Benefiting at work from Brain Based Insights

Ellen - I like to talk about ideas with people. The thing about reading is that it's often the fuel for those discussions. As with everything - you just need to be well rounded. My new thing is the arts - must be all that right brain stuff I've been writing about!

What a great idea to meld language smarts together with interpersonal smarts Ann.... It's a winning combination for any visionary.... That would make a fun book.... Have you thought of writing one for business leaders?

I was reminded when watching "Akeelah and the Bee" that we increase our vocabulary and acumen of words as we read more. Language is power in a sense because so much of our endeavors are language based so that as you increase your vocabulary you increase your ability to communicate as well. People with a good sense of vocabulary are often able to write more proficiently and attain better work positions. The number of words people in a culture need to know, says much about that culture itself!

Robyn, thanks for stopping by.... You make a good case for the words that win positions for some and lack of words that limit others.... What do you think of disadvantages brought to people in other cultures at work because of their use of words in different ways? Any ideas?

Fact is that some people go the extra mile to attain a high level of literacy when they come to the U.S. A few obtain PhD's as a way to excel and attain "status" in this culture. This trait is called "high literacy." I have friends from China, Korea, South America and Russia who have accomplished this. That's just one example.

I say books is gooood. I generally have four or five open around the house, and a stack of four or five or more on deck. Next on my list is 'Leave Me Alone, I'm Reading: Finding And Losing Myself In Books' by Maureen Corrigan. I can't wait.

Ok ...John.... I'm in on that one too.... Great news.... Thanks, cause I had no idea it was out! I hope you'll blog on it too.... One more book for me this week... then I swear I might just take Einstein's advice myself ... and balance out my reading more...What makes me me thinking many of us bloggers are likely addicted to books...?

Looking at the other side of the question you asked me, Ellen, I think folks in a workplace can go a long way to communicate with a person from another culture who does not speak English by using friendly body language, and attempting to learn a few phrases in the other person's language can do much to enhance a work culture where not all folks speak English. Reading a book from that culture and seeing a foreign film developed in that country can really enhance our understanding. Books and language enhance our lives in many ways!!

Being a bookworm myself, reading has helped me tremendously in my own writing and vocabulary skills. A book has the power to transform your world for the better, give you a different perspective of life, or simply entertain your creative mind.