The Neuroleadership of Jesus
“That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, ‘Let us go over to the other side.’ Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?’ He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, ‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?’”
From calming the storm, to feeding the five thousand and turning water into wine, Jesus led his disciples in the most pure form of leadership. Of all leaders that have ever lived, Jesus stands as a shining example of a non-anxious presence. How did he do it? Of course, there is the most basic answer: because he is God. But how did he do it as a human? Annabel Beerel might instead ask, what was the neuroscience behind his leadership?
In Rethinking Leadership: A Critique of Contemporary Theories, Annabel Beerel analyzes and challenges conventional leadership, arguing that the models are outdated and unable to adapt to today’s complexities. [1] One particular area of research that caught my attention is her explanation, analysis, and critique of neuroleadership.
Beerel introduces basic neuroscience, which she titles Neuroscience 100001. [2] The brain is a small organ with three main parts:
- Reptillian Brain – this part of the brain is the most primitive part of our brain that holds our survival instincts like fight, flight, or freeze responses.
- Limbic Brain – this part of the brain handles emotions and memory.
- Prefrontal cortex – this part of the brain is the most advanced and is responsible for critical thinking, problem solving, reasoning, executive functioning, language, and creativity.
You can also divide the brain into the right and left hemispheres. The right side is more geared towards creativity, bigger picture, and empathy, while the left side is more logical and handles structured thinking.
Prefrontal cortex thinking biologically uses increased amounts of glucose and is a very limited resource. Dr. David Rock explains that if our prefrontal cortex is likened to the capacity of a cubic foot, then the rest of our brain power is more like the milky way galaxy.[3]
The problem with the prefrontal cortex part of our brain is that not only is it a limited resource, but it also has an overly sensitive emergency kill switch. Our brains are predisposed to have heightened awareness of threats and create drama. Our brain “…focuses on what is wrong or could go wrong, what might happen, how we messed up, who did not treat us well, who let us down, and how we will deal with the challenges of tomorrow. The emphasis is mostly on regret and concern about the past and anxiety, anticipation, and how to control the future.” [4] In a state of anxiety, our prefrontal cortex is impaired and we lean towards survival mode.
Making the connection back to leadership, “Daniel Goleman, in his 2002 book Primal Leadership (2002), argues that the fundamental task of leaders is to prime good feeling in those they lead.” [5] When leaders can be a non-anxious presence, they free up the best in people and allow them to make their best contribution. Jesus himself was a non-anxious presence that allowed the disciples to work through their fears, anxieties, and bring their best selves to his kingdom.
So what was the neuroscience behind Jesus’ non-anxious presence? Here is a list of basic observations:
- He exercised (he often walked on foot)
- He would medidate, often going to a solitary place
- He likely recited the Shema multiple times a day
- He had a passive attitude when appropriate as we see in Luke 22:42, “Not my will, but yours be done” (NIV)
What else do you notice about Jesus’ leadership from a neuroscience perspective? Do you agree with Daniel Goleman on the most fundamental task of a leader? Do you enjoy or struggle with this side of leadership?
References
[1] Beerel, Annabel C. Rethinking Leadership: A Critique of Contemporary Theories. 1 Edition. New York: Routledge, 2021.
[2] Ibid, 256.
[3] Rock, David. “Your Brain at Work.” November 12, 2009. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeJSXfXep4M.
[4] Beerel, 262.
[5] Beerel, 267.
About the Author
Christy
16 responses to “The Neuroleadership of Jesus”
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Hi Christy, I enjoyed reading your post.
In leading in a high-stress work environment if your team frequently faces tight deadlines and high stakes, based on the neuroscience concepts discussed in the passage, how would you apply the principles of maintaining a non-anxious presence to help your team function at their best?
Hi Sheila,
In a Christian contexts, I like to add in prayer and Scripture meditation for teams. A bonus for ministry and non-ministry contexts alike is to have a little fun along the way. I always appreciate those who can bring light to a situation without compromising the outcomes that are necessary.
Christy,
Nice focus on Neuroleadership. I think another aspect that influenced Jesus’ ability to lead was how secure he was in his identity. Even when confronted on his identity he typically reframed the question. When John’s disciples ask if he was the Messiah, Jesus told them to go back and tell John what they saw (lame walk, blind see, dead raised to life, etc.) and allow him/them to come to their own conclusion.
I was recently in a meeting where someone told the leader that they did not believe what he had just said. The leader changed the focus of what he was saying to his identity, so you are calling me a liar. The person responded saying, no I am not calling you a liar, I just don’t believe what you said. The person was not attacking the leader’s character, they were expressing doubt in what the leader said wanting more tangible evidence. This exchange went back and forth two or three times before the leader refocused on the subject matter he had previously been discussing.
This is something I myself have been reflecting on and asking if I am secure enough in my identity that I can overlook statements that I may feel question my character. What about you? How secure are you in your identity?
Hi Jeff, great questions. It’s easy to believe I’m secure in my identity until someone challenges my integrity or character. I once had a woman make a terrible (and entirely untrue) accusation against me. This woman had a host of mental health issues, so I knew that it wasn’t me, but it still hurt. It was an assault on my identity and character, but I had to let it go, knowing that she didn’t have the power of that part of me.
I pray we can all grow in our identity in Christ to withstand the schemes of the enemy!
Hi Christy, I too appreciate your post focus on neuroscience. I have not studied David Goleman so my response to your question might be limited. However, on the surface I would question the premise that the goal of the leader is to prime good feeling in those they lead. If determination, work ethic, competence and then recognition of those lead to good feeling then, yes. If it is just to make someone feel good in hopes they will work harder or better, then I would say be careful. As an example, years ago I did a performance review of an employee. It was actually pretty glowing in most areas but there was an area of growth that I recommended. The only thing the person could focus on was the area of growth, which we had talked about previously but it still remain. This wasn’t a deal breaker thing but important enough to be sure it was worked on consistently with accountability. The employee was so angry about that part of the eval. On further discussion, the person never had any feedback given to suggest anything about the work was not A+++. The person went through high school and college believing he/she person embodied perfection. When faced with a minor recommendation, it bred contempt. Hence my concern that just making people feel good doesn’t really help them.
Hi Diane, great counterargument.
I don’t think the author intends for us to stop giving tough but necessary feedback. But I think they were making the point that when people are regulated, they can bring their best selves and contribution. In your case, the author might have asked if there was any way you could have primed the person to receive the constructive feedback.
Thanks for this great post Christy. Analyzing the Neuro-Leadership of Jesus is a great thought exercise. This type of leadership, and the power of a non-anxious presence is very interesting to me as well. I think Jesus also uses the power of story and metaphor as a way to lead from a neuro-leadership perspective. Rather than sticking to abstract truths, the stories he told were relatable and applicable to the people he was around.
Hi, Christy, thank you for your post. You have shared the neuroscience side of leadership, what would be an example of ‘non-anxious’ presence?
Christy, I liked how you pulled in the neuroscience of Jesus’ ministry. What part of his leadership style do you relate to the most? Where do you want to improve your own skills from His example?
Hi Kari – Jesus was able to remain calm despite difficult circumstances. I don’t think we ever see Jesus in a state of fear over the unknown. I’d love to grow in this area!
Hi Christy. You wrote, “Daniel Goleman, in his 2002 book Primal Leadership (2002), argues that the fundamental task of leaders is to prime good feeling in those they lead.” [5]
Being a non-anxious presence in the midst of chaos is certainly a helpful thing. What other ways have you found helpful to prime positivity when you’re leading the team or as a member of the team?
Hi Graham – I often tell my team that I appreciate them because I honestly do. I have so much appreciation for the people that I work with, so I want them to know how I feel about them. People usually appreciate being appreciated and this primes both of us to bring our best work forward.
Christy. I appreciate how you gave us a Christocentric approach to neuroleadership. Jesus is always the example. What are some other ways that come to mind in developing a non-anxious presence to help leaders navigate seasons of stress and uncertainty?
Hi Christy – Just curious what is it about neuroleadership that sparks your interest? I appreciate your connection to non-anxious Jesus’ non-anxious presence.
Hi Jennifer, I’m always intrigued by psychology books and neuroscience. I just find it fascinating. So often, the reptilian brain can get in the way of our goals – but understanding how it works can provide insights into strategies that can overcome the parts that are counter-productive to our goals.
Christy, I really enjoyed your approach and the introduction to Daniel Goleman’s work. Your article raises a couple of questions for me. First, if neuroscience suggests that heightened anxiety impairs decision-making and leadership effectiveness, how can modern leaders cultivate a “non-anxious presence” in high-pressure environments? Second, considering Jesus’ approach and Beerel’s insights on neuroleadership, what practical strategies can leaders implement to override their brain’s natural tendency toward stress and survival mode?