Brann - Make your brain work how to maximize your efficiency, productivity and effectiveness

First published in Great Britain and the United States in 2013 by Kogan Page Limited

Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of research or private study, or criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, this publication may only be reproduced, stored or transmitted, in any form or by any means, with the prior permission in writing of the publishers, or in the case of reprographic reproduction in accordance with the terms and licences issued by the CLA. Enquiries concerning reproduction outside these terms should be sent to the publishers at the undermentioned addresses:

Amy Brann, 2013

The right of Amy Brann to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

ISBN 978 0 7494 6757 9

E-ISBN 978 0 7494 6758 6

British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data

A CIP record for this book is available from the British Library.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Brann, Amy.

Make your brain work : how to maximize your efficiency, productivity and effectiveness / Amy Brann.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN 978-0-7494-6757-9 ISBN 978-0-7494-6758-6 1. Performanc e Psychological aspects. 2. WorkPsychological aspects. 3. Mental efficiency. 4. ManagementPsychological aspects. I. Title.

BF481.B69 2013

15dc23

2012037102

Typeset and eBook by Graphicraft Limited, Hong Kong

Printed and bound in India by Replika Press Pvt Ltd

Praise for Make Your Brain Work

Make Your Brain Work is the first book to take cutting-edge neuroscience and apply it to improving ones ability to be successful, and to feel successful, at work. Using a lively set of characters that illustrate not just what to do to improve the brain at work, but how to do it. Readers of Make Your Brain Work will undoubtedly be more productive and happier at work and at home.

Paul J Zak, PhD, author of The Moral Molecule: The source of love and prosperity , Founding Director of the Center for Neuroeconomics Studies at Claremont Graduate University

Make Your Brain Work is an engaging book that is simultaneously filled with insight and application. Amy Brann not only provides us with greater understanding on how the brain works but she also gives us useful tools on how to make the brain work for each of us.

Stephen M R Covey, author of The New York Times and #1 Wall Street Journal best-selling book, The Speed of Trust , and co-author of Smart Trust

Alongside the relentless development of greater competition and speed in business, managers and professionals are having to cope with ever greater demands from smartphones, social networking, and the always available demands of modern business life. Amys book is a timely and elegant reminder that the key to personal and organizational success begins with knowing ones self: Amy provides clear insight into the latest developments in neuroscience using accessible stories and examples which will resonate with all readers.

Terry Hodgetts, Director, Centre for Executive Development, Aston Business School

Make your Brain Work is different! It is literally packed to the brim with insights, tools, approaches and techniques that cover a whole spectrum of areas that have helped me. If you want to massively increase your self-awareness, devise strategies for positive change and, as a result, lead a happier and more fulfilled life then I recommend that you read this book.

Phil Ryan, MBA, CMgr, FCIBs, Managing Director, The Management Centre, The Executive Education Company of Bangor University

This book is full of great stuff, like a delicious Pret recipe your brain needs nutritious food and new knowledge to grow.

Ian Watson, Head of Pret Academy

The most misunderstood organ in the human body is the brain. Amy Branns insights will help you think your way to success instead of mindlessly doing the same old things over and over again.

Al Ries, author of War in the Boardroom and Positioning: The battle for your mind

If you are looking to master your life, you must master the use of your brain. Amy Brann has successfully put together todays easy to read and understand instruction manual for your brain. Read this book, master your brain and master your life.

Louis Lautman, Executive Producer of The YES Movie

Make Your Brain Work was essential bedtime reading for a couple of nights, and I have found the concepts genuinely very interesting and thought provoking, and a challenging read. It really does become a manual for trying to better understand what influences and motivates others, and how these issues need to be better understood and harnessed. It is not often that the concept of overwhelm can be introduced into morning discussions of premiership football and office politics but it is now. Nick Green, Managing Partner of Squire Sanders Birmingham office

The idea of writing a book relating common workplace and leadership issues with the structure of the brain is excellent. Amys style is punchy, readable and approachable. Bishop Andrew Watson

Make Your Brain Work brings neuroscience to life. Explaining how common challenges can be overcome through understanding what is really going on in your brain and the minds of others enables readers to make small changes that can ultimately make life more enjoyable. Easy to read and thoroughly beneficial to implement.

Scott Martineau, CEO ConsciousOne.com

Contents

T here are many brilliant people whose professional and personal lives are not living up to their expectations. They know they can do and be better and are prepared to do what it takes to achieve it. These people tend to have been on training courses, tried various tools and techniques and probably read several books claiming to have the answer. Some of the things theyve come across have been useful.

Over the last 20 years our understanding of the thing that drives all our behaviours, and subsequently delivers our results, has increased massively and new research that deepens our knowledge comes in weekly. Most people are completely unaware of this incredibly useful information. Unfortunately, outdated research from 50 years ago is still being taught and tools that have been disproved to work are still being favoured.