On first glance 5 useful forces in most organizations – look more like benefits than IQ killers. Check again though … and see these workplace dangers disguised as profits.
1. Competition – When not guided – rivalry invites manipulation and false promotion. 
Check out Annalee Newitz’s story of how she bought easy votes at Digg to falsely raise a ridiculous blog onto Digg’s preferred page. Have you ever competed fairly and found the results were fixed?
2. Achievement – Since we now know that intelligence is not fixed … but grows and changes … achievement is lost when it ignores people’s multiple intelligences.
3. Communication – When people vent we’re told … they release pressures. Not so. Sadly … the opposite is true … and venting literally shuts down opportunities as it stomps out brainpower. Dangerous cortisol chemicals increase and spread when people vent.
4. Critique – While critical thinking courses and materials may draw big profits for a few … it fosters common criticism that stomps out innovation. When it comes to brainpower … criticism trumps creativity in circles where these co-exist.
5. Traditions - Fewer people take risks necessary to kick-start their talents … where traditions take precedence over growth. Convention can favor the brain’s basal ganglia and lead to ruts … and many traditions shut out rejuvenation that comes from working memory.
In order to head off dangerous myths that undermine change and growth at work … successful firms rewire for mental prosperity first. Luckily science is shedding light on new ways to increase brainpower that restore workplaces worthy of the American dream. Have you seen it happen?
I had already suspected Digg was rigged. Many who write good stories do not take off and so many stories are submitted that stories sink quickly. It has been my belief that Digg was rigged so I'm glad you had the brainpower to uncover a story to show that is the case.
Posted by: Robyn | April 25, 2008 6:19 AM | Permalink to Comment