Archive for ‘Education’

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July 11, 2011

Using Practical Neuroscience for Fast, Easy Learning

Group of students studying Bible

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Practical neuroscience and how your brain is wired to learn and think are the keys to successful, self-directed, accelerated learning. Few people know that a secret to fast, easy learning is teaching someone who is interested in the same subject you want to learn. This method reduces traditional learning time by 50% or more. When people of like-mind come together and learn from each other, by teaching one another, the highest form of collaborative learning occurs.

William Glasser, MD, American psychiatrist and author says:

“We LEARN:

  • 10% of what we read
  • 20% of what we hear
  • 30% of what we see
  • 50% of what we both hear and see
  • 70% of what is discussed with others
  • 80% of what we experience personally
  • 95% of what we TEACH to someone else”

It’s really quite easy to reach that 95% plateau referred to by Dr. Glasser. The first practical neuroscience principle embedded in this model is that multi-sensory learning increases retention. The second principle is that teaching strengthens your resolve through a personal commitment to a fellow learner. The third principle is that there is a synergy of minds joined to learn something together.

The following steps will guide you through the process:

Step 1: Identify the benefits

Document the benefits desired from the learning experience upon which you are about to embark. Learning is voluntary and your brain must have powerful reasons and positive emotions to stay focused, particularly when distractions arise and available time seems to diminish. Ask yourself questions like: Why do I want to engage in this learning process? What are my desired outcomes? How will I and/or others benefit from my newly acquired knowledge and skills? How will I feel, as I progress and reach my goals? Will I be happy that I expended energy and time for this learning experience one year from now? Be sure to commit your ideas in a visual form like a “mind map.”

Step 3: Identify learning resources

Use your instincts, when selecting ways to search for resources. They may include consulting with a subject matter expert, Googling key words or browsing the subject area of a library or book store. Your instincts will guide you to research methods that will be most effective for you. Think about your strongest sensory pathways to learn (Auditory, Visual, and Kinesthetic), when selecting your resources or courses. As an example, if you are a strong Kinesthetic learner, you will want a hands-on approach, as well as to be physically comfortable and have the ability to move about. Most people least prefer Auditory learning, so lectures and audio tapes would typically represent a poor choice.

Step2: Select another person or two interested in your subject

This is the most important part of the process. Find people you get along with, who have similar interests and values.  Share your reasons for learning and ideas about learning resources. Discuss the ways your “learning team” prefers to learn and think. This will guide your “learning plan.” Be sure to develop goals and milestones to measure progress. Create visual documentation of this process and review it from time to time.

Step 3: Teach one another

Teaching one another will come naturally and easily from the previous steps. The process may be a combination of self-directed learning, coupled with email and interpersonal interactions. Consider video conferencing when face-to-face meetings are not possible. Communicate key learning points and insights. Socratic questions are always a great way to learn. The more questions the better; the brain that composes a great question already has an inkling of the answer. It’s only a matter of time until awareness, connections and break-through learning occur. The time frame is accelerated when two or more people engage in the Socratic process.

In conclusion, teaching is the highest form of learning. It’s fun, easy and quickens the learning process. You can trust your brain and the brains of your “learning team” to achieve outcomes beyond your wildest dreams.

 

©2011 The Hadron Group, Inc.  All rights reserved

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June 29, 2011

A Neuroscience View of Learning Styles

learning styles

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The term “learning styles” is often associated with academic and educational applications. The traditional definition of “learning styles,” however, is a small and incomplete slice of the overall contextual understanding required for successful learning and teaching outcomes. It’s no wonder why there is sometimes controversy and confusion about “learning styles.”

My organization has been working in the field of practical neuroscience since 1992, building brain-based human development products for academic success, personal development and business applications. The purpose of this article is to expand the definition of “learning styles,” so learners and teachers alike can embrace and utilize this essential knowledge. The core principles apply to the totality of life, not just the classroom.

What are “Learning Styles?”

Each person has unique brain pathways preferences to take in and think about sensory information.

  • Sensory Pathways: Visual (seeing), Auditory (listening) and Kinesthetic (hands-on)
  • Cognitive PathWays: Sequential (logical), Global (big picture) and Integrated (cognitively balanced)

A person’s “learning style” is frequently described as their strongest or primary sensory pathway to learn (e.g. being “kinesthetic”). This is a very limited and incomplete way of viewing “learning styles.” The sequence of sensory preferences is important because it takes two or more sensory pathways to lock in received information. As examples, some people need to “see it and hear it,” others may want to “do it and see it,” and some may prefer to “hear it and do it.”

The various sensory sequences are: KVA, KAV, VKA, VAK, AKV and AVK. (K = Kinesthetic,V = Visual, A = Auditory) The lowest sensory score is what you pay least attention to and is called a “blind spot.” Most students are KVA and VKA. Think about the learning challenges of these students, who least prefer listening to the meaning of words, when trying to learn in a lecture setting, with a minimum of visual material and things to do.

The other half of the “learning styles” equation is how you prefer to process or think about sensory information. Some people favor learning and working in predictable, logical, orderly, and process-driven environments. Others require open-ended situations, moving from task to task, and using their imagination to learn and work optimally. The cognitive differences between Sequential and Global thinkers are often overlooked in both the classroom and workplace. It’s frequently the defining factor in achieving successful academic and career outcomes.

An expanded neuroscience definition of “learning styles” is a person’s sensory sequence to take in information and their cognitive preferences to process it. The combination of sensory and cognitive pathways is our representational system for life. It gives us the ability to learn, express, perform, think, solve problems and make decisions.

Who Should Know About “Learning Styles?”

The first and most important person to possess “learning style” knowledge is the “learner.” That’s why putting this information and data in the hands of teachers, alone, provides limited and sometimes disappointing outcomes.

Learning goes well beyond the classroom, self-study or online courses. Our brains are continually receiving sensory information, making choices, reaching conclusions, solving problems, and expressing. These processes constitute the flow and fabric of our lives. Therefore, everyone can benefit from knowing how their brains are wired and what makes them tick.

Reasons to share your “learning styles” information with others (e.g. teachers, spouse, co-workers and friends) include improving communications so they can transmit on your “wavelength.” It’s also helpful, in the workplace, to align work activities with brain strengths. Alignment improves morale, engagement and productivity.

What is the Role of Teachers?

I believe successful teachers are continuous learners, who are passionate about their careers. They learn from their students and exchange “best practices” with other teachers. Teachers know that students learn for their own reasons, not those of the teacher. Great teachers encourage their students to discover how their brains prefer to learn and think. They coach them to take responsibility for their own learning and leverage their brain strengths. Successful teachers establish safe and non-judgmental environments. They provide learning resources and encourage their students to teach one another; the highest form of learning is teaching.

Summary

The neuroscience meaning of “learning styles” is the foundation for accelerated learning, successful careers, better relationships and personal growth. Knowing how your brain prefers to learn and think is the key to a better and less stressful life. Everyone interested in improving their quality-of-life will benefit from this important knowledge.

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June 16, 2011

Mining Your Global Brain for Creative Solutions

Global Creativity

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It’s a positive trend that people in all walks of life are talking about being more creative to solve their personal problems. Leaders in business and government seem to be acknowledging, more and more, that their thinking of the past was inadequate and is incapable of solving the problems they created. Yet, few people have the knowledge and tools to consciously tap into their creative brain strengths and those of their trusted advisors to construct new and better outcomes.

The Hadron Group, Inc. has been collecting worldwide sensory and cognitive thinking data since 1993. The data shows there are more Sequential thinkers than Global thinkers and it appears that this trend is strengthening. Sequential thinkers tend to apply logic, variations and iterations of past methods to solve problems. This approach may not get to the core of the problem. It limits recontextualizing the situation and creates mental and emotional barriers to identify new ways to achieve new outcomes.

People with strong Global cognitive preferences are naturally wired to think systemically, see the big picture and live in their world of possibilities and options. Sequential thinkers of the world can readily put on their “Global thinking hats” and tap into their creative potential by using powerful and practical neuroscience methods.

Imagine what our future would be like if more people used their “Global Brain” potential for creating sustainable solutions for greater prosperity, job security, safety and peace-of-mind. Practical neuroscience holds the keys and promise to tap into the greatest power on earth, brainpower.

The following methods apply to any individuals and groups desirous of creating and implementing new and better outcomes.

Environment

Informal and relaxed physical environments help slow your brain wave frequency down into the Alpha state (typically 8 -14 cycles per second). Strive for a warm and comfortable setting, dim light, casual and comfy furniture and background classical music. These environmental elements are conducive to “Global thinking.”

Socratic Questions

Examples include: What outcomes are we are experiencing now? Which ones do we want to keep and which ones do we discard? What new outcomes will serve others and us in better ways? What are the possibilities and options that align with our new outcomes? Are we willing to embrace new ways to move into the future and release the past? What are the long-term benefits of our ideas? Do all parties benefit? Is our thinking inclusive and sustainable?

Mind Map

Mind mapping is a “whole brain” methodology. A Mind Map uses key words, symbols, imagery and color to visually depict and capture ideas, situations and thinking. It’s great for problem solving, planning, studying and communicating. Mind Mapping was developed by Tony Buzan in the ’70s, as an alternative to traditional “outlining” that tends to be a linear and sequential process.

Tap Into Your Creative Sensory Pathway

Everyone has a sensory mode that acts as his or her “creative pathway.” For some people it’s Auditory, for others it may be Visual or Kinesthetic. A statistically validated survey accurately determines your sensory sequence that constitutes your strengths and “creative pathway.” Breakthrough thinking occurs quickly when you “turn off” one of your sensory strengths and pay attention to your “creative pathway.”

Additional Hot Tips

  • If ideas do not spring forth immediately, relax and be confident that your unconscious mind is silently and diligently processing the situation. It needs clearly defined desired outcomes to do its work brilliantly. Expect and be prepared for inspiration and breakthrough thinking to occur, perhaps in unexpected ways. Mr. Singer got his inspiration for the sewing machine needle from a dream of savage natives holding spears with holes in the points.
  • Document all ideas, even ones that seem silly, irrelevant or disconnected. They may be the seeds or catalyst for the zinger ideas and concepts for which you are searching.
  • Apply sequential thinking, planning and implementation processes to the best and highest serving ideas and solutions that come from the process of mining the global brain for creativity.
  • Enlist the aid of your trusted advisors for big challenges and problems.

In conclusion, strong Sequential thinkers can be powerful and effective creative thinkers by combining Environment, Socratic Questions, Mind Mapping and their Creative Sensory PathWays. It takes the full range of cognitive thinking to create a “whole brain.” Diversity of thinking styles is desirable and healthy in families, teams and organizations. Otherwise, they are not playing with a “full deck” and may be missing important elements of analyzing and solving problems and identifying opportunities and risks.

 
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May 25, 2011

The Secret Connection Between Music and Performance Excellence

Listening to Music on the Train

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Have you ever wondered how to boost your personal performance, when learning, working and problem solving? Do you enjoy listening to music? Most people would agree that music has a powerful effect on their mood and state of mind. Music can create an almost instantaneous change in how we feel and our energy level. The evidence is in, both scientifically and anecdotally, that you can power boost your performance by aligning specific music selections with specific activities. You have nothing to lose by trying these practical neuroscience-based practices. The worst case scenario is that you will enjoy the music.

Studies by the National Academy of Sciences suggest that background music stimulates the brain to absorb and retain knowledge. Georgi Lozanov, referred to as the “father of accelerated learning,” advocates the use of music, as it has an observable effect on retention and memory. Don Campbell popularized the idea that listening to Mozart (The Mozart Effect) improves learning performance and IQ. Neuroscientists have since reported that the effects of classical music are temporary and there is no long-term improvement on IQ. This finding is positive, however, because the disagreement between Don Campbell’s work and the neuroscience community centers on how long the improvement lasts and the exact nature of the improvement, instead of on whether or not there is improvement.

There seems to be universal accord that music has an impact on our mood and temporarily improves performance in different areas. The overarching condition of doing anything well is that we need to be in the proper state of mind. So, why not use music more, even if the effects are short-term?

Music can activate a memory of an event or period of your life. As an example, a childhood song like “Old McDonald Had a Farm” may seem playful, silly and funny. However, it may create feelings of sadness depending on what was happening when the song anchored the memory. A happy song played during a gloomy and difficult experience will likely trigger sad and depressing feelings when you hear it. The common sense approach is to select music that helps you feel motivated, energized,safe, secure, confident and competent. These are prerequisites for consistent performance excellence.

Music with lyrics are best for breaks between activities, recreational listening and elevating your energy levels. Listening to words is likely to distract you when learning or working. When you listen to music with words, be aware of the meaning of the words. They may affect your mood as much as the melody. The benefits of an upbeat and energizing melody with a pleasing rhythm may be cancelled out by negative and wounding words.

Classical music has the soundest scientific and experiential base to improve learning and cognitive performance. The following list is a way to get started with accelerated learning and breakthrough thinking.

Active Learning- read material, aloud or silently, for the first time to the beat of the music.

Mozart (According to Don Campbell, Mozart strengthens the mind.)

Brahms: Violin Concerto in D major

Beethoven: Concerto #5 for piano – E Flat major; Concerto for Violin in D major

Memorizing- play while reading material (aloud or silently) you need to memorize for meetings, interviews, negotiations, presentations, trainings or examinations.

Bach: BrandenburgConcertos; Preludes and Fugues for Organ

Vivalidi: The Four Seasons; Five Concertos for Flute

Handel: Water Music; Royal Fireworks Music

Creativity - play while problem solving, “brainstorming,” creative writing, doing art, inventing.

Tchaikovsky, P.: The Nutcracker Suite

Debussy: La mer; Prelude a l’apres midi d’un Faun

Ravel: Daphne et Chloe

In conclusion, music may not increase your long-term IQ, but it sure will accelerate your learning, memory and creativity. Besides, performance may be more important than IQ. Music affects your mood and state of mind. Even if you don’t consider yourself “musical,” you can still receive positive effects.

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May 13, 2011

A Vision for Manifesting Success in This Century of the Brain

Success

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Psychology, business models and self-improvement programs have taken us to a place where the velocity of individual and organizational development seems to have slowed down. And, the number and gravity of our individual and world problems have accelerated. We may be hitting our heads on the ceiling of solutions.

Individuals are looking for powerful ways to experience greater prosperity, have fulfilling careers, improve their personal relationships and leap-frog their lives forward. Leaders in business, government, healthcare, science and all important fields are more eager and open-minded to trying new approaches to solve their problems. The thinking of the past is incapable of solving the problems they created.

People from all walks of life want a better life and a better world to live in. It’s becoming more obvious each day that our local and global problems are interconnected. We have daunting challenges involving economic stability, employment opportunities, family prosperity, a more peaceful world, environmental issues, healthy food and clean water. There seems to be a greater awareness amongst more people that we are in this together and that we all had a small role in creating the mess.

Practical neuroscience may be one of the last frontiers for human development. The Vision for the Century of the Brain is intended to inspire and guide individuals and leaders in all walks of life to use brainpower to solve problems and create a better world.

Vision for the Century of the Brain

As we enter the Century of the Brain, we see a world where women and men of good will and shared intentions come together for manifesting positive changes in their lives without hindering or harming anyone else’s dreams. We work and think smarter, not harder. We know that the power of our brains and neuroscience is the key to manifesting what we want and avoiding what we don’t want. Conscious thought and action amongst integrous people becomes a transformative power for good.

We remember that great ideas originate from individual and collective imagination. Family units, small groups, organizational teams and leaders in all field of endeavor work together to define their desired outcomes, ideate the possibilities and create action plans that manifest their pictures of success. Joining like minds amplifies the power within and we use it wisely. Fear and negative emotions are strangers here.

We know, use and trust our brains. Instinctually, we attract and join with minds that align with our highest values and intentions. Celebrating success and the success of others is a way of life. Our miraculous brains connect us with one another and the divine.

In conclusion, if you align with the intention and central ideas contained in this Vision please share it with others. Practical neuroscience may be the unrecognized solution to our individual, family, organizational and world problems. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain by using the scientific principles of leveraging brainpower. I believe we will see and experience what seem to be “miracles” when we join our minds and hearts; besides, it will be a fun and rewarding experience with a big “wow factor.”

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May 6, 2011

Who Can You Trust in These Troubled Times?

Trust

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Who is the most trustworthy person you know? If you name someone other than yourself, this article will give you priceless insights and information to move your life forward at lightning speed. If you can’t trust yourself, how can you trust others? Learn the reasons why you can trust your brain, the knowledge it holds and its amazing problem solving ability. Then, learn how to identify people with the best potential to become your trusted advisors so you can achieve more of what you want in life including greater prosperity, a fulfilling career and better relationships.

Trust Your Brainpower

Did you know that your brain is the only known organism in the entire universe capable of analyzing itself? It weighs in at about a whopping 3 pounds and is equipped with approximately 100 billion neurons that build the networks for memory and problem solving. Your brain has the same potential as the brain of Albert Einstein or any other genius you admire. That means it’s not how many neurons you have but how you use them. Pretty mind blowing, isn’t it?

Your brain takes in sensory information continuously on conscious and unconscious levels. You are bombarded with visual, kinesthetic, auditory, olfactory and taste inputs, even when you sleep. Your memory bank is a rich treasure chest filled with life experiences, facts and figures. It’s your representational system to navigate life. You have the cognitive ability to access memory, continuously learn and improve, solve problems and make decisions. The potential of your brain to achieve what you can imagine, plan and implement is limitless.

A good start to understanding and using your brainpower is determining your sensory and cognitive thinking strengths and “blind spots.” Be sure to select a trustworthy service provider having a statistically validated survey and practical neuroscience tools customized to your sensory score sequences and cognitive thinking preferences.

How to Make Good Personal Decisions

First, decide on the outcomes you want to experience. Be as specific as you can; use numbers, dates, and vivid descriptions of what you really want. Avoid stating what you don’t want as your brain will arrow in on these thoughts and give you more of what you want to avoid.

Next, ask yourself the following questions when looking at the possible solutions: “What looks, feels and sounds the best to me?” “What seems the most logical and at the same time has potential growth and opportunities?” “Will I regret or be happy with this decision in 3 years?” “Will I have caused any harm to myself or others as a result of this decision?” You can trust your brain to give you responses to these questions.

Trusted Advisors Multiply Your Brainpower

Trusted advisors help you achieve your goals faster and with less stress. They fill in the gaps left by what you can’t do or need to learn. Trusted advisors are a comfort when you feel alone. They can also help you make more accurate decisions and avoid potential pitfalls.

Decide, thoughtfully, who your trusted advisors are. These people help you with life challenges regarding finances, childcare, health, career and relationships. The most important criteria for your trusted advisors is that their fundamental values are equal to or higher than yours. Values drive behavior and outcomes. You want advice and ideas that are based on high values that serve you and others in good ways. Be sure your trusted advisors also have the experience and knowledge you need.

You may be surprised at how many of the people you respect and admire will be honored and thrilled to be considered your trusted advisor. Also, ask your trusted advisors how you may be of service to them. You may be stunned by how they view your gifts and what you have to offer them in return for helping you. Giving and receiving are two sides of the same coin.

In conclusion, you need to trust your brain before seeking trusted advisors. Your brain is the most miraculous mass of protoplasm known to mankind. Becoming better acquainted with your brain strengths and “blind spots” actually strengthens them. Neuroplasticity is the mechanism for continuous learning, cognitive problem solving and decision-making. Imagination is your greatest gift, coupled with your ability to take action, to leapfrog your life forward beyond your wildest dreams.

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April 25, 2011

Help Wanted: Neuro-Magicians for the Century of the Brain

Merlin dictating his prophecies to his scribe,...

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Have you ever been intrigued by Merlin of King Arthur days, Harry Potter or Harry Houdini? Perhaps you are a candidate for becoming a modern day neuro-magician. Neuro-magician is a newly coined term inspired by one of the last frontiers in human development…”unleashing the power of the brain.” Very few people understand how their brains are wired or how to leverage their brain strengths to create solutions to their family, career, relationship, academic and life issues. Few leaders know the neuroscience principles of motivation, communication effectiveness, accelerated learning, productivity, creative problem solving and accurate decision-making. Most people do not know how to motivate themselves and others in healthy and sustainable ways. Practical neuroscience is the unrecognized solution to these vexing human and organizational problems that psychology and business models have failed to solve.

Who are the Neuro-Magicians?

It’s been said that magic and the supernatural are the “natural” not yet understood. Make no mistake, practical neuroscience is not a magical art, although the effects may seem that way.

Neuro-magicians are people like you, who are interested in creating a better life for themselves and others using brainpower. They come from all walks of life; there are no socioeconomic barriers. Neuro-magicians are role models, coaches, educators and practitioners of practical neuroscience. They are change agents, helping people and organizations solve problems involving prosperity, health, hunger, safety, the environment, personal growth and peace-of-mind.

What do they know and hold true?

Neuro-magicians know there are no secrets to utilizing practical neuroscience for a better life. The principles and practices of practical neuroscience are safe, available and transparent. Neuro-magicians know their sensory and cognitive brain strengths and “blind spots”, and they understand how to leverage their strengths for life success.They know focused and emotionally energized thought creates reality, and that joined minds sharing high values and common goals may be the most powerful force on earth. Neuro-magicians take care of their brains and bodies for sound health, clear thinking and cognitive agility. Most importantly, they know they can make a difference in their lives, families, workplaces and causes about which they are passionate.

What are the Levels?

  • Fledgling: Learn and use their brain strengths for a better life, ideal career, harmonious relationships and accelerated personal development
  • Advanced: Role model and teach others what they have learned in their family, social circles and workplace
  • Master: Teach and coach scientists, environmentalists, educators, politicians and leaders in all important fields how to manifest positive outcomes without doing harm to anyone using the principles of practical neuroscience. Master level neuro-magicians know how to integrate brainpower, quantum physics, imagination, intellectual logic, knowledge, experience, common goals, high values and effective action plans to achieve monumental positive outcomes to daunting problems. They help organize and facilitate groups of like-minded people to multiply their brainpower, thus forming critical mass for change.

In summary, the work of neuro-magicians may appear magical or supernatural because few people know how to leverage the power of their brains and the brains of their trusted advisors. Nearly anyone can become a neuro-magician and get immediate results. It starts with leveraging your brainpower strengths in your personal life. This knowledge and competency is then extended to your family, friends, workplace and the causes in which you are interested. You will be surprised at how very few people it takes to create a critical mass for positive change. Will you be one of the pioneer neuro-magicians in this Century of the Brain?

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March 30, 2011

Strengthen Your Sequential Thinking Skills for Life Success

A photo of The Thinker by Rodin located at the...

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Society values sequential thinking skills because a large percentage of work and daily activities require this cognitive strength. Sequential thinkers have strong organizational skills and are good at staying on task, while following logical and orderly processes and procedures. Even simple daily personal tasks like preparing a budget, balancing your checking account, planning a shopping trip or driving to work require use of sequential competencies.

The majority of people have sequential cognitive preferences over global thinking strengths, as measured, using statistically validated surveys, by the Hadron Group, Inc. since 1993. This article will help thinkers in all categories expand and strengthen their sequential competencies by using reliable and safe neuroscience principles and practices.

Sequential Competencies

Sequential thinking and sequential activities involve logic, order, realism, practicality, timelines, attention to detail and organization. Global thinking and global activities involve imagination, seeing the “big picture,” ideation, invention and discovering new possibilities and options.

Sequential competencies are required for accounting, budgeting, compiling, developing spreadsheets, entering data, doing mathematical computations, making decisions from data and statistics, meeting timetables, organizing, prioritizing, scheduling, staying on task, tactical planning and implementation, and following processes and procedures. These are all important elements for a practical and smooth running world.

Best Physical Environment for Performing Sequential Activities

Performing sequential activities requires focus and concentration. Otherwise, mistakes and accidents may occur. The best physical environment is a combination of as many of these conditions possible:

  • Cool Temperature: Avoiding the warm conditions conducive to daydreaming and napping helps keep you awake and alert.
  • Bright Light: Natural or incandescent light helps keep you focused and illuminates what you need to see to do the sequential task accurately.
  • Quiet: To minimize auditory distractions, consider wearing earplugs or listening to classical music. Some work situations require listening to commands and being alert to equipment sounds and horns. Therefore, use common sense for this suggestion.
  • Formal Seating: A straight back or ergonomic chair at a table or desk is ideal for performing sequential activities. Avoid an overly comfortable environment that tends to relax you and decrease focus and concentration.
  • Avoid Intake While Working: Drinking beverages and eating only during breaks or at mealtime helps keep you on-task. Consider using intake as a reward for completing a milestone.

These physical environments set the stage for performing sequential activities at high levels of performance. The themes are focus, concentration and staying on task while following logical processes.

Strengthening Your Sequential Competencies

“What you give attention to gets stronger” is a foundational neuroscience principle. Strengthening your sequential cognitive thinking powers enables you to think more logically and to perform a broader range of sequential activities at higher levels of excellence.

  • Do More Sequential Activities: Engaging with more sequential activities strengthens and builds new neuro-pathways, similarly to growing the root system of a tree. Also, as you continue to increase the complexity level of your sequential activities, you get stronger and more confident.
  • Identify Strong Sequential Coaches: These are co-workers, friends and family members, who exhibit the characteristics of sequential performance excellence. Ask your coaches for advice, counsel and best practices. Observe them doing sequential work. Work side by side and ask them to critique your work.
  • Pre-Flight Check List Before Performing Sequential Activities: Use the following check list to assure you are ready to engage and have the proper resources in place to perform in a safe and resourceful manner:
    • Recommended physical environment in place?
    • Personal physical, mental and emotional readiness?
    • Required equipment, tools and material on-hand and in good working order?
    • People available for help and quality control checks?
  • In-Flight Check List While Performing Sequential Activities: Periodically and during breaks think about these subjects as a performance check and basis for continuous improvement:
    • Following prescribed processes and procedure?
    • Completing work to performance standards (Quality and quantity)?
    • Personal physical, mental and emotional state to continue work?
    • Areas for improvement?

Summary

You can expand and strengthen your sequential cognitive competencies by engaging in more challenging sequential activities, performing these activities in prescribed physical environments, having a sequential thinking coach, and implementing your pre-flight and in-flight check lists. Trust practical neuroscience and your miraculous brain will raise your performance levels beyond what you may have thought possible.

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March 23, 2011

Watch Sparks Fly Between Sequential and Global Thinkers

Sparks of fire

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Watch the sparks fly when people, having radically different ways of thinking, interact with one another at work, home and social gatherings. If your cognitive strength is Sequential thinking (e.g. logical and orderly), you likely perceive people with Global thinking strengths as impractical and unrealistic dreamers. If your strength is Global thinking (e.g. imagination and ideating), you may view and describe Sequential thinkers as unoriginal and tedious plodders.

The Destructive Sparks of Judgment

People having similar interests, goals and personality tend to attract one another. Interpersonal conflict occurs when people are not aware of each other’s unique ways to learn, think, work, communicate, solve problems and make decisions. This potential conflict has no boundaries. It occurs between spouses, family members, friends and co-workers. Love, friendship and common goals are not always sufficient for harmonious relationships.

All too often, people hold the opinion that the way they think and process information is the “right way” and perhaps the “only way.” The destructive sparks from people with diverse brain strengths clashing with one another can cause interpersonal conflict and stress. Clashes like this also limit the possibility of mutual understanding and growth. These are the sparks of judgment and closed minds. Left unattended, they result in divorce, wounded relationships and unhappy careers.

Subtle and Big Dangers

People having the same cognitive thinking strengths often get along with one another and experience high levels of rapport and agreement. Similar thinking strengths attract. The absence of “sparks” gives them a false sense of security that all is well and they are on the right path. The danger is that they may be operating in a lopsided cognitive manner and missing a whole brained approach to life and what they are doing together.

Sequential Cognitive Thinking “Blind Spots”

Sequential thinkers’ “blind spots” are what they pay least attention to and are the strengths of Global thinkers. Sequential thinkers tend to approach projects and problems in an organized and logical manner, overlooking the larger sphere of options and possibilities. Their focus and attention to detail, order, accuracy and timeliness shunts their attention from context, purpose and desired outcomes. While being highly productive and keeping within budget, sequential thinkers may not give adequate time thinking about the bigger picture, what’s changing in the world, optimum direction and best ways to proceed. They may miss seeing both risks and opportunities around them due to their “blind spots.”

Global Cognitive Thinking “Blind Spots”

Global thinkers’ “blind spots” are Sequential thinkers’ strengths. Global thinkers approach their personal and professional life from an orientation to the future. They live in their imagination doing creative problem solving, ideating new possibilities and inventing things. Global thinkers’ focus on future outcomes tends to isolate them from the practicalities of what needs to be accomplished to achieve the outcome they envision. Global “blind spots” include absence of time requirements, logic, orderliness, realism, identifying obstacles, getting other people on-board with their ideas and developing a comprehensive tactical implementation plan. Global thinkers have challenges getting single tasks accomplished with high levels of productivity.

The Challenge

The challenge is to acknowledge, respect and join global and sequential cognitive thinking strengths to create a “whole brain” approach. This applies to all human interactions from intimate relationships to entire organizations. Joining minds of diverse strengths is the key to creating positive and sustainable change through continuous improvement. The challenge involves suspending judgment that one way of thinking is the best way and to embrace brain strength diversity. Integrous people know and leverage their strengths and the strengths of others.

In Conclusion

People who know how to identify, align with and leverage each other’s brain strengths experience rapport and understanding. They solve problems, make sound decisions and move mountains. Brains working together collaboratively are like millions of spark plugs creating new neuro-pathways where every participant is a benefactor. The effect is radically different from watching sparks fly from people not acknowledging, respecting and leveraging each other’s brain strengths.

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March 16, 2011

Communicating on Their Wavelength: How to Connect With Kinesthetic Communicators

Talking while walking

Image by k_paulinka via Flickr

Do you have a spouse, friend or business associate with strong preferences for Kinesthetic communications? If you communicate similarly to them, you probably have some natural rapport based on physical action, movement and touch as a preferred way to receive information. If you prefer Visual (seeing information) or Auditory (hearing information) interactions over Kinesthetic, you and the other person may be experiencing strained and difficult communications. This is because both of you may not be receiving information on your preferred “wavelengths”, thus creating misunderstandings and frustration.

Everyone has their own unique and distinct preferences for taking in and processing sensory information, instructions, directions, requests and questions. When you customize and align your “transmitting style” with another’s preferred “receiving style,” you increase the probability for greater rapport and understanding. This neuroscience principle has enormous implications in all human relationships.

The following steps help you identify and connect with the Kinesthetic communicators in your life. Powerful neuroscience tools tune you into “kinesthetic wavelength” preferences to receive information, resulting in instant rapport, understanding and respect.

Step I: Identifying Kinesthetic Communicators

  • Strengths: Moving into physical action quickly, with a minimum of visual and auditory information; hands-on activities; operating vehicles, equipment and tools;“gut feel” for people and situations

  • Irritations: Physical discomfort; confined spaces; delays and obstacles; insufficient hands-on activities and things to physically do; long meetings with infrequent breaks; people who talk at rapid rates of speed
  • Enjoy: Hands-on activities; driving and moving about; building and repairing things; travel; sports; touching

Step II: Connecting to Kinesthetic Communicators

  • Universal Strategies: Seek to understand the other person’s point-of-view before expressing yours. Allow people to complete their thoughts and expressions before asking questions and trying to “second guess” what they are thinking. Make no assumptions and stay in the present moment. Keep an open mind.

  • Environment: Select a comfortable environment with freedom to move about. Kinesthetic communicators usually respond positively to taking a walk, playing golf, driving and mealtime communications. Having things to handle (e.g. koosh ball, models, table-toys, pens and pencils) facilitates their processing.

  • Primary Strategies: Kinesthetic communicators need to process what they see and/or hear with movement and physical action. Provide things to look at and touch. Combine walking, meals and field trips with discussions or reviewing materials. When pauses occur, allow time for “kinesthetic processing” (getting a feel for the information or situation.) Match their vocal speed; don’t talk too fast. Allow breaks every 20 minutes. Think: “What is their body language telling me? How can I incorporate more physical action into our communications?”

  • Use Kinesthetic Language: Kinesthetic communicators use and prefer language like: Feels good/bad. I have a gut feel about this. Let’s do it. I have a handle on this. Pull some strings. Get moving.

In conclusion, it’s easy to identify and connect with Kinesthetic communicators using simple and powerful neuroscience tools. This brain-based approach tunes you into their preferred “kinesthetic wavelength” to receive information, which results in instant rapport, understanding and respect. These principles and practices are applicable to intimate relationships, families, business, government and sales situations. How and what to communicate are two sides of the same coin. Most people focus on the “what” and wonder why some communications fail.

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