The Psychological Impact of Change

From Startup Struggles to Neuroscientific Nuggets

If you're tuned into this article, you already know that we're living in a whirlwind of constant change. Whether advancements in technology, the global economy, work culture or our political landscape, the only constant is change. If constant change ceases to exist, you can likely count on an asteroid having played an active role.

For a moment, let me rewind to an earlier chapter in my career. Armed with a high tolerance for risk, I traded in a cozy gig to become the VP of Sales at an early stage startup in the Twin Cities. Emotions? Oh, I covered the spectrum including the good, the bad and the ugly.

Enter the quintessential start-up pivot. Our startup's struggle with revenue consistency and product-market fit led us to a crossroads. We either had to adapt or perish. And adapt, we did, pointing our learning management system technology at the mindfulness and health & wellbeing education space. Was this on my career bingo card? Nope. But, I am forever grateful for the detour as It introduced me to some brilliant minds who forever changed the way I think. Our instructors were leading PHDs, professors, scientists, TED Talkers and many others who are much smarter than me. 

This serendipitous moment exposed me to the important role that brain chemistry plays in every daily interaction, every decision, and most importantly our overall emotional well-being. Applying those learnings has helped me manage challenges and change in a more thoughtful and productive way. 

I’m by no means a brain scientist but I’ve spent a lot of time reading and researching this very heady subject (get it?!). Personally, I’ve found it important to better understand and recognize behaviors that are driven by our brains and more specifically the neurotransmitters that drive those behaviors.

Here are a few neurotransmitters that come into play during times of change and how they impact the human mind. Understanding this at its most basic level will make you a better person and a much better leader. Trust me!

Dopamine: The Positive Side

Dopamine, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, is your secret weapon during transformative times. A study by The Journal of Neuroscience, found that dopamine levels can surge by up to 30% during shifts in circumstances. This boost in dopamine activates your brain's reward system, supercharging your motivation and resilience, and making you more agile in navigating change. 

Dr. Loretta Breuning, author of "Habits of a Happy Brain," says, "Dopamine is released when your brain expects a reward and has a chance to seek it. It motivates you to pursue goals that meet your needs." In layman's terms, dopamine is like your internal GPS, guiding you through the maze of change and toward personal and professional triumphs. So the next time you're in the driver's seat of orchestrating organizational change, just remember, dopamine's got your back!

Cortisol: The Dark Side 

Cortisol, often dubbed the "stress hormone," can act like that annoying backseat driver during times of transformation. Dr. Bruce McEwen, a neuroscientist at Rockefeller University, found that prolonged exposure to cortisol can result in "allostatic load," leading to negative physiological and psychological outcomes. In plain speak, this means chronic stress can wreak havoc on your system.

Dr. Robert Sapolsky, author of "Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers," further clarifies: "The stress-response is incredibly ancient evolutionarily, and it's there for a reason... But the system is not well-designed for chronic physical challenges." Higher cortisol levels can fuel anxiety, dampen morale, and even stymie productivity.

As leaders, recognizing and addressing moments of work-related anxiety amongst your team can aid in getting them out of that moment faster. The longer that moment lasts, the greater the impact on team performance and productivity.

Norepinephrine: The Double-Edged Sword

Norepinephrine, commonly called the "alertness molecule" is a bit trickier. Before you high-five this neurotransmitter, let's dive into its complex persona. Dr. Amy Arnsten, a leading neuroscientist from Yale University, states, "Norepinephrine enhances the formation and retrieval of both positive and negative emotional memories." It sharpens your focus, boosts attention, and heightens awareness. All of which are essential during times of change.

However, a study in the Journal of Neuroendocrinology found that elevated levels can cause heightened stress responses, like increased heart rate and blood pressure. Essentially, too much norepinephrine can shift you from "Let's crush this change!" to "I'm freaking out!" mode. The takeaway? Balance is key. You want just enough norepinephrine to keep you agile and alert, without tipping over to the stress zone.

If your team enters the stress zone, you can once again expect performance and productivity to take a hit. 

Cliffs Notes: 

• Dopamine - our internal motivational speaker, amplifies our drive to pioneer new pathways.

• Cortisol - the driver of stress keeping you in a constant state of fight or flight.

• Norepinephrine - the vigilant sentinel that keeps us alert, yet a stress-inducing troublemaker if not managed well.

Wrapping It Up:

Taking that early-career gamble was not just a pivotal moment for me, but it also laid the foundation for the compassionate, thoughtful leader I am today. I learned the invaluable lesson that understanding brain chemistry isn't just a self-centered pursuit, it's a leadership imperative. 

By understanding the chemistry of our brains, we're not just optimizing our performance but the performance of everyone that we lead.