October 2008
Leading minds
The psychology of leadership used to be so simple – leaders gave the orders and staff carried them out, no questions asked. But the modern workplace is much more complex, and merely occupying a position of power no longer cuts much ice. Today’s leaders need to be experts in emotional intelligence, practiced in the art of persuasion and masters at motivation – all skills that demand a firm grasp of how the human mind works.
Whether it's in the workplace or the wider commercial arena, the ability to get inside people's heads is a crucial leadership skill. This month's cover story takes a look neuromarketing, the latest development in consumer research that claims to shed light on out spending decisions by scanning our brains.
The psychology of leadership may have got a whole lot more complicated, but one thing’s still quite simple: the better you understand your people – staff and customers alike – the better you and your organisation will perform.
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Features
Sales are always the bedrock of business success, but never more so than in an economic downturn. Shaun Campbell met retail psychologist Dr Tim Denison, and asked him how people’s spending habits change when they feel the pinch
Companies spend millions working out why we buy certain products, but according to the latest technology we’re not even fully aware ourselves. Chris Partridge investigates neuromarketing, which claims to be able to expose our unconscious spending habits by scanning our brains
Leading your team through an economic boom is one thing – after all, rising profits and regular bonuses do wonders for staff morale. But it’s during a downturn that managers really have to show their mettle. Paul Sweetman looks at how to get the best out of your team when times are tough
Columns
Motivating the masses
To succeed in business, managers need an inspired, driven workforce behind them. Whether you’re a born leader or not, say Jeff Grout and Liz Fisher, getting your staff motivated is one of the most important things you’ll ever do
Suits you sir
It’s a timeless classic and the basis of your working wardrobe, and this season the two-piece has never been trendier. It’s time to take the plunge and invest in a sharp suit, says Katie Greengrass
Psychological breakdown
The average office is a psychological minefield, says Stewart Gowans – awash with megalomaniacs, bigshot bullies and his personal favourite, the constantly cheerful chappie