Getting to high performance requires having the right amount of stress to make us feel motivated. The “Stress Performance Curve” shows what happens in the brain. On the Y-axis we have Prefrontal Cortex Function and on the X-axis, we have stress. We need to have the right levels of the two neural transmitters dopamine and...
Here’s a technique to help you listen with the intent to understand. The next time you need to get someone’s perspective, try asking these 4 questions, and only these 4 questions. What’s working well? What do you want to stop doing? What do you want to start doing? What’s your one wish? Then, just listen....
The prefrontal cortex is the area of the brain where rational thinking, goal oriented behavior and emotion control happen. The problem with the prefrontal cortex is that it can only focus on one thing at a time. So, when you’re stressed, when you’re tired, hungry or thirsty, it’s hard for your prefrontal cortex to function...
Did you know that the line “Can I give you some feedback?” triggers the same threat center in the brain as seeing a bear in the woods? We want to run or fight or freeze. What if, rather than improving the way that we give feedback, we ask for feedback instead. Research shows that asking...
Take a look at this graphic: I bet it took you just a few seconds to spot the mistake. Our brains are wired to notice errors. An elementary school teacher posted this on social media and his 3rd graders laughed at him for making the mistake. Then, he asked, “What about the nine answers that...
