WHAT THIS NETWORK DOES: Multiple consequences from one act

If we all have the same brain networks, why don’t we all think the same way? The answer lies in the last Network, the Prefrontal Cortex, which is part of the Neocortex. It functions as the puzzle master; it takes the patterns observed by the Neocortex and compares them to your long-term memory, your emotional responses and your shared knowledge with others.

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This gives humans the rarest of abilities: The ability to predict  multiple consequences from a single behavior (As best we can tell, only Bonobos and Dolphins have a similar ability). We do this through stories, which are simply manifestations of chemical memory. To build stories, this network relies heavily on active connections to the emotions and memory stored in the Limbic Network.

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Evolutionarily, this made sense.

Humans needed the ability to override their emotions and the amygdala’s Fight, Flight or Freeze response. Ironically, because it was the last part of our brain to develop, it can kick in only after the amygdala is engaged; not before, when it would be most helpful.

How this impacts you as a leader

Using stories to change behavior is more effective than logical declarations. Because stories don’t necessarily proclaim truth – each person takes away a slightly different meaning from the same story –  they don’t trigger the Reptilian Network or elicit attempts to refute them. So “own” the story your employees are telling about you and your company.

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In addition, employees who feel safe and respected are more likely to understand complex issues, untangle complicated problems and participate in finding solutions.

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KEEP THIS IN MIND WHEN…

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EMPOWERING OTHERS

The Prefrontal Cortex is wired to solve puzzles; the more challenging the bigger the chemical reward. Each of your brain’s 85 billion neurons is like an individual computer, giving us incredible problem-solving ability.

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COLLABORATING

From these connections come the “aha” moments of innovation that come from shared meaning, time limits and clarity of reward.