Question: Can we isolate our behavior from our environment? Which one is doing the driving? I wonder what would be more effective, a group of advanced minds in a poorly structured corporation or a team of average minds in a great structure? Chuck
Rich Trafton replies: There is no question that we are all fully embedded in our environment. To think about our behavior separate from our environment is futile. That is not to say that we can’t do a lot to shape our own environment. When we strive for an effective, integrated balance between old and new brain behavior, our lives get better, even if the environment doesn’t change. Read more…
The two co-founders of the New Brain for Business Institute answer your questions.
Question: Our human brain is arguably the most complex mystery yet discovered in our universe. It is capable of both the most basic and the most creative functions due to our developed neocortex. If our brain’s evolution is enabling greater creativity, why are our BEHAVIORS so slow to evolve and even destructive? Could the evolution of the brain itself give clues to the necessary evolution of our social systems? Could the brain itself yield insights into the kind of social structures that may have to rise and fall before a higher stability is achieved? C.W., Northeast Texas
Diane Marentette replies: You’re right. The brain has yielded many insights already into the kinds of social structures that can take us to a higher stability, as you aptly put it. For example: we pay people and “manage performance” in ways that manipulate and therefore produce fearful reactions instead of inviting people to be their best. Read more…
Rich talks about why fear isn’t our friend in the workplace. Obviously there is plenty to worry about at work, but it behooves us to reduce fear and fear-producing actions in the workplace at much as possible.
I am already re-reading A New Brain for Business. I found it to be a useful business reference that provided logical approaches and solutions within context to each and every business issue outlined. I am outlining key points from the book for my own quick and easy referral. A New Brain for Business has a utility that I haven’t found as much in other business books. It was a very worthwhile read.
-Leslie Sullivan, Managing Director, Breast Health Global Initiative (BHGI), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
In this post-politically correct era, we hear it all the time - “Be Nice!” Typically what we are encouraging with this advocacy is to avoid being mean, saying things that will hurt others’ feelings, or keeping unhelpful or unwarranted opinions to ourselves. That seems like a good message, in the vein of “Why can’t we all just get along?!” Read more…
