How Understanding Neuroscience Helps Develop Self Awareness

Great leaders are people who are highly self aware.?

Self awareness can be engaged when the Default Mode Network (aka Innovation Network per Dr. Platt) is activated. Imagination and the ability to imagine the experience of others (Theory of Mind) is strengthened when the Default Mode Network is activated.

The default mode network is involved in self reference, moral reasoning, self and self-identity, imagining the future and past (mental time travel), AND imagining other selves and their experiences. This is needed for inclusion and cultural competence.

Dr. Starr talks about the research finding that networks for imagery are mapped over the Default Mode Network.

?Using imagery for this exploration is crucial. There are a series of studies that have shown that networks for imagery are distributed and largely mapped onto the default mode network.

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Using imagery and imagination, which includes allowing people to explore their values, beliefs and experiences, using artistic expression as the medium, is key for self discovery and analysis of beliefs, unconscious and conscious. It opens up a deeper revelation about themselves. It allows emotion to be a part of the process. As Dr. Kieran says, 'Affect before effect', which means emotion leads and then the learning follows. We need to include emotional components to allow the learning to stick and transfer into behavior change.

?Brain research has also shown that music activates multiple areas of the brain, which is my argument for increased integration across neural areas. We include music into our trainings and talks on purpose. We know what turns on, and integrates, your brain.

?An integrated brain is a more creative brain and, per the work of Dr. Daniel Amen, an integrated brain is a more healthy brain.

How do you turn this on this Default Mode Network??

?Stop.

Breathe.

Let your mind wander. Stare out the window. Take a walk or a shower.

Let your mind soar throughout the universe of itself.

I’ll be speaking more on this in my talks; that’s why our keynotes and training uses imagery, imagination and the creation of artistic expression for self awareness, unconscious bias awareness and difficult DEI conversations.?

This is the neuroscience behind behavior change; especially when it comes to increasing your self awareness, other awareness and situational awareness in DEI situations.

This is Intercultural Creativity?.

Dr. G. Gabrielle Starr's?Full Lecture 'NueroAesthetics and the Default Mode Network' is here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

As the 2019 LA Lakers Business Woman and the 2015 CA Charter Teacher of the Year, Genein is a national thought leader and creator of the concept of ‘Intercultural Creativity?’.?She is the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of CAFFE Strategies , LLC which is a consulting, coaching and training company that trains C-Suite executives and employees to create sustainable organizational equity and inclusion strategies while unleashing their innovative thinking for themselves and in their businesses.?

Her 7 Gems of Intercultural Creativity? is a leading framework that encourages corporations in their diversity and inclusion development while developing critical cognitive tools for creative thinking. Her first book, From Debt To Destiny: Creating Financial Freedom From the Inside Out connects creative thinking to financial agility and was an international bestseller in 5 finance categories.

Her book, 7 Gems of Intercultural Creativity: Connecting, Creating and Innovating Across Cultural Lines is the only book on this topic. She recently published her first children’s book I AM CREATIVE! with her 3-year-old son, Shawn Letford.?Genein believes creative thinking thrives best in an inclusive environment and she is often called ‘America’s Creative Coach’ for her work in reigniting intercultural creativity within our workforce.

#BrainResearch #InterculturalNueroCreativity #Leadership #Innovation ?