The Role of Amygdala in Political Leadership | By Dr Emmanuel Eni Amadi PhD, MBA, MSc, PGDip, B.Pharm.
The human brain boasts of a complex network of systems which work in unison to determine an individual's traits and personality. One of the most crucial parts of the brain that influences a person's behaviour and decision-making is the Amygdala. Although tiny in nature, this object is capable of shaping the economy of nations.
This almond-shaped structure located in the frontal lobe of the brain, on both sides of the skull, plays a vital role in the regulation of emotions, decision-making, and social behaviour. It is therefore not surprising that some leaders have leveraged the power of their Amygdala to succeed in their leadership roles.
In the UK, there have been several examples of leaders who utilized the power of their Amygdala to propel their political careers to the top. One notable example is the former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (1979 -1990). Known as the “Iron Lady,” Margaret Thatcher exploited her Amygdala's prowess by exhibiting unwavering confidence, assertiveness, and courage in the face of opposition. She built a formidable image of a leader who could navigate any challenges regardless of their complexity.
Another political leader who relied on her Amygdala is Theresa May, who served as the Prime Minister of the UK from 2016 to 2019. May, who was known for her unflappable calm demeanour, utilized her Amygdala to remain composed during challenging times. She rarely allowed herself to be rattled, maintaining a measured and thoughtful approach to policy implementation, even amidst significant opposition from both political allies and adversaries.
In Conclusion, the Amygdala plays a crucial role in shaping an individual's emotional expression, thought processes, and social behaviour. Political leaders who understand how to harness the potential of their Amygdala can increase their chances of success by tapping into their emotional intelligence and responding appropriately to different situations. The examples of Thatcher and May demonstrate how leveraging one's Amygdala can help enhance leadership qualities and transform average individuals into exceptional leaders that can achieve great things.
Written by Dr Emmanuel Amadi, PhD, MBA, MSc, PGDip, BPharm. Dr Amadi holds a doctorate degree in Medical Sciences and specialises in Pulmonary Nanotoxicology, Lung Cancer Genomics, Cancer pathology, Molecular mechanisms, nanoparticles in drug delivery, COPD, asthma, and lung cancer. He’s the Founder of Amadi Global Leadership Academy | Executive Education, where he provides oversight for the development of future leaders.
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