Central Bank jumps on brain train in bid to boost performance

When he took charge of the Central Bank, governor Philip Lane promised to "create a modern, progressive" organisation.

Four months later, he appears to be as good as his word, with the bank turning to “the latest thinking” in neuroscience to improve the performance of its senior staff.

On Wednesday, the bank put out a public tender notice asking for specialist training companies to help it provide “Physical Intelligence for Leaders for the Central Bank of Ireland”.

“Latest research in the area of neuroscience shows it is possible to actively manage your physiology to achieve a differentiated level of performance,” the notice reads.

“It is our intention to introduce a leadership programme that incorporates the latest thinking in the areas of neuroscience and the management of physiology with best practice in leadership and management development.”

Executive coaching providers keen to assist the Central Bank in its task will have to get moving before the April 5th deadline.

Neuroscience, the study of the body’s nervous system, is sometimes referred to as the science of the brain.

It has been gaining favour in the business world in recent times, with human resources experts hailing it as a “new secret weapon”.

Some advocates of applying cognitive sciences to the workplace have, for example, suggested employees work more efficiently standing up.

Courses in “neuroscience for leaders” may include everything from mindfulness to neuroplasticity, or the ability of our brains to adapt and change – for better or worse.