INNOVATION March-April 2012

f ea t ures

The Science of

Effective Business Thinking What you need to know about your brain

Moreen Singh

The stress-strain curve can be used to describe the effects our environment has on our brain. In lay terms the stress-strain curve is used in engineering to measure materials’ true elastic limits. Stress is the external pressure or force exerted whereas the strain is the internal change. As stress and strain increase the material reaches its yield point. Left unchecked, the combination of stress and strain will push the material to the failure point. The stress-strain curve applied to those in professional roles paints this picture: external stress causes strain on the resources of the brain. As the brain yields to the unhealthy stress, it begins to undergo neurochemical changes. Left unchecked, the stress-strain relationship changes the neurochemical balance of the brain which in turn affects behaviour and cognitive functions. Working with professionals as an executive coach, I have found that those who use an optimum balance model for energy reserves, problem solving, purpose and composure reduce internal strain and increase their personal yield point. Energy Reserves Do you seem to be forgetting information? Are you gaining weight, have no energy at the end of the day and having a restless sleep? The body is hard-wired to react to stress as it would to protect against a threat to survival. Excessive minor or major hassles that cause stress at work keeps the body’s natural alarm system constantly activated. The impact of cortisol, the primary stress hormone, which contributes to heart disease, sleep problems, digestive problems, depression, obesity, and memory impairment, is widely researched. Recent findings suggest that repeated or chronic stress causes dendritic shortening in the medial prefrontal cortex which disrupts the process by which the brain collects and stores memories. This may explain why individuals have difficulty retaining information during stressful situations. On the positive side, a large body of research exists regarding the benefits of sleep, exercise and nutrition to assist in building resilience. Professionals equipped with this knowledge take control to define and implement their own energy plan. They work to determine the best personal balance for sleep, exercise and diet. I have seen professionals effectively build in ten minute breaks every 90 minutes so they can grab a healthy snack and then focus on their next task. Some even shorten their 60 minute meetings to 50 minutes. Those professionals juggling the demands of career and a young family partner with their spouse and develop a plan which shares the family responsibilities and includes scheduling in exercise time. Brain derived

neurotrophic factor (BDNF) helps us grow new neurons which results in faster learning and better recall. Studies on BDNF protein shows it increases with exercise. Little changes such as bringing a healthy lunch and always taking the stairs can have a large cumulative effect. Tips on Energy Reserves • Define and implement an energy plan. • Take a break after 90 minutes of intense concentration. Problem Solving Do you solve problems with the direct approach? Do you have moments of clarity when the solution presents itself? Professionals tend to use two general strategies to solve problems. One is the systematic evaluation of the problem or challenge, which is typically referred to as analytic. The other is an abrupt emergence of the solution into consciousness commonly referred to as sudden insight. Using an analytic approach engages the left hemisphere of the brain and requires external attentional focus on the source of the imminent problem. This typically is the habitual strategy used by professionals when stressed—these individuals don’t stop to look for a different approach, they choose to drive harder and work longer hours. It typically shows up as increased activity, not increased productivity, and also depletes their energy levels. In extreme cases it leads to burnout. Insight, best known as the “a-ha” moment requires engaging the right hemisphere of the brain. Recent findings suggest that even the brain’s preparation for insight is different compared with analytical problem solving. The optimum environment for insight is almost the complete opposite of analytical. It begins with changing the way we look at the problem both literally and figuratively. Literally by using our left eye (left visual field) we connect to the right hemisphere of our brain. Figuratively is when we change our view of the problem by positively reframing it as an opportunity rather than fixating on it as a problem. By using diffused thinking we distract ourselves from the intense analytical focus of the problem and allow the brain’s nonconscious information processing to take over so that insight can occur. Although both approaches are valuable, the key to increasing effectiveness is knowing when and where to use each strategy. Insight is best used when innovation or creativity is required, whereas analytic is best used in routine or detailed work. The neuroscience suggests that individuals hold a preference for one or the other and can develop skills in the use of either.

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