What are Mirror Neurons?
Have you ever found yourself yawning just because someone nearby was doing it? Or perhaps felt motivated after hearing your boss enthusiastically discuss a new project? These reactions aren’t random; they’re the work of mirror neurons, brain cells that enable us to imitate emotions and behaviors, playing a crucial role in building empathy and understanding how leaders influence their teams.
Mirror neurons were discovered by Giacomo Rizzolatti, Luciano Fadiga, Leonardo Fogassi, and Vittorio Gallese at the University of Parma, Italy. They observed that these brain cells activate when someone performs an action, essentially mimicking the behavior of others like a reflex.
Emotional Imitation
Mirror neurons have a positive impact on individuals because behaviors such as generosity and altruism require empathy, which can only be achieved through this phenomenon, according to the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
When a person narrates an emotional event, like success or failure, we may not initially empathize. However, as the story unfolds, we can start feeling the same emotions due to mirror neurons imitating the person’s feelings, thus triggering empathy.
At an organizational level, a leader’s emotions, body language, and behaviors are contagious because they inspire their team members subconsciously. Mercedes Jahn, co-founder of the Jahn Institute, explains that employees may unconsciously imitate their leader’s actions.
Mirror Neurons in Leaders
To build efficient teams and avoid a toxic work environment, mirror neurons assist leaders in fostering empathy. To put this into practice, one must carefully observe body language and actively listen to understand the team’s motivations, frustrations, and joys better.
Moreover, mirror neurons can influence learning processes and improve workplace behaviors. “You can activate a positive effect on others, encouraging them to imitate behaviors such as arriving early or achieving a calm state before an important meeting,” says Mercedes Jahn.
Additionally, when a leader projects security, openness, and trust towards their team, others will start imitating them, thus creating a positive coexistence.
Mirror Neurons in Mentorship
Even mentoring sessions benefit from mirror neurons, as they enhance attention to detail and, consequently, imitation.
- Key Questions and Answers:
- Q: What are mirror neurons? A: Mirror neurons are brain cells that activate when observing someone else’s actions, enabling us to imitate emotions and behaviors.
- Q: How do mirror neurons impact leadership? A: Mirror neurons help leaders build empathy, understand their team’s motivations, and positively influence behaviors.
- Q: Are mirror neurons relevant in mentoring? A: Yes, mirror neurons enhance attention to detail and imitation during mentoring sessions.
