“We know that coaching is effective in creating space for change and now through neuroscience research we can develop tools that align with how our brains function — such that we can make quantum leaps in coaching outcomes,” says Carlos Davidovich, MD, executive coach and expert on the relationship of neuroscience to coaching.  Dr. Davidovich led one of the most popular tracks at our annual conference last fall.

Our theme this month is the connection between neuroscience and coaching, one of the ‘hot topics’ for practitioners, with recent studies providing deeper insights into:

• how emotions are processed
• how neural networks facilitate decision-making
• how habits form and can change
• how visions and ideas are generated
• how brain plasticity enables change to facilitate growth

The efficacy of coaching -- already understood to a certain extent from cognitive-behavioral research -- is being strengthened with neuro-biological research on an almost daily basis.  As an example, Richard  Boyatzis and Angela Passarelli at Case Western University have demonstrated through fMRI studies that coaching with positive affect (exploring what works and what’s possible) versus a negative affect (working on what needs to be fixed) has a significant impact on a coachee's ability to create a future vision and make the changes needed to manifest it. 

Our webinar this month explores the Alchemy of Trust with one of the most respected translators of today’s neuroscience research into practical applications for coaches. Based on her direct collaborations with neuroscientists, best-selling author Judith Glaser will share case studies where understanding how the brain functions in creating psychological safety -- and trust -- makes the difference in successful coaching.

All of the above notwithstanding, a ‘reality-check’ is in order, for despite developments in neurobiology and neuroendocrinology, scientists are quick to remind us that our knowledge of the brain -- and its role in behavior change -- is just beginning to take shape.  

Our research article -- and commentary -- this month tell a cautionary tale, reminding us of the promise and limitations of the holy grail of brain science.  A lead article in Coaching Psychologist from June 2015 by Dias, Palmer et al., Perspectives and Challenges for the Study of Brain Responses to Coaching describes the ‘state of the union’ between evidence-based coaching and studies of brain functioning.

This broad-based review of the literature is a must read for coaches. It reviews the landscape of fMRI imaging studies of brain functioning in the face of deficits, such as depression, fear and anxiety. The authors also point to the challenges still to be overcome. For example, we have yet to study how coaching works in ‘real time’ by imaging brain activity during coaching, and most neuroimaging studies still focus on abnormal brain functioning. We also include here the important commentary from University of Sydney coaching psychologist Anthony Grant. He cautions coaches not to get caught up in ‘neuromyths’ or pseudo-insights from neuroscience.  

Finally, in keeping with our enthusiasm about the evolving field of neuroscience we recommend a book that accomplishes a rare feat:  a highly readable series of essays written by real scientists.  In Scientists Making a Difference: One Hundred Eminent Behavioral and Brain Scientists Talk about Their Most Important Contributions, each chapter is an essay by a pre-eminent psychologist or brain scientist -- not in translation but in their own words -- on topics as wide-ranging as childhood brain development, how memory works, epigenetics, the development of language, and many more. This book is unique as it provides coaches a glimpse into the minds of the brilliant explorers who work in the trenches to expand our knowledge of our brains, our bodies -- of our very selves as humans.  

We hope you will enjoy these resources and be inspired to dive deeper into your own journey to connect the dots between neuroscience and practice.