Can Hugs Actually Build Better Leaders?

When we hug our kids, it doesn't just feel good, it does wonders.

When we think about the activities and behaviors that typically encourage the development of leadership skills in our children - camps, group activities, and other, more direct methods of social training are quick to come to mind. While there's certainly merit to all of the above, science demonstrates that there's a simple way to develop the foundation of emotional and cognitive strength needed to be effective leaders. That is, regular hugs.

When we hug our kids, it doesn't just feel good, it does wonders. Numerous scientific benefits have been correlated with regular embracing by people of all ages, but children are particularly poised to reap developmental boosts through expressions of physical affection.

Read More: Leading with Love as Parents

Some of the most noteworthy ways that regular hugs can bolster future leaders include:

1. Empowered Leaders:

It can be easy for our kids to feel powerless - they often are. Navigating the social landscape of childhood can be difficult, confusing and punishing and adults are usually in charge of their big decisions. A scientific assessment of 20 adolescents participating in hug therapy demonstrated that the program helped to alleviate these feelings of powerlessness.

Read more on overcoming learned helplessness and powerlessness here.

2. Resilient Leaders:

Whether it's feeling rejected by peers, having a rough time with work, or a simple head cold, resilience is required for effective leaders to put one's head down and work through tough times. Regular affection has been linked through scientific study to both an increase in emotional resilience and a reduced perception of illness severity. In other words, hugs and physical affection help build resilience and provide a comfort to say, 'It will be a-okay." Leaders are often seen to be highly-resilient in crisis situations and have the ability to navigate through crucible moments to emerge as better leaders.

3. Smart Leaders:

From the very beginning, we prioritise choosing parenting methods, play styles, and toys that will encourage optimum cognitive development. Research has demonstrated that the early cuddles and hugs associated with parent and baby bonding aren't just bringing you closer as a family, but also encouraging the healthy growth of your child's brain. One of the key aspects of great leaders not only lies in charisma but also competency and intelligence.

Read here on how hugs releases the feel-good hormones needed for better emotional regulation.

Hugging regularly isn't just good for leadership skills; it can help kids to sleep better at night, boost serotonin in couples, and can even minimize the risk of both minor and serious illnesses in people of all ages. This infographic from We The Parents covers these benefits and more.

More parenting videos from esteemed Psychologist Dr Goh!