Mike Normant, PCC

Search any HR blog or inclusion strategy guide today and you’ll find the same language: Create psychological safety Foster a sense of belonging Build inclusive leadership competencies These are good intentions. But in practice, they often translate into soft actions: A training session. An ERG. A calendar post during Black History Month. None of that rewires the system. Continue (https://lnkd.in/eqdCFcpS)

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What if the real leadership superpower isn’t strategy or vision, but connection?   About ten years ago, I heard Dr. Matthew Lieberman speak about his book, "Social: Why our brains are wired to connect." His insights into the neuroscience of human connection have stayed with me ever since.   While Lieberman’s book isn’t about leadership, I’ve found his research invaluable for shaping how I design leadership development and learning at Impact. I’m sharing my latest sketch - Connection is a leadership superpower - because I believe his insights are now more urgent than ever:   👉 In a tech-driven, hybrid world, connection isn’t a “nice to have” - it’s essential for team resilience, engagement, and innovation. 👉 Social pain (like exclusion or isolation) is processed by the brain much like physical pain. Leaders need to be vigilant about inclusion and belonging, especially when teams are dispersed. 👉 Empathy, collaboration, and social learning are now our greatest differentiators - uniquely human skills that technology can’t replace. 👉 As AI and automation accelerate, the need for authentic human connection in leadership only grows.   If you’re interested in the science behind why connection matters, Lieberman’s book is a great place to start. You can find more about his work here: Dr. Matthew Lieberman .   How are you fostering connection in your team or organisation right now?   #Leadership #TeamDevelopment #PsychologicalSafety

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"The meaning of your communication is the result you are getting." - Matthew Lampe, PsyD With a Doctorate from Alliant International University's California School of Professional Psychology, Matt has dedicated his career to transforming how organizations approach change, leadership development, and workplace agility. He is currently leading enterprise-wide organizational change efforts as part of Business Oregon's flagship modernization initiative, which focuses on aligning internal systems, strengthening operational infrastructure, and enhancing statewide service delivery to help businesses throughout Oregon. Matt hosts the ScienceForWork Podcast where he explores the science behind creating healthier, more effective work environments through conversations that translate heady scientific research findings into practical action steps. His consulting practice helps organizations navigate complex transformations through change management, leadership development, strategic planning, and project management—combining data-driven insights with compelling storytelling. Matt's philosophy centers on creating cultures where people can thrive. He's learned that data alone isn't enough to drive change; it's the combination of solid research with relatable storytelling that truly motivates action and engagement. And if that wasn't enough, he is also a contributing writer to the Positive Psychology website. In this podcast episode, host Ken Woodward delves into the significance of questions in both professional and personal spheres with Dr. Matthew R. Lampe, an expert in organizational change and leadership development. Highlighting the vital role questions play in verifying communication, navigating change, and building trust, Matt shares insights from his experience in managing organizational transformations and personal growth. The conversation also touches on the deep tradition of yearly trips to Yosemite, offering a unique perspective on how consistent reflection against an unchanging backdrop can facilitate personal growth and evolution. Additional elements include updates about the curated questions community, announcements of new features, and an introduction to the Science for Work Podcast. This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at the Curated Questions website. Keep questioning! #curatedquestions #questions #businessoregon

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Innovation stops where fear starts. In our new episode of The 90th Percentile Podcast, we explore: ✔️ How psychological safety drives retention, innovation, and discretionary effort ✔️ Eight leadership behaviors—backed by data from 18,000+ employees—that strengthen psychological safety ✔️ Why even a few of these behaviors, done well, create outsized impact ✔️ The role of vulnerability: admitting mistakes, encouraging questions, seeking diverse perspectives ✔️ How psychological safety enables teams to adapt, collaborate, and grow through change Looking to strengthen trust, elevate feedback, and ensure every voice is heard? This episode offers actionable insights. Explore the full episode: https://lnkd.in/g7ZbnKJz Follow The 90th Percentile Podcast for more unconventional conversations: https://lnkd.in/gufStKfp #PsychologicalSafety #Innovation #The90thPercentile #Podcast #ZengerFolkman

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