Neuroscience Ushers in a New Era of Management
So here we go! Welcome to my brain myth-busting series where I dismantle the 12 most common myths that managers need to unlearn to grow and thrive in these Never Normal times.
Myth #1: Left-Brain/Right-Brain
It used to be simple: left-brain people were logical and organized, and right-brain people were creative and free-flowing. If you could figure out which “brain type” your employees were, you’d know how to manage them best. But neuroscience has busted this myth wide open, revealing a far more complex and fascinating picture. So, buckle up, folks—it’s time to dive into the mesmerizing world of your brain!
Our brains aren’t as simple as left equals logic and right equals creativity. Instead, both halves of our brain work together in a beautiful and intricate dance to influence how we think, create, and make decisions.
Neuroscientists have found that when we’re making decisions or focusing on a task, it’s not just one side of our brain working—both hemispheres are involved. Let’s picture this: Imagine you’re a manager about to make a big decision. You analyze the data (traditionally seen as a left-brain activity), but then you also consider your past experiences and the nuances of your team dynamics (activities that require a more holistic, traditionally right-brain approach). The decision-making process is more of a brain ballet than a one-man show.
Similarly, creativity is not solely the domain of the right brain. It involves a mix of memory recall, pattern recognition, and emotional engagement—all of which requires the whole brain. So, when you’re brainstorming a new product, your brain’s doing a complete workout, not just a right-brain yoga session.
This brain collaboration is not just a fascinating science fact—it’s a critical insight that managers can use to improve their leadership. Here are three tips for managers to leverage this new understanding of our brains at work:
1. Encourage Whole-Brain Thinking
Banish the notion that employees are either analytical or creative. Instead, encourage them to embrace both sides of their brain in their tasks. This could mean getting your data-driven team to brainstorm innovative solutions or asking your creative folks to consider the logistical side of their ideas.
2. Foster a Balanced Environment
Provide your team with a blend of structured and free-flowing work periods. This will allow both the logical and creative parts of their brains to thrive. Maybe try a morning of focused, individual work followed by an afternoon brainstorming session.
3. Value Both Data and Intuition
While data-driven decisions are important, don’t discount the power of intuition, which is often born from experience and holistic understanding. Recognize the value of both in decision-making processes.
Remember, you and your team are not confined to the “left-brain” or “right-brain” categories. Instead, you’re all whole-brained individuals, capable of logical thinking, creative innovation, and everything in between. So, let’s step out of the brain boxes we’ve been placed in and embrace the full potential of our neurological ballet. Now, that’s a step towards a smarter work culture!
Stay tuned for more brain-busting myths in my next post where I take on the belief that we only use 10% of our brain. [Spoiler alert: it’s not true, and the reality is far more interesting!]
Speaking of staying tuned…Listen to my interview with Dr. Michael Platt, renowned Wharton neuroscientist as we discuss the business of neuroscience and debunked management myths about our brain. Click here or listen to this episode and others on the top-rated Geeks, Geezers, and Googlization Show on your favorite podcast platform.
Let’s unravel the brain, one myth at a time. Welcome to the journey! Let me know what you think. What have you experienced in the workplace? How might whole brain thinking help you manage and lead better?
Please share this article with your colleagues and connections, too.
