Can stressful experiences develop leaders?

​Organisations are struggling to fill management and executive roles with individuals who can adapt to changes in a complex business environment. 

A recent study carried out by Hult International Business School found that stressful experiences can be effective ways to develop leaders' ability to adapt to changes.

According to Lee Waller, Director of Research at Hult, says “When we encounter a moderately stressful experience this stimulates a challenge response, whereby blood and neurotransmitter activity is increased in the brain, optimising cognitive processes such as decision-making and learning.”
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To maximise learning, leaders need to be challenged and ‘stressed’ – but in a supportive environment which focuses on development and avoids counterproductive 'fight or flight' responses.

How can we help?
Our experienced facilitators and coaches provide participants with cutting-edge leadership programmes which challenge participants to develop their skills and tackle challenges in an environment of collaboration, encouragement and support.

Through our strategic partnership with Lancaster University Management School – which recently beat Harvard in international rankings for corporate strategy – MSB is also able to offer world class certificated and accredited courses.

To find out more about how MSB can support your organisation’s leaders – and future leaders – please see the leadership development page on our new website.