28: Neuropsychoanalysis with Mark Solms

Mark is a pioneer in the field of neuroscience founding the term
Neuropsychoanalysis.  In this very rich discussion Mark
shares his insights into ‘where the brain meets the mind’.  
Previously the neuroscience focus was to study the brain in terms
of cognition and behaviour, yet Mark saw that this missed out on
what is really astonishing about the brain, that it is an organ
of feeling, emotion and subjectivity.  Marks research is
extensive, and the application to organisations and leadership is
discussed in this podcast.  For example, through his
research he shares his findings of how our brains are conditioned
towards play in groups, as well as competition.  Play and
hierarchy are both part of the same behavioural pattern, where an
essential part of play is to act out group dominance. 
However Mark describes the 60-40 rule, if an individual dominates
play for more than 60% of the time, the play ends- it’s not fun
anymore! If we look at leadership through this lens, we see how
leaders who are too dominant and too controlling soon lose their
followership. Mark’s latest book with excellent reviews is 
Hidden Spring A journey to the source of consciousness



 


BIO Mark Solms is a South African psychoanalyst
and neuropsychologist.  He pioneers psychoanalytic methods
in contemporary neuroscience founding the International
Neuropsychoanalysis Society in 2000.  He holds many roles
including the Chair of Neuropsychology at the University of Cape
Town , Founding President of the South African Psychoanalytical
Association. and Director of the Neuropsychoanalysis Foundation
in New York.  In his free time Mark is a passionate wine
maker, co-owning a vineyard cooperative.