Thus, the brain chooses to "reboot" through control because it allows it to redistribute resources, reduce stress levels, and enhance neuroplasticity – the ability to adapt to new challenges. This is not just a biological process but a powerful tool for creating internal order, strengthening confidence, and managing the external world. Control is not an act of force but a way to restore harmony and prepare for new victories.
Chapter 4: Emotional Intelligence and Power
How the Dynamics of Power Develop Empathy
Power is not just about control but also an opportunity to understand others on a deeper level. The dynamics of power develop empathy, transforming leadership into an art of interaction. When you take responsibility for others, your brain restructures its work to account for the feelings and needs of those who depend on your decisions. Empathy, in this context, is not an innate gift but a skill that develops through practice and interaction.
On a neurobiological level, the medial prefrontal cortex plays a key role; this brain region is responsible for understanding other people’s emotions. Power enhances its activity because a leader must see the bigger picture, considering not only their goals but also the needs of the group. A study in the Journal of Social Neuroscience (2021) found that the activity of the medial prefrontal cortex in leaders increases by 15-20% in situations requiring emotional interaction. This means that power literally trains your brain to be more receptive to the emotions of others.
But brain activity alone is not enough. This is where oxytocin – the hormone of trust – comes into play. When you build relationships with others, your brain releases oxytocin, which reduces anxiety and enhances empathy. Research shows that the oxytocin levels in leaders who practice an empathetic approach are 25% higher than in those who rely on authoritarian management methods. This hormone helps not only to establish a deeper connection with others but also to better understand their motivations.
Empathy becomes not a weakness but a tool that allows a leader to see deeper, resolve conflicts, and motivate the team. When you understand what drives your subordinates, you can anticipate their needs and create conditions for their productivity. According to Harvard Business Review (2020), teams led by empathetic leaders show 30% higher efficiency and face 25% fewer conflicts.
Leadership through empathy also makes power more sustainable. You stop relying on fear and coercion, replacing them with trust and understanding. This strengthens not only your position but also the entire team, creating harmony between individual desires and collective goals.
Developing empathy requires practice. The ability to listen, ask questions, and genuinely care about others’ feelings forms the neural connections that make you sensitive to the emotions of those around you. Each time you try to understand another person’s perspective, you strengthen your interaction skills and your brain.
Empathy in the dynamics of power is not just a tool for interaction but the foundation for creating strong and effective connections. When you realize that leadership is not just about management but also about understanding, you move to a new level of interaction with the world. Power based on empathy makes you stronger, wiser, and ready for any challenge.
