Ed Batista, Leadership Coach at Stanford's Graduate School of Business, posted today about the use of neuroscience in coaching, leadership and learning. His thoughtful post includes due concern about "neuro-hype" and the limitations of the science, topics on which I have posted before (posts here). Batista's discussion about limitations includes the link to a very good article from Haaretz.com titled "Of two minds". From the article:
[M]any scientists are taking issue with the rising dominance of brain sciences within the study of the human mind and human behavior. Psychologists, philosophers and even a large number of brain researchers maintain that many of the studies that are attracting public interest are scientifically untenable, rely on as-yet-unproven technologies, or simply show the obvious after appalling financial investments. Others argue that the studies are unethical and subject to commercial manipulation.
Nevertheless, the science does have some good information and need not be ignored. Batista says:
[W]e're clearly at a point where humanistic professionals--executive coaches, OD consultants, experiential educators--need to incorporate neuroscience into their practices.
I add mediators and lawyers to that list of professionals who "need to incorporate neuroscience into their practices." Why? For the many reasons I have blogged about here and about which I will continue to write.
About that possible tipping point: In the general public, the interest in neuroscience seems to be growing. These days, I frequently receive e-mails from people saying they are learning about the science and describe themselves with such adjectives as "fascinated" or immersed." Another example: our program at the Smithsonian enjoyed an unusually high registration. A time for excitement—and a time for even more caution and critical thought. What is your thinking? Is the interest growing?
Note: I added the image above from the new service picapp.com but I am not sure I did it correctly. What is that little person peeking over the edge? Do any of you know how to use the service? They have some terrific images and I would like to master its use. Thanks.
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