Written by: Casimiro da Silva Santos, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
As a leader, you know that motivating and engaging your team is crucial for success. But did you know you can use happy hormones' power to inspire your team? Happy hormones, also known as neurotransmitters, are chemicals in the brain that play a crucial role in regulating mood, motivation, and overall well-being.
One of the books that influenced my leadership style was “Leaders Eat Last” a bestseller by Simon Sinek. In it, Sinek "challenges preconceptions" about how and why people look to influential individuals and institutions for inspiration and accept it. The idea is based on the premise that humans are hardwired to cooperate and work together to overcome external threats. The release of happy hormones can help to create a sense of belonging, reward, and bonding, leading to increased motivation and cooperation among team members.
As an executive and leadership coach, I often work with executives and leaders looking to improve their happiness and well-being and the ones of their teams. During our coaching sessions, we often reflect on how they can do this by focusing on our "happy hormones."
Happy hormones are the famous EDSO Endorphin, Dopamine, Serotonin and Oxytocin). While ED are selfish, meaning we get these out of our own and DO are selfless, we need others to get this out.
Here are some ways you can harness the power of happy hormones to inspire your team:
1. Endorphins
Endorphins are natural painkillers released when we engage in physical activity or experience excitement. To boost endorphins, you can encourage your team to participate in regular exercise or other activities that bring them joy and excitement, such as playing sports or taking up a hobby. You can also organise team-building activities that involve physical activity, such as hiking or a friendly game of basketball.
2. Dopamine
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is associated with reward and motivation. Set achievable goals for your team to boost dopamine and provide rewards when they achieve them. This could be as simple as giving a shoutout during a team meeting or offering a small bonus for meeting a specific milestone. By providing positive feedback and rewards for a well-done job, you can motivate your team and foster a sense of achievement and pride in their work.
3. Serotonin
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is associated with feelings of happiness and well-being. To boost serotonin, focus on creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where team members feel appreciated and valued. This can be achieved by recognising team members' contributions, encouraging open communication, and fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity. Doing so can help your team members feel happier and more fulfilled in their work.
4. Oxytocin
Oxytocin is a hormone that is associated with bonding and social connection. To boost oxytocin, encourage your team members to collaborate on projects and provide opportunities for social interaction. This could be as simple as organising a team lunch or happy hour, or creating a dedicated workspace where team members can work together on a project. By fostering community and teamwork, you can help your team members feel more connected and invested in their work.
In addition to these strategies, it's important to prioritise self-care and encourage team members to engage in activities that promote well-being, such as meditation, leisure time in nature, or creative hobbies. Doing so can create a positive work-life balance that promotes overall well-being for yourself and your team.
In conclusion, by harnessing the power of happy hormones, you can inspire your team, increase motivation and cooperation, and promote overall well-being and job satisfaction. By understanding how these hormones work and actively working to boost them, you can create a positive and supportive work environment that benefits both you and your team.
Casimiro da Silva Santos, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Casimiro da Silva Santos, better known as Cas, uses pronouns he/his. He is a dad, a business and climate action leader, a coach, and a speaker. His mission is to create a perspective of abundance, alleviating scarcity so that we can live a brighter future. After a transformational coaching experience with Simon Sinek Inc., Cas decided to create Bring the Best®, a coaching and consulting firm for personal development and business growth. Through individual, career, and executive coaching, Bring the Best transforms lives so that each person can live the life they want and dream about. His coaching style is authentic and empathetic, with a special focus on the LGBTQIA+ community.
