Are you a brain-savvy leader? 4 advantages of being one

Charles Stone July 31, 2025

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I'm passionate about how brain insight can enhance our leadership. I've lived in a neuroscience world for over 25 years battling the effects of my youngest daughter's brain tumor (and she is doing well now).

In Brain-Savvy Leaders: the Science of Significant Ministry I show how leaders can effectively apply brain insight to their lives and leadership. I believe leaders who learn about how their brain works can enhance their leadership effectiveness.

Here are the top four advantages of brain-savvy leaders.

#1 Brain-savvy leaders lead teams more effectively.

One example is called emotional contagion. Our brains and behavior mirror the emotional temperature of those around us, whether it's good or bad.

Leaders who understand how the brain works seek to bring a positive, hopeful tone to their meetings and their leadership culture which makes for happier and more effective teams.

#2 Brain-savvy leaders understand how best to control their emotions.

Within our brain two forces vie for our energies, thinking and feeling. When negative emotions take precedent in our brains, we don't think as clearly. When emotions rule, leadership suffers.

However, brain-savvy leaders learn to monitor and control this see-saw dynamic resulting in more consistent fruit of the Spirit (Eph. 5.22-23).

#3 Brain-savvy leaders effect lasting change better.

Often our change efforts fall flat. However, by incorporating how people's brains respond to change, leaders can create change initiatives that reflects such insight.

The result? The change you hoped for can go much better.

4. Brain-savvy leaders experience greater personal productivity.

One example involves multi-tasking. Although we may think we can multi-task (i.e., write an email and talk on the phone at the same time), we really can't perform more than one task at a time that requires our attention.

Our effectiveness actually drops when we attempt to multi-task. It's called dual-task switch cost. It's the proverbial feeling we get when we switch back and forth, the "Where was I now" effect that actually takes more time than focusing on a single task at a time.

Leaders in today's complicated world can enhance their leadership effectiveness and joy by learning how to leverage brain-savvy insight.

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Charles Stone coaches and equips pastors and teams to effectively navigate the unique challenges ministry brings. By blending biblical principles with cutting-edge brain-based practices he helps them enhance their leadership abilities, elevate their preaching/ teaching skills, and prioritize self-care. A pastor for over 42 years, he has served as a lead pastor, associate pastor, and church planter. He published seven books, and over 300 of his articles have appeared on various Christian leadership websites. He holds four earned academic degrees, including a D.Min. and a Ph.D. Learn More »

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