Why do Neuromyths Persist?
Why do neuromyths persist?
One of the really useful things I've learned during my Master's in Applied Neuroscience is…
31.07.2026
Can people change?
Some of the most damaging leadership myths I've encountered over my career are about change:
- "People can't change."
- "It's just a small process tweak. We don't need to consult on this."
- "All the evidence shows this is the right change to make. Obviously, people will see that."
- "Oh, that's just (insert name here). Ignore the behaviour and find a workaround."
And yet people change all the time. They learn new skills. They use new technology. They learn the lyrics to a new favourite song. They try new recipes. They find a different route to work when the roadworks appear. They develop new priorities and new perspectives.
The science is clear on this: human beings remain capable of learning throughout life. One of the things neuroscience has taught us is that our brains continue to adapt and change through experience; a concept known as neuroplasticity.
That doesn't mean change is easy and it doesn't mean people will immediately embrace every new process, system or way of working. But it does mean that change is possible.
In my experience, people are often far more capable of change than leaders assume. The bigger challenge is creating the conditions in which change can happen.
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