When people are faced with choices that involve risk, the human brain leaps into conflicts that only reflective thinkers can sort out well. How so?
Believe it or not, smart neurons actually tend to make dumb choices at tim
es — all because of complex chemical processes.
Take a person who weighs the risk factors for a big promotion.
That person’s front brain might tell him this position would be sheer misery. It highlights the facts … such as … the new CEO’s arrogance … or workers’ well known apathy in the new department.
That’s only one side though, and while it may make sense to the front brain the middle brain refuses to listen. Instead that area of the brain shows only sheer delights from a big raise in salary, new respect from friends because of the promotion, and opportunities to make exciting changes in the firm. That's not all....
Meanwhile, the midbrain offers little help in the decision itself … except that it releases dopamine, and balances sleep and wakefulness. This role allows a person to draw on more intrapersonal intelligence to discern between opposite perspectives.
So how do smart neurons make dumb choices? Decision-making draws into play neural systems, chemical messengers and the biology of reward. Can you see why it’s best to take time and look closer at opposing views before choosing your best option?
» Try This Brain Teaser for a Spin from BrainBasedBusiness
Robyn McMaster’s looking for brain teasers and I have one for the kinesthetic intelligence - that few can solve. It involve one side of the brain refusing to cooperate with the other. If you’ve run into any conflicts lately that... [Read More]
Tracked on: August 19, 2007 7:14 PM | Permalink to Trackback