Coherent Culture: Leverage neuroplasticity and resilience training for a dynamic workplace.
Leadership training programs from business schools and companies are often criticized for not effectively improving leader performance. To address this, the experiential learning approach, which involves hands-on learning by doing, has gained popularity. However, the impact of including physical activity in learning is starting to be better understood in recent research.
The Shift to Embodied Cognition
Recent trends in cognitive psychology emphasize the importance of engaging both the body and mind during learning. This shift, known as embodied cognition, suggests that our physical experiences play a crucial role in shaping our cognitive processes. Research shows that physical activity can have positive effects on organizational and employee outcomes, such as energy recovery and healthcare cost savings.
Traditional Learning vs. Embodied Learning
Traditional learning focuses mainly on abstract thinking, often overlooking the role of the body. This approach views the mind as an information processor that operates separately from the body. While traditional cognitive practices can be useful, they have limitations when used exclusively.
Benefits of Embodied Learning
Embodied learning involves the integration of the sensory-motor system, where both physical and mental activities contribute to knowledge construction. Programs that combine mental and physical challenges have been linked to personal growth, resilience, and self-esteem. For example, activities like mountain biking and sailing can enhance resilience and self-esteem.
Stress and Learning
Learning can be stressful, especially when it involves complex skills, high stakes, or time pressure. However, not all stress is bad. Stress can be categorized into two types:
Challenge Stressors (Eustress): These promote learning and development. They are beneficial and push individuals to grow, like meeting deadlines or taking on new responsibilities.
Hindrance Stressors (Distress): These obstruct personal growth and goal attainment. They are detrimental and include factors like organizational politics or role ambiguity.
Embodied learning is likely to increase perceptions of challenge stressors, leading to personal growth and increased adaptability.
Impact of Embodied Learning on Leadership
Studies show that embodied learning enhances psychological capital, which includes self-efficacy, optimism, hope, and resilience. Leaders with high psychological capital report greater well-being, perform better at work, and are viewed as more effective by their subordinates. Embodied learning can also improve leaders' adaptability in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world.
Conclusion
Embodied learning, which integrates both physical and mental challenges, is more effective than traditional disembodied learning in developing leaders. It increases psychological capital and adaptability, helping leaders navigate today's dynamic business environment. Incorporating embodied learning into leadership training can lead to more resilient and effective leaders.
Foster a Coherent Culture
At Coherent Culture, we believe in leveraging the power of neuroplasticity to enhance workplace resilience and productivity. By incorporating embodied learning into your training programs, you can transform your organization's leadership landscape.
Promote resilience training to balance eustress and distress, ensuring your team views challenges as opportunities for growth. Create a supportive environment where leaders can thrive, adapting to the VUCA world with confidence and positivity.
Ready to make a change? Join our workshops and programs to cultivate a culture that values continuous learning and personal growth.
Contact us today to learn more about our programs and start your journey towards a more resilient and adaptive leadership team.
References:
Examining the indirect effects of embodied learning on adaptability: The mediating roles of challenge stressors and psychological capital. Personnel Psychology, Wiley Online Library. Retrieved from:
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