Unexpected Elixer

Yesterday, after two taxing meetings, it was cool to come home and discover an email announcing that Brain Based Biz listed as number 11 for Business Leadership Blogs, 2010. Incredulous!

I knew nothing about Awarding the Web and Online MBA rankings and had no idea who nominated me. But, it worked as a surprise elixer. Fact is, I almost deleted it thinking it might be the kind of snake oil @mikefixes discussed with @ellenfweber and me today over lunch. But, before deleting, I checked it out and decided to accept the honor. It encourages everything I do on Brain Based Biz.

If you've had a similar experience, to find an unexpeced elixer that lifts up your work, it brings much well being. Now you see more of how the brain chemical serotonin, operates to benefit you.

Stick to It - You Can Do It!

If you're going to achieve anything, you've got to stick with something. ... it's just that I stay with problems longer. ~Albert Einstein

My eight-year-old Toshiba laptop died last week. A 14" light, Toshiba Satellite, with long lasting battery power fit my needs to a T. But, its systems were new and unfamiliar. My basal ganglia, the brain's storehouse for memory was full of patterns that were familiar and comfortable. In trying to get new email operating smoothly as in past, I fought against data systems that did not allow me to insert needed information. Everything was totally different. The fight to work with the new laptop's systems taxed my brain to the utmost.

You see I had begun to work in my brain's working memory. Trying to get everything up and running caused much discomfort since all was new and unfamiliar. When I reached that point, I set everything aside to come back at a later time when I could think more clearly. Then, I worked a chunk at a time so that I did not get overwhelmed.

This morning a technician gave me a hand to convert my Outlook Express mail to Windows Live Mail. Expert help lifts us over the bumps. I can already see advantages to the new.

Our brains have great plasticity. We can accomplish things never before accomplished by using parts of your brain never before used. ~ Ellen Weber

Six Tips to Boost Problem Solving Brainpower

What does it take for a top notch problem solver? A good guess...  When a barrier stands in the way of finalizing a project, a hunch can lead us to creative solutions.  Why?  The brain's remarkable flexibilty helps us look at context as we consider possible answers. 

Some people solve problems frequently so they've built in their brain many neuron pathways for this process.  Problem solving's a skill that can be learned.  These six tips boost the process...

Accuracy is key Define the problem. Relationships and facts are the nuts and bolts of problem solving. Good problem solvers are often compulsive about making sure they have all the facts and take time to do so. For instance, cutting edge scientists create models when working on novel product solutions. On the other hand, poor problem solvers often miss a piece.

Einstein once said that if he had one hour to save the world he would spend fifty-five minutes defining the problem and only five minutes finding the solution.

Remain open to possibilities Staying open-minded to see how an option might work, is key. On the other hand, if statements like, it can't work, won't happen or takes too much, come to mind or are shared by team members, it stifles the creative process. Remain focused on likely options to find what does work.

Hook what you know to mental pictures When faced with a new situation, people frequently search for relationships. Often there are several parts so it works to break the problem down into chunks. Seeing the problem through a different lens can be helpful, such as doodling, graphing it, creating a diagram. Creating a mental picture works well.

Daydream Daydreaming allows our minds to wander as our brain puts together a solution. Possibilities pop into your mind as you walk, listen to music, or even work at a routine task.

Ask others for ideas Frequently technology requires us to problem solve at the MITA International Brain Center.  Dr. Ellen Weber and I needed to participate in video conferencing last week.  There were several issues involved to make everything work.  I was able to test several technical solutions I tried in past to solve similar problems, but one stumped us.  Finally, Ellen phoned a young MBA doctoral candidate, who is talented technologically, for the final solution. 

Sleep on it During sleep the brain continues to work on problems. If you wakened with an aha in past you know how effectively it works.

If you want to build top notch problem solving acumen, just do it.   Develop solutions yourself before asking others.  You will build more dedrite brain cells each time you solve an issue.  What additional tips might you add for creative problem solving?

Ask for Directions - Saving face or time?

The GPS took me to one of many hospital buildings where I needed to go for an appointment.  Unfortunately, it could not show me the most convenient parking lot so I asked a delivery man beside the road, where was the best place to park.  He directed me to a lot behind the building. What do you do when you're on the run and need directions?

Not too surprisingly, men and women have a whole different take when it comes to asking directions according to Deborah Tannen.  Have the differences ever roused your curiosity?  Willingness to ask has a lot to do with point of view and hierarchy.

From a woman's point of view, asking directions involves a quick connection to a stranger and getting what you need without losing time, Tannen suggests.  On the other hand, from a man's perspective, he would be putting himself in a one-down position to a stranger -- an uncomfortable experience, Tannen notes.  Many men might also see this as counterproductive, since if the other person really doesn't know, he could send you on a wild goose chase in order not to appear one- down.  So for most men, it makes more sense to find the way on their own.

The right hippocampus of the human brain houses the mental maps that we use to find our way around.  Added to that the human brain is hard wired for hierarchy.  We learn these cultural approaches early on in life so we can be stuck in a rut.  Willing to take a risk change, since humans can rewire their brains by using a different approach?

Interestingly, the delivery man took a few minutes to find out more specifics from another person.  What is your experience with directions?  A year ago I tried to find the parking lot on my own, located one quite far away and was late.  This year I asked for directions to save time.  Do you ask or try to find your way on your own?