Leaders are leading in unprecedented circumstances as the world of work is more complex than ever before. Leadership success can seem elusive. Simple, easy to follow and clear, this book takes complex and validated thinking and research from psychotherapies, psychology and neuroscience, to create simple approaches that have been proven to work in helping leaders address the challenges and tensions experienced day to day.
Organizational leaders are supporting their teams, driving performance and change, they are passionately committed to their organization’s cause and yet are often overwhelmed by what comes at them on a daily basis. This book explains how your brain works and needs to work in order to lead effectively. For example, it introduces the brain states of ‘threat’ and ‘reward’, what causes these at work, and the likely and needed leadership behaviours to avoid ‘threat’ states. It presents the ‘Egostates’, a model that allows us to understand and apply the mechanics of effective communication to leading, preventing conflict and misunderstanding and so increase commitment and motivation. Tools and techniques are provided to influence and manage through change, increasing engagement and decreasing resistance.
This book is for leaders and aspiring leaders and those interested in the neuroscience of leadership. It is also for leadership development coaches, as it contains practical frameworks to use with clients answering the most asked leadership development questions.
Introduction: About the book, How to use this book, Section 1: The Three Base Models, Chapter 1. Model 1: The Neurobiology of Leadership, Chapter 2. Model 2: The Mechanics of Communication – The ‘Egostates’, Chapter 3. Model 3: The Psychology of How Humans Adapt to Change – The Transition Tasks, Section 2: Applying the Neurobiology, Chapter 4: How do I keep my brain working at work? The neurobiology of resilience. Avoiding burnout in today’s workplace, Chapter 5: How do get the best from someone? Understanding individual neurobiology. Avoiding Threat and Building Rewards – the 7 Types, Chapter 6: How do I manage in limited time? The tired brain - the enemy of effective leadership, Chapter 7: How do I engage and motivate a set of diverse people with different views? The neurobiology of inclusion and psychological safety, Section 3: Communication – using the Egostates, Chapter 8: What’s going wrong in this [workplace] relationship? Using the Egostates to understand relationship dynamics, Chapter 9: We disagree: how do I handle that? How to have conversations that have impact, that don’t lead to conflict and disengagement., Chapter 10 How do I get the best out of my colleagues? Simple acts that create reward: using the Egostates and introducing the ‘Strokes’, Section 4: Using the Transition Tasks, Chapter 11: I’m about to create change, how do I do that and still take people with me? How to harness the positivity of a Transition; setting and maintaining the environment for change., Chapter 12: How do I influence when someone is resistant and defensive? The psychology of influencing, Section 5: Using all three models in combination, Chapter 13: How do I give challenging feedback so its heard and acted upon? The art of feedback - “the most threat inducing act of leadership”, Chapter 14: How do I instil ownership? What to do when someone is not performing as you need them to., Chapter 15 How can I be heard? The Psychology of ‘Voice’, Chapter 16 How do I lead a whole team effectively? Contemporary Team Psychology, Section 6: 21st Century Leadership, Chapter 17 Can anyone lead? If I change my behaviours do I change myself? Effective 21st century leadership
Biography
Kate Pearlman-Shaw specialises in helping leaders to change their behaviours. She worked for 18 years as a UK Clinical Psychologist and leader, then for the last 17 years as a leadership development coach and facilitator internationally for private and public sector organisations. She is a double Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society, both as a Coaching Psychologist and a Clinical Psychologist.
"Kate's ability to distil complex psychological principles into practical, actionable strategies is one of the most impactful aspects of her approach. Her focus on neurobiology, communication through 'Egostates,' and understanding human adaptation to change has provided me over the years with a robust foundation for tackling leadership challenges. These methods have not only enhanced my own leadership effectiveness but also empowered my teams to thrive in dynamic and often fast paced environments. One of the standout aspects of Kate's work is her emphasis on psychological methods that are evidence-based and simple to apply. Her teachings explain the complexities of human behaviour, enabling leaders to gain deep understanding, drive performance, and maintain resilience. I have personally experienced the transformative impact of these tools, allowing me to navigate high-pressure situations with composure and inspire others to perform at their best. Kate's emphasis on adaptability and emotional intelligence has been instrumental in my ability to lead through significant change. Her models have given me the confidence to not only manage transitions effectively but also support my team members as they navigate uncertainty. This has resulted in stronger relationships, increased engagement, and higher levels of collaboration across the board. Beyond her methodologies, Kate's passion for empowering leaders shines through. Her ability to connect on a human level and provide practical guidance has left a lasting impression on me. The principles outlined in her book serve as an essential guide for anyone looking to elevate their leadership capabilities." Mike Grimes, Customer & Planning Director, Manchester Airport Group
"This book is a must have manual for the bookshelf of any leader. The models and advice within are simple to understand – but highly effective and useful in any workplace. I have been following Kate’s wisdom and counsel on leadership for a long time. You won’t find better than what is within the pages of this book." Nina Williams, Global Director of People and Culture
"A must-have resource for aspiring and established leaders. This book seamlessly blends psychological insights with evidence-based strategies to inspire authentic and effective leadership. Packed with practical and actionable advice, it’s a powerful tool for leadership growth and success." Niki McKenna, Headteacher, Luminate Education Group
"Like spending time with a great coach, this book unpacks leadership through cutting-edge neuroscience and psychology. With practical reflections, insights on resilience, navigating change, and even how to handle your most challenging colleague, it’s essential reading for today’s people leaders." Gill Green, Chartered Coaching and Clinical Psychologist
"Kate’s clear and concise overview of the three base models, especially the Egostates, combined with examples that resonate with leaders allows a full understanding of the impact of this theory in teams and organisations. Use of the change curve to position the organisational context is genius." Duncan Pearse, CEO, Northpoint
"A must read for all new and experienced Leaders. Kate clearly explains ‘the why’ we can feel so overwhelmed by day-to-day leadership challenges whilst giving practical, clearly articulated and easily implemented solutions. I can’t recommend enough if you want to bring together a high performing and cohesive team." Deborah Saffer, Director of Information Security
"As a leader in the charity sector I have applied the tools explained so accessibly and pragmatically in this book to better understand how to work as a senior team to become more than the sum of our parts." Sanj Srikanthan, CEO, ShelterBox
"Kate masterfully blends complex neuroscience with practical leadership insights, making this book immediately captivating. Visual models and self-reflection exercises guide readers through engaging chapters. Insightful references inspire further exploration, while the inclusion of transactional analysis and other frameworks empowers readers to navigate relationships and drive meaningful change." Tina Welch, HR Director, GatenbySanderson
"If you’re looking to take your leadership skills to the next level, look no further. Based on core psychological principles applied to different everyday leadership scenarios, you will learn how to speak in a way that ensures people listen to what you have to say. This book is the perfect companion for every leader who ever had responsibility for change management and at some point was faced with strong emotions or difficult behaviours from those they were leading. In other words, every leader will find this book useful!" Dr Sarah Brooks, Lecturer in Organisational Behaviour and ICF accredited coach, University of Sheffield
"Effective leadership is more important in the complex and fast-paced world of today, than ever before and the need for accessible and tried-and-tested approaches to enhancing leadership has never been greater. This terrific book is packed with useful information, insights, approaches and tips derived from the author’s extensive experience, knowledge and expertise. Regardless of whether you are a leader, an aspiring leader or are involved in developing the leadership skills of others, this gem of a book will give you a clear, comprehensive and highly accessible guide that will enhance your knowledge, confidence and skill. It is definitely one to add to your library." Professor Sarah Corrie, University of Suffolk, Ipswich. Founder and Director of Inspiring Transformation Ltd
