Benefiting at work from Brain Based Insights

Today I happened to hit on an amazing site – and met Paula Jagemann who seems to hold doors ajar in ways that welcome in readers to a learner's feast. Talk about an entrepreneur’s mind!

The post was titled … You Never Stop Learning … and it reminded me of the great philosopher Alfred Whitehead’s call to ... Romance the Joy of Learning!

Paula opens refreshing doors to new thinking … through her invitation to suggest unique ideas for sparking learning in others. Now you see why her blog struck a delightful chord.

In fact I’d like to suggest five brain based thoughts that popped into my head:

1). Encourage people to draw from their unique mix of intelligences … in ways that inspire them to take the next step with their strengths in mind. Start with a simple MI survey to show people just how many intelligences they have … and soon after they’ll tell you how many are hidden or unused.

2). Ask people a two footed question – the way Paula asks great probes in her blog … but run from lectures that work against the human brain. Let people do the learning – and show them why it’s significant that their dendrite brain cells will rewire as they sleep nightly. If you do get stuck in brain dead meetings … try these 6 words to shift more brain back into gear. 

3. Inspire people to jump on solutions – for every problem they see or identify. If it’s worth naming it – it’s usually possible to solve the problem you face. Did you know that each time you solve a problem successfully, your brain’s plasticity reboots for even finer solutions? Sound like a recipe for the entrepreneur in you?

4. Run from negative people and cynics who tend to drain talent. especially avoid venting which  adds stress that literally shrinks your brain and shuts it down! Build neuron pathways beyond blame and you are likely well on your way to a successful entrepreneurial venture.

5. Focus on tone to the finish lines.  The tone you use at work daily will literally help to regulate the natural chemicals in your brain that work for or against innovation. The most successful entrepreneurs often simply stick a neuron in their head and laugh things off. Do you?

This post is simply one tiny step in the delightful direction Paula is running with wonderfully compelling ideas. Yet she sparked my own curiosity and love for learning … and for teams with zip that moves you in the direction of another invention. Now that’s learning – with the brain in mind!

Does it happen where you work?