Commentary

Group Creativity Requires Knowledge, Leadership


 

Jonathan Haidt in his book, “The Happiness Hypothesis” (New York: Basic Books, 2006), makes the compelling argument, drawing from the school of positive psychology, that virtue enhances happiness. Virtue, in this case, is defined broadly as excellence and involves morality. A leader who can cast the actions of the group as serving a noble cause can increase the group's level of happiness, and in this virtue-inspired happy state the group will be further motivated to work toward the virtuous goal. The shared sense of a virtuous mission creates a shared identity, and the competitive, proud sense that they will excel in achieving that mission.

We in the medical world have little problem believing that we have a virtuous mission. Let us continue to work as a team within our groups, institutions, specialty, and in the broader role we have in society to use our talents creatively and cooperatively so as to continue advancing our mission for neurologic health.

Pages

Recommended Reading

Neuropsychiatric Disorders Dominate Disease Burden in Europe
MDedge Neurology
Social Context Influences Creative Success
MDedge Neurology
Seeing Morality Through the Lens of Creativity
MDedge Neurology
FDG-PET May Help Distinguish Between Frontotemporal Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease
MDedge Neurology
Conference News Update
MDedge Neurology
Intranasal Insulin Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease?
MDedge Neurology
Literature Monitor
MDedge Neurology
High Cholesterol Levels May Be Linked to Alzheimer's Disease Pathology
MDedge Neurology
Diabetes May Increase Risk for Alzheimer's-Related Dementia
MDedge Neurology
News Roundup: New and Noteworthy Information
MDedge Neurology