Your brain is the most complicated object in the known universe. It’s a complex organ and understanding how your brain works can help you operate more effectively, network more efficiently and work smarter at morning meetings.
Many assumptions that we make about our brains are actually incorrect.
Take multitasking, according to the latest research studies; it’s literally impossible for our brains to handle 2 tasks at the same time. This is one of the reasons we have a set structure for meetings at BNI. Focusing on one task at a time during meetings has been proven to be the most effective networking strategy.
There are a number of other surprising facts about our brains that have direct consequences on how we work at BNI – here are three:
- Stress can change the size of your brain (and make it smaller)
Stress is actually the most common cause of changes in brain function. A study found that in rats who were exposed to chronic stress, the hippocampuses in their brains actually shrank. The hippocampus is integral to forming memories. We already knew about the negative effects stress can have on our hearts and bodies, now with studies such as this there is even more reason to avoid stress where possible and find ways to de-stress. So how can you de-stress?
- Meditate: The more we meditate, the less anxiety we have, and it turns out this is because we’re actually loosening the connections of particular neural pathways.
- Exercise: Sure, exercise is good for your body, but what about your brain? Well apparently there’s a link between exercise and mental alertness, in a similar way that happiness and exercise are related.
- Your vision trumps all other senses
Despite being one of our five main senses, vision seems to take precedence over the others. Hear a piece of information, and three days later you’ll remember 10 percent of it. Add a picture and you’ll remember 65 percent.
Connect this back to BNI and your 60 seconds. A visual could be added to it, or your 10 minute presentation, to make it far more memorable. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, just something visual.
- Introversion and extroversion come from different wiring in the brain
Introversion and extroversion aren’t actually related to how outgoing or shy we are, but rather how our brains recharge. Research has actually found that there’s a difference in the brains of extroverted and introverted people in terms of genetic makeup.
This is important in terms of BNI; we do get a mix of personalities and both extroverts and introverts have their strengths and challenges. Instead of trying to change a personality type, it’s better to learn from these types of people and integrate them into weekly meetings – everybody has different skills they bring to BNI.
Understanding your brain better can help you with work and BNI – remember to mind your brain.
