Finding common ground through your social brain network

When I worked in Europe, giving and receiving feedback was built into our project lifecycle. 360-degree feedback was mandatory, especially on client projects. For the senior members of the team feedback from the client was also required. Typically, 360 feedback was only required from colleagues including managers and direct reports whom we worked with within the organisation.

When it was first introduced, there was trepidation all around. Change causes a threat response in the brain after all. Moreover, the brain considers feedback a threat. But very quickly it became the norm and most of us adapted well. It was implemented for our development, learning, and progression. We took it seriously and learned to have crucial conversations especially where constructive feedback was involved.

But here’s the thing, it all came back to that important skill: COMMUNICATING.

This week I continue with the communications theme from a neuroscience perspective. Whilst catching up on my neuroscience reading, I realised several things that made giving and receiving feedback a natural part of our work life in Europe.

Here are my findings:

1.      We strengthened our social brain network

Our brain is a connection machine and loves social interactions. The social brain network manages our connections with other people. Half of the integration of the social brain network we inherit from our parents, while the other half is influenced by us and our behaviour. The more we work it, like a muscle, the healthier and bigger it grows.

By implementing regular 360 feedback practise we had primed our brains, like any other muscle, to give and receive feedback. Because it was done regularly, there was an anticipation towards feedback than not.

2.      We enhanced synchrony

Synchrony is the secret sauce for human connection. The process of regular interaction strengthened the brain connection between team members leading to enhanced teamwork. Neuroscience research has shown that our brains synchronise when we have good teamwork. Our hearts beat in time, we breathe in time.

3.      We managed change well

With our strengthened social brain network and enhanced synchrony we were able to respond to glitches when implementing clients’ change projects. Though stressful at times, strong social connections within the team helped us navigate obstacles and achieve milestones. (We made it a point to play a team sport and/or dine together as a team at least once or twice a week).

So, what does this mean for you?

How do you strengthen your social brain network and enhance synchrony. The tips below will get you on your way courtesy of Wharton Neuroscientist, Michael Platt:

1.      Make eye contact

Making eye contact when communicating with the person in front of you is crucial. Eye contact releases oxytocin, a hormone, that helps us connect with the other person. Research shows that looking into your dog’s or cat’s eyes releases oxytocin too!

Our brains love social interaction. Swap Netflix for a chat with your neighbour or friend. Research shows that people with stronger connections are more productive and enjoy better well-being - happier, healthier, live longer and make more money!

2.      Mirror the person in front of you

Good teamwork enhances synchrony, but we can ‘activate’ synchrony to enhance teamwork. Research shows that moving together can enhance synchrony through physiology. Some cultures dance together, armies march together for this reason. Walk with your listener. Or if seated, mirror your listener via posture, tone, speech rate, subtly.

3.      Storytelling 

Stories help synchronise the brain of our listeners to ours. Storytelling is a powerful tool to get in synch with our listeners. When used well, storytelling helps us prime the brain of our listener to what we want to say. But keep it simple in what you say. Overtelling (talking) can distract the brain.

All the above tips are based on one key factor – ATTENTION. Attention is the key to activating the social brain network!

And for those of you who are still meeting virtually, please remember to look at the camera and not at the faces on your screen. It may be a little discomforting at first, but your brain will get used to it. (Position your camera at eye level directly in front of you). Encourage your virtual meeting participants to turn their cameras on. The social brain network disengages when it cannot see a face.

This week I leave you with a brilliant video from Princeton Neuroscientist Uri Hasson’s work on how our brains communicate, creating meaning even across different cultures.

https://www.ted.com/talks/uri_hasson_this_is_your_brain_on_communication

I wish you enhanced synchrony and a strengthened social brain network!

I shall dive deeper into the neuroscience of feedback next week.

As always, you can reach me at yoga@yoganesadurai.com