A More Effective Strategy for Coaching and Motivation Revealed Through Neuroscientific Research

A research project conducted at Case Western Reserve University employed neuroimaging technology to scrutinize brain activity in relation to various coaching methods. The study revealed a tension between an individual’s perception of their ideal self and their actual self. By concentrating on future aspirations rather than present issues, the researchers found that individuals were more open to positive change and less resistant to transformation.

The findings introduce a transformative coaching methodology not only for business managers but also for educators, therapists, and parents.

Is there a superior technique for coaching and motivating your workforce, sports team, students, or even your offspring? A recent academic investigation from Case Western Reserve University affirms that such an approach exists.

The research team deployed neuroimaging technology to examine cerebral responses of participants to disparate coaching styles. The objective was to understand the neurological mechanisms that either facilitate growth or engender resistance to change.

Anthony “Tony” Jack, the Elmer G. Beamer – Hubert H. Schneider Chair in Ethics and an associate professor of philosophy at Case Western Reserve, led the study. Collaborators included Richard Boyatzis, a Distinguished University Professor in the departments of organizational behavior, psychology, and cognitive science; and Angela Passarelli, a Case Western Reserve PhD graduate now serving as an associate professor of management at the College of Charleston. All are part of the Coaching Research Lab situated within Case Western Reserve’s Weatherhead School of Management.

Boyatzis indicated that the findings are applicable across a broad range of professions such as therapists, physicians, social workers, dental professionals, and managers. Passarelli emphasized that fixating on immediate problems during helping interactions inadvertently limits the individual’s capability to envision future opportunities, thus undermining the fundamental goal of assistance.

Research Methodology

The research incorporated 47 full-time undergraduate students from Case Western Reserve. Participants went through a sequence of 30-minute coaching sessions prior to undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The neuroimaging focused on the psychological contrast between the participant’s “ideal self” and “real self.”

The participants were exposed to video-conferencing-based coaching sessions which included pre-recorded videos featuring statements about the participants’ educational experiences or future outlooks. Subjects had the opportunity to agree or disagree with each statement.

This research builds upon a similar neuroimaging study by the same team from a decade ago, which also explored aspects of Boyatzis’ Intentional Change Theory.

Key Takeaways and Implementation

The study concluded that conventional coaching techniques often overlook the internal conflict between an individual’s ideal and real selves. Acknowledging this conflict is critical, as it can hamper the development of a strong vision for one’s ideal self. The research further noted that when an individual’s ideal self is vividly present in their mind, they are more open to change and are intrinsically motivated.

Jack advises against the prevalent “carrot and stick” approach for motivating change. He suggests that a focus on an individual’s future aspirations yields far better results. Once an individual has a crystallized vision of their ideal self, they are more likely to be receptive to growth rather than resistant to it.

For managers and coaches, Jack recommends abstaining from unsolicited feedback on what needs improvement. Instead, fostering an environment where individuals actively seek feedback for their development avoids creating psychological barriers to change.

Reference: “When fixing problems kills personal development: fMRI reveals conflict between Real and Ideal selves” by Anthony Ian Jack, Angela M. Passarelli and Richard Eleftherios Boyatzis, 11 July 2023, Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.
DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1128209

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More about Effective Coaching Methods

• Case Western Reserve University
• Neuroimaging in Coaching
• Intentional Change Theory
• Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
• Weatherhead School of Management’s Coaching Research Lab
• Frontiers in Human Neuroscience Journal