Building Leadership One Gingerbread House at a Time

Who knew that gingerbread houses and brain science could make such a perfect leadership lesson?

During our Dec. Exec Track meeting, we mixed frosting, candy, and a little neuroscience to explore how our thoughts and emotions shape the way we lead - and got hands on with leadership in the most delicious way!

Teams completed the pop-up gingerbread house marketing challenge, designing and decorating their houses with purpose while pausing to reflect on and applying their insights about their own emotional brain states and leadership styles.

Yes, we absolutely wrapped Maslow's hierarchy of needs, AgileBrain's self-assessment tool and candy all into one. Because as Diane Ackerman reminds us,

"Play is our brain's favorite way of learning."

This activity gave participants the chance to practice adapting to different styles, collaborating effectively, and noticing how self-awareness influences leadership decisions.

Beyond the treats and decorations, the exercise reinforced a core lesson: how we think and feel directly shapes how we lead and work with others.

I couldn't think of a sweeter way to end the year.