Neurotransmitter
Chemical messengers that transmit signals across synapses from one neuron to another. Different neurotransmitters have different effects—some excite the receiving neuron, others inhibit it.
Biological Context
Common neurotransmitters include dopamine (reward, motivation), serotonin (mood), acetylcholine (muscle activation), and GABA (inhibition). Imbalances in neurotransmitters are linked to conditions like depression, Parkinson's, and anxiety. Many drugs work by affecting neurotransmitter systems.
Business Application
Organizational neurotransmitters are the signals that trigger action—emails, Slack messages, meeting decisions. Like biological neurotransmitters, they can excite (approve, encourage) or inhibit (reject, delay). Signal overload causes organizational dysfunction just as it does neurologically.