Benefiting at work from Brain Based Insights

Jason shared at a conference I gave on how the brain helps or hinders success at work, "My boss carries this cup around that says “I know it already…” and then the middle manager went on to explain how his boss rarely listens and often interrupts him.  Jason's problem got the entire group thinking about how the human brain likely misses new learning opportunities whenever we think or say, “I know that already…” 

In order to test our hypothesis ... the group looked at opposite sides of hot  issues they'd discussed at work that week.... The goal was to see how an oppposite view can usually offer you new answers. Need solutions  that bring you closer to success on your job? Start with an area you feel strongly about ... then talk to different people until you can articulate their views ...in a way that person would agree with how you described their different ideas ….

This can be fun because it gets you communicating on hot issues ... with people of many ages, backgrounds and experiences.... If you feel immigrants are an asset at work,  talk to a person who feels foreigners detract from the job…. If you think more college degrees should be necessary for promotions at work... talk it over with people who’d rather go with experience instead…. If you feel salaries at your firm are fair for most, talk to people who say they're unfair for some… Do the same to hear opposing views on healthcare, equity, outsourcing, age ... and any other topic that may tempt you to say, “I know that already…”

If the best solutions rarely come to those who sense they “know that already” answers spring alive for  people who  hear, and articulate the other sides. I'm talking about hearing and communicating opposites in a way that those who differ from you ... feel heard and respected. What do you think?