Lecture 1: Introduction to the Course

1. **Metaphor of Auto Mechanic:**

- Likens leadership to being an auto mechanic without knowledge of how an engine works.

- Emphasizes the importance of understanding how the "engine" (brain) works before becoming
leaders.

2. **Integration of Psychology and Neuroscience:**

- Highlights that the course combines psychology and neuroscience.

- Mentions that psychology often treats the brain as a black box, while neuroscience delves into
understanding it.

3. **The Limbic System:**

- Discusses the role of the limbic system in moving toward pleasure and away from pain.

- Raises the question of whether always following these instincts is in our best interest.

- Acknowledges that sometimes moving toward pain is necessary when our goals are on the other side.

4. **Social Nature of Humans:**

- Emphasizes that humans are social creatures.

- Mentions the social brain hypothesis, suggesting our big foreheads evolved for navigating complex
social networks.

- Highlights the importance of social influence in decision-making.

5. **Social Pain and Physical Pain:**

- Explores the concept that social pain is as real as physical pain.

- Discusses the brain's response to social pain, equating it with physical pain.

6. **Leadership and Social Connection:**

- Stresses the significance of social connection in leadership.

- Connects the understanding of social connection to leadership of self and others.

7. **Conclusion:**

- Encourages getting to know the brain by establishing a common language.

- Assures that the initial depth of neuroscience discussed will become more comfortable as the course
progresses.

- States no prerequisite for psychology or neuroscience, making the course accessible to all.
**Notes:**

- The course introduces the importance of understanding the brain for effective leadership.

- It emphasizes the integration of psychology and neuroscience to provide a comprehensive

understanding.

- The limbic system's role in seeking pleasure and avoiding pain is discussed, with a reminder that
intentional decisions may require moving toward pain.

- The social nature of humans is explored, linking it to leadership and decision-making.

- Social pain is equated with physical pain, emphasizing the importance of social connections.

- The course aims to equip students with a basic understanding of brain anatomy, neurotransmitters, and
brain waves for informed discussions.

Understanding Brain Waves and

Neurofeedback
**Introduction:**

- **Neurofeedback and Operant Conditioning:**

- Neurofeedback training is based on operant conditioning, rewarding individuals for inhibiting or

increasing specific brain waves.

- Audio or visual stimuli reinforce neurofeedback training protocols.

**Types of Brain Waves:**

1. **Delta Waves (1-4 Hz):**

- Slow brainwaves dominant in deep sleep stages.

- Excess delta waves when awake linked to learning disabilities, ADHD, and difficulty focusing.

2. **Theta Waves (4-8 Hz):**

- Associated with day-dreaming and sleep.

- Excess theta linked to ADHD, lack of organization, impulsivity, especially in specific brain regions.

3. **Alpha Waves (8-12 Hz):**

- Dominate during quiet thought and meditative states.

- High alpha in right hemisphere correlates with positive behaviors, while low alpha in left hemisphere
can result in social withdrawal and depression.
4. **Beta Waves (12-38 Hz):**

- Represent normal waking consciousness during cognitive tasks.

- Different levels (low, mid, high) correspond to various mental states and activities.

- Continual high-frequency beta associated with tension and difficulties relaxing.

5. **Gamma Waves (30-100 Hz):**

- Highest frequency brainwaves.

- Linked to peak concentration, cognitive functioning, high IQ, compassion, memory, and happiness.

- Limited clinical use due to challenges in measurement using current EEG technology.

**Sleep EEG & the 4 Stages:**

- Electroencephalogram (EEG) records surface potentials generated by neurons in the brain's cortex.

- Quantitative EEG (qEEG) maps brainwave patterns, coherence, and phase for a comprehensive analysis.

- Absolute Power measures the overall brain power in different frequency bands.

- Relative Power compares power in one frequency band to others.

- Amplitude Asymmetry indicates the balance between left and right brain waves.

- Coherence measures the efficiency of communication between different brain regions.

- Phase Lag assesses the timing of electrical energy for optimal performance.

**Conclusion:**

- EEG measures brain activity, and qEEG provides valuable insights into brainwave patterns, coherence,
and phase.

- Understanding and optimizing brainwave patterns can contribute to mental well-being and
performance.

Neurotransmitters Overview:
1. **Epinephrine (Adrenaline):**

- A stress hormone that triggers fight or flight responses.

- Provides a quick energy boost during stressful situations.

2. **Norepinephrine:**

- A neurotransmitter associated with alertness and the fight or flight response.

 - Works alongside epinephrine to prepare the body for action.

3. **Serotonin:**

- Regulates mood and promotes feelings of well-being and happiness.

- Imbalances may contribute to mood swings.

4. **Oxytocin:**

- Known as the "love drug" or "cuddle hormone."

- Acts as both a hormone and neurotransmitter.

- Can foster feelings of bonding and affection but may turn violent in certain situations.

5. **Endorphins:**

- Acts as a natural painkiller in the body.

- Released during activities like running or extreme athletics, promoting euphoria.

6. **Dopamine:**

- Associated with reward, motivation, and pursuit.

- Spikes before achieving a goal but drops off afterward, contributing to the concept of hedonic
adaptation.

SCARF
status, certainty, autonomy, relatedness, and fair treatment

Metacognition
Ability understand what we are doing and why, then we change it.