Behavior change is hard, but O'Mara shows that by adopting strategies that are well-founded in the science of brain and behavior individuals and organizations can adapt to the demands of the modern world.
The brain matters in business. The problem is that our brains have many biases, heuristics, and predilections that can distort behavior and decision making. The good news is that we know more about how these work than ever before.
O'Mara's starting point is that, as our behavior arises from the structure and function of our brains, careful examination of a series of brain-based ("neurocognitive") analyses of common aspects of human behavior relevant to business and management practice reveals lessons that can be used at work.
He begins by looking at neuroplasticity and how it enables a shift from a restrictive "fixed mindset" to an enabling "growth mindset." He shows how this changing mindset approach-where the focus is on task and improvements based on effort-is scalable within organizations.
Next, as the brain is a living organ like the heart and lungs, O'Mara shows how to keep it physically in the best possible shape before examining how we exercise control over our behavior, build resilience and create positive brain states. He also considers the implications for business of our brains wiring for status and illustrates how research shows that it is possible to de-bias assumptions about gender and race-and the impact that this has on performance.
Kaum etwas bringt uns so schnell auf andere Gedanken und befördert das eigene Wohlbefinden so problemlos wie ein Spaziergang. Der renommierte Neurowissenschaftler Shane O'Mara zeigt anschaulich und unterhaltsam, warum der aufrechte Gang entscheidend für unsere Evolution war, was sich, während wir laufen oder wandern, in unserem Gehirn und Nervensystem abspielt und wie wichtig Gehen für den sozialen Zusammenhalt ist. Die erste populärwissenschaftliche Abhandlung über das Gehen - eine der alltäglichsten und zugleich zufriedenstellendsten Tätigkeiten, von der unsere Gesundheit, unsere Resilienz, unsere Kreativität und unsere Stimmung erheblich profitieren.
Brought to you by Penguin.
Walking upright on two feet is a uniquely human skill. It defines us as a species.
It enabled us to walk out of Africa and to spread as far as Alaska and Australia. It freed our hands and freed our minds. We put one foot in front of the other without thinking - yet how many of us know how we do that, or appreciate the advantages it gives us? In this hymn to walking, neuroscientist Shane O'Mara invites us to marvel at the benefits it confers on our bodies and minds.
In Praise of Walking celebrates this miraculous ability. Incredibly, it is a skill that has its evolutionary origins millions of years ago, under the sea. And the latest research is only now revealing how the brain and nervous system performs the mechanical magic of balancing, navigating a crowded city, or running our inner GPS system.
Walking is good for our muscles and posture; it helps to protect and repair organs, and can slow or turn back the ageing of our brains. With our minds in motion we think more creatively, our mood improves and stress levels fall. Walking together to achieve a shared purpose is also a social glue that has contributed to our survival as a species.
As our lives become increasingly sedentary, we risk all this. We must start walking again, whether it's up a mountain, down to the park, or simply to school and work. We, and our societies, will be better for it.
