NEURO-BRAIN BOOTCAMP Expanding Leadership and Creativity through the Miracle of Modern (Neuro)Science Gina Paigen, PCC, CPCC, CNTC Chief Impact Officer
Two Roles Role #1: Be fully immersed in your experience Role #2: Hone your inner scientist (the watcher watching)
Who s Here?
Dopamine: The Save Button Dopamine, a neurotransmitter is released when we Are rewarded Engage in a new, exciting adventure Gamble (win or lose) Take certain drugs The good news: It helps us retain information. The bad news: It is sometimes called the addiction neurotransmitter, as it motivates us to repeat certain unhealthy behaviors.
Agenda 1. The Creative Leadership Model 2. Stress and Stress Management 3. Right and Left Hemispheres 4. Neuroplasticity 5. Task-Positive Network and Default- Mode Networks
Designed Alliance Be here now Confidentiality Stretch yourself Bells, whistles and hands in the air What else?
What s The Connection? Leader Brain = Creative Brain Healthy Brain
Creative Leadership Model RELATIONSHIPS RESULTS STABILITY CHANGE Focus On Relationships (Engaging) Focus on Collaboration (Inclusive) Creative Leadership Focus on Results (Effective) Entrepreneurial Mindset (Creative)
Stress Management
Amygdala In Men and MEN S AMYGDALA More active without stimulus More connected to brain regions that deal with external stimulus Planning and execution of voluntary movements Coordinating motivation with body movement Relating vision to action WOMEN S AMYGDALA Less active without stimulus More connected to brain regions that deal with internal stimulus Modulating emotional behavior Regulating aspects of the autonomic nervous system Parenting and attachment behaviors
Tools For Managing Stress MINDFULNESS Helps manage stress, improves creativity, memory and emotional intelligence; puts attention on the present moment and away from past angers or future worries REFRAMING (taking a new perspective) Activates the pre-frontal cortex, is a key skill for mental health and life success REFLECTING ON VALUES & LIFE PURPOSE Engages the pre-frontal cortex, provides a broader context for life and for decisionmaking, and a map for future direction CONTROLING THE ENVIRONMENT An effective strategy if control is possible, does not address any underlying triggers NAMING THE EMOTION Reduces amygdala activity, can become easier with practice SUPPRESSION (not effective) Linked to depression and emotional leakage
Please Watch Dan Siegel's Hand Model of the Brain
Right and Left Hemisphere
Left Hemisphere Logic Linear Positivity Rhythm Reason Objectivity Analysis Structure Language Anger Blame & Denial Rigidity Conformism Use People For Own Gain
Right Hemisphere Emotion Spatial Cooperation Melody Empathy Big Picture Subjectivity Metaphor Inspiration Fear Depression Emotional Overwhelm Hopelessness Chaos
The Integrator: Corpus Callosum The corpus callosum is a bundle of neural fibers that connect the left and right cerebral hemispheres, and facilitates interhemispheric communication. It is the largest white matter structure in the brain.
Brain Myth Buster #1 Brain hemisphere dominance
The Truth of The Hemispheres The two hemispheres of the brain are specialized to perform certain tasks ("lateralization") Many individuals show a preference toward using one hemisphere in many cases. Despite this reality, we all use both sides of our brain to some extent, almost all the time. The phenomenon of Hemispheric Dominance (sometimes called "brainedness) is a grain of scientific truth blown out of proportion by pseudoscience.
Right and Left Hemispheres LEFT RIGHT Intuition Logic Reason Emotion Big Picture Linear Objectivity Spatial Subjectivity Positivity Analysis Cooperation Metaphor Rhythm Structure Melody Inspiration Language Empathy Integration Anger Blame & Denial Rigidity Conformism Use People For Own Gain Fear Depression Emotional Overwhelm Hopelessness Chaos
Myth Busters #2 The brain s hardwiring cannot be changed
Neuroplasticity Neuroplasticity: The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.
Fire and Wire Neurons that fire together, wire together. Being aware of what you are thinking is the first step. Conscious and focused attention creates structural change.
Learning Zones Sweet Spot Comfort Zone Stretch (Learning) Zone Panic Zone
Neuroplasticity: The 5 Keys EXERCISE NOVELTY SLEEP FOCUS AND ATTENTION FOOD
Neuroplasticity The 4 Enhancers RELATIONSHIPS MULTI-SENSORY INPUT HUMOR AND PLAY MISTAKES
BRAIN GAME Red Orange Black Blue Purple Green Brown Blue Brown Red Brown Orange Red Purple Green Purple Black Orange Green Blue
NAME THE COLORS Red Orange Blue Brown Green Purple Black Blue Green Purple Brown Black Red Brown Red Purple Black Orange Green Blue Orange
Task Positive Network Default Mode Network
Two Networks Task-Positive Network (TPN) activates with attention-demanding tasks. More concentrated in pre-frontal cortex Focus on task Actively paying attention (external) Goal-orientation Reacting to and working with sensory information Short-term (working) memory Planning Analytical and abstract reasoning Anxiety Default Mode Network (DMN) activates when we are internally focused, when we are engaged socially and when the brain is at wakeful rest. More widely spread throughout brain Empathy Social intelligence Relationship building Reflection and introspection Visioning Long-term memory Self-referential thought Rumination and depression
The Story of 2 Antagonistic Networks The TPN and DMN are anti-correlated; activation of one suppresses the other. The TPN is focused on results and the external world. The DMN is focused on the socio-emotional needs of others and the internal world. Great leaders easily switch from one to the other.
Leadership Equation PERCEIVED AS GREAT LEADERS 72% 14% 12% 1% Results Focus Relationship Focus Focus on Both Leaders Who Demonstrate Focus on Both
To Activate the DMN Find opportunities to coach a different person each day around positive development (realizing hopes and dreams) Consider the impact of your decisions Make space for visioning Practice empathy and compassion Engage in self-reflection Brainstorm Meditate Breathe!
To Activate the TPN Get fully engaged in an activity Analyze and strategize Exercise Focus on outcomes and objectives Practice resource management
Myth Busters #2 Multitasking
The Truth About Multitasking 1. It is possible only if... At least one task is automatic (e.g., walking, eating) The tasks involve different types of brain processing. 2. What we call multitasking is actually serial tasking; rapid shifting from one task to another to another. 3. It is neither effective nor efficient. 4. As you shift, the transition is neither fast nor smooth. 5. Those who claim multitasking mastery make more mistakes, remember less, and take longer to complete focused tasks.
Try This To experience the reality of multitasking, try this.
The Three (Not-So) Little Brains Head (Cephalic) Brain 50-100B Neurons Logic, Reason, Knowledge. Gut (Enteric) Brain 200-500M Neurons Intuition Heart (Cardiac) Brain 30-120K Neurons Emotion, Sense of Self
The Paradox of Neuroscience We are here today because of our paradoxical nature We are hardwired for fear AND we are hardwired for love
Questions
Inquiry What Were 3 Things That Were Useful 2 Things You ll Apply 1 Thing You ll Do Differently
Thank You Gina Paigen, PCC, CPCC, CNTC gina@thirdwayleadership.com 716.912.9551