I’ve been very curious about the brain lately. So curious that I have read at least half a dozen books on the subject, listened to some speakers and together with my team, developed a “brain-based” leadership model we intend to use in our Future Ready Leadership Program. Now, six books does not make one an expert (Malcolm Gladwell, in his book “Outliers” says 10,000 hours of deliberate practice is required). However, it does lead to interesting discussion. And there are lots of brain discussions going on right now; not just at MCE!
Did you know the brain is a “use it or lose it” organ? According to Dr. Norman Doidge in his book “The Brain’s Way of Healing”, neurons that fire together wire together. Repetition strengthens the connections between neurons (Boomers - think rote learning of multiplication tables!) The opposite is also true. If you stop doing something you will lose it; the connections become weaker. This doesn’t mean you can’t recall it, it will just take longer.
Your brain looks for familiarity. That’s why as training designers we use the adult learning principle of shared experiences. If we can relate the new concept we are teaching to something you are already familiar with, your brain will make the connection and in fact, strengthen it. Interactivity also reinforces learning. As does visualization.
So what are you doing for your brain this summer? Maybe you will join us for our Summer Series (see below!) An excellent way to keep those neurons firing!
