SueTrinder.com - Sue Trinder & Associates

'What is the Difference Between Thinking and Feeling?'

Today's offering comes from Steve Chandler. I love it as it's a slightly different take on the well known quote by Eleanor Roosevelt 'No-one can make you feel inferior without your consent'

Steve tells how in his 17 Lies book he enjoyed writing about Marylin vos Savant, who has one of the highest IQ scores ever recorded.  She once wrote a weekly magazine column and he was always intrigued by the simplicity and power of her intelligence.  A reader once wrote to her asking what is the difference between thinking and feeling?

The Innovative Brain and the Credit Crunch

Did you know that entrepreneurs are riskier decision makers than their managerial counterparts?  Research recently concluded by Professor Barbara Sahakian at Cambridge University demonstrates that not only do entrepreneurs approach decision making differently, but that these skills may be possible to teach.

The research (Nature magazine 13.11.08) found that entrepreneurs present highly adaptive risk-taking behaviour which can result in positive outcomes during stressful economic circumstances.  It seems that the ability to make quick decisions under stress may have evolutionary value as a means of seizing opportunities in a rapidly changing environment.

 

To test their hypothesis, the scientists asked 16 entrepreneurs from Silicon Fen, the group of high tech companies in and around Cambridge, and 17 managers to complete a computerised neuro cognitive assessment (whatever that is)) measuring various aspects of their decision-making abilities. On a decision-making task that required 'cold' processes, entrepreneurs and managers performed in a similar fashion.  'Cold' processes govern real decisions such as when planning the opening of a training consultancy or recruiting staff.

The researchers then asked the entrepreneurs and managers to make 'hot' or risky decisions which involved evaluating different outcomes. For example, the decision to finance one of several potentially excellent but risky business opportunities is a hot decision – as emotions can play a role. In this test, although entrepreneurs and managers both made good quality decisions, the entrepreneurs took significantly more risks.  The entrepreneurs also showed superior cognitive flexibility and higher ratings on questionnaires which measure impulsivity. These cognitive processes are intimately linked to brain neurochemistry, particularly to the neurotransmitter dopamine. 

Psychological and biomedical research has traditionally considered risk taking as an abnormal expression of behaviour so it's really interesting to see these outcomes. Three years ago when I was an employee I had no idea how to assess a business opportunity – and would have likely considered some to be extremely risky.  Some say it's risky to invest in property at the moment, others say it’s the best time ever.  What do you think?

Are you a traditional manager or are you the more creative impulsive type?  Will your services be reduced during the coming months or will you be learning new skills to ensure you are there at the top of the leader board?

The Power of Belief

I went to see Derren Brown the other night at the Garrick theatre.  It's the first time I've seen his live show and it was awesome.  In my experience, Derren is a bit like Marmite – you either love him or you hate him. 

I fall into the former category.  I love the way he sets out his stall and tells us that what we are about to see is conjuring or a trick.  Despite this, some of us still believe that it is spooky or supernatural.  We put our own interpretation on to what we see around us, even though the evidence is immediately in front of our eyes.   Even when we can't yet see it.