Fig. 1 - Anxiety by Insight Interaction
Low STAI
Medium STAI Anxiety (defined by STAI)
High STAI
Inwardly focused
Most of our day is spent operating in a non- conscious state in that we rely on hardwired memories. This amazing skill of the brain to hardwire thoughts assists us to operate on a functional level and to minimize the energy resources of the brain. The negative of this operating system is that we rely on old thoughts that do not naturally allow for different thinking patterns. The Pre Frontal Cortex (PFC) processes thinking about options and allows the brain to unpack mental maps. This activity requires an enormous amount of energy and in the presence of distractions, poor diet or inadequate resources it is easier for us to rely on old, hardwired, maps. The PFC has only about two hours of operating time at its disposal if not rested through taking regular breaks. It is thus very easy for us to automatically rely on the hippocampus or old memories.
Creating a space for quiet reflection, devoid of technological distractions, needs to become a priority for the workplace in order to facilitate more insights and strategic thinking.
Happy and non-anxious state of mind Dr David Rock highlights in his work around insights that when the brain is in a non-anxious state there is an increase in the number of insights generated. Figure 1 illustrates a correlation between low anxiety and an increase in insight. Anxiety in this case study was measured and defined by a self-reported anxiety measure – the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Adults (STAI).
Similarly, when the brain is in a happy state, the likelihood of insights increase. In this case study Positive Affect was measured through the PA-NA measurement tool – a self-reported measurement tool for pleasurable experiences of the environment (high PA) as well as negative engagement of the environment (high NA). (See figure 2 on page 55).
What does this mean from a technology point of view for today’s leaders? In the presence of technology most leaders operate in a highly anxious state as the requirements placed on immediate action and results will always generate a feeling of being under pressure. Being “happy” at work is also not on the priority list of most leaders and greater emphasis is placed on getting the job done at all cost. Focusing on creating a Positive Affect at work will go a long way in enhancing insight generation, together with productivity and engagement.
Technology is a fact of life and we cannot avoid the future development thereof – what we can do is become more effective in the way we deal with technology and the demands it places on our brain resources. Your Brain at Work by Dr David Rock provides the leader of today with great strategies for overcoming distraction, regaining focus and working smarter all day long. You can visit our website on
www.neuroleadership.com for details on how to transform thinking and performance in the workplace.
54 Management Today | December 2011
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