Introducing the Meaning Brain
Trailblazers@Work - Thoughts on Leadership - Mindset, Messaging and Branding

Introducing the Meaning Brain

Why People look like they are "checked out" of their jobs

Ever wondered why some decisions feel like a breeze, while others leave you feeling stuck in the mud? Maybe this week's article will give you the answer; it’s all about your Meaning Brain. It's quite a crafty thing, the Meaning Brain and often keeps things hidden way in the backroom, where you can't access them.

Yes, I coined the term Meaning Brain just now. Why? Because saying “Neuro-Semantics” which is the science of how we embody meaning or the mind-body system and how we show up gets zero Likes in the world. It sounds like complicated science that would send most people running for the hills. But “Meaning Brain”? Now, that’s something we can all relate to.

It’s the part of you that navigates the world, interprets your experiences, and ultimately decides whether you get out of bed in the morning or hit the snooze button...again.

The Meaning Brain in Action

Think of your Meaning Brain as the control centre that assigns value to everything. It’s why Saturdays feel like freedom and Mondays, for some, feel like another dive into a swamp. Same 24 hours, different meanings.

You can't escape your Meaning Brain—it's always there, guiding your choices, making sense of the world around you.

Without it, you’d be paralysed by indecision and the world wouldn't make any sense. It would be like a foreign language to you.

No Meaning, No Doing

Now, here’s the kicker: your Meaning Brain won’t let you make a decision if there’s zero reason behind it. When someone asks you “Why did you do that?” what they’re really probing is your Meaning Brain, trying to see what’s ticking beneath the surface.

We only act when something means something to us. No meaning? No action.

Ever tried to get excited about something you simply couldn’t care less about? That’s your Meaning Brain refusing to play.

Why are people "disengaging" in work?

Ever noticed a colleague who seems perpetually disengaged, just going through the motions? That’s not laziness. That’s their Meaning Brain quietly signalling, “This has no value for me, or watch me embody boredom, disinterest and counting the hours." Time for a coaching conversation when people are doing that.

Their body language, their tone (or lack thereof)—all of it is part of the intricate dance their Meaning Brain is performing, revealing exactly what matters to them and what doesn’t.

And here’s the fun part for me as a coach: cracking the code of someone’s Meaning Brain. It’s like a treasure hunt, and all the clues are scattered in their language, their body language, and even in what they leave unsaid.

Just imagine little pieces of a puzzle lying around, waiting to be pieced together. That’s what it feels like to decode someone’s Meaning Brain.

Going Beyond the Surface: Layers of the Meaning Brain

Here’s the thing: the Meaning Brain has layers, like a well-crafted novel. And if you’re trying to understand someone’s behaviour, taking things at face value won’t suffice. A simple “Why?” won’t unlock the secrets.

You need to dig deeper. In coaching, we sometimes find 25-30 layers behind stuckness, let's call it. And let me tell you, that’s a lot of meaning to sift through! But the average issue? About 10 layers deep, before someone starts to access their meanings.

That’s why we go Meta to hear the layers—because there’s always more beneath the surface.

So how do you get into someone’s Meaning Brain? You start with what works for them. People only hold onto beliefs and behaviours that serve their values, upbringing, and belief systems—both their own and the ones they've inherited.

And when these beliefs become convictions? Good luck trying to change someone who believes their beliefs. It’s like trying to turn a ship with a teaspoon. I just let those beliefs lie where they do.

Take a Tour of the Meaning Brain

If you want to delve into someone’s Meaning Brain, you need to ask questions. Find ones that work for you, your style and your Meaning Brain.

- “What's working here?"

- “What would you change?”

- “What would that mean for you?"

- “What else? And what else?

These open questions help you edge closer to the core of their thought processes. The goal? To understand what’s driving their behaviour and why it makes sense to them. Stephen Covey said it best: “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”

As a leader, become the Chief Curiosity Officer. Gather information, connect the dots, and watch your understanding of your team or clients deepen.

Meaning Brain Training is a game-changer

This has been a game-changer in my life. My early fascination with languages attuned me to what people say and don’t say, but it’s the tools I’ve acquired since then that have helped me decode the deeper layers.

So, here’s my invitation: start listening to the Meaning Brain of your team and customers.

Notice the patterns, connect the dots, and embrace this as your new favourite hobby. Because, trust me, once you start tuning in, you’ll realise that people are fascinating in their consistency and complexity.

When hiring people, I would always suggest to ask them lots of meaning questions, you will get a better insight into their Meaning Brain. You will know if they are going to be a good fit for you and your team.

And who knows? You might just unlock the secrets to understanding them—and yourself—better than ever before.

So, what’s your Meaning Brain saying to you today?

Dive in, get curious, and start uncovering the layers. Because behind every action, there’s a story behind the story, behind the story.

If you are interested in some Meaning Brain Training, DM me and let's chat. Let’s connect and see what your Meaning Brain has to say. Please share with anyone, who is says "I just don't get that person".

Thanks for reading my article, if you got this far!

Happy Friday!

Shiera


Meagan Boson

Vice President at Oldcastle | Instilling confidence in leaders through organic content | Host of The Passionate Pro Podcast

2 个月

Developing a leadership brand is like painting a masterpiece; it takes time, reflection, and intentional strokes to create a picture that truly represents your vision and values.

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