On November 17, 2020, Julie (the Brain Lady) Anderson spoke to the Magnolia Rotary Club membership (via Zoom) about how our brains work and how to use that information to achieve better relationships with different types of people. Pictured above is Julie Anderson.
Julie asked everyone to stand up, pull their shoulders back, and breathe deeply in and out through their nose with their mouth closed. She pointed out that this is believed to provide the brain with more energy so whenever you feel you are in a "brain fog" try breathing through your nose.
Julie then used a slideshow to present her understanding of how our brain works. She first talked about Dr. Richard Haier who believes that "Most brains are believed to have an innate energy advantage in one of the four cerebral divisions. The brain uses less oxygen, glucose, and micro nutrition and needs a shorter recovery time when performing tasks that draw heavily on its area of energy advantage". Julia then explained each of the four brain areas:
- Anterior Left - the "Boss" quadrant.
- Posterior Left - the "Master Coordinator" quadrant.
- Anterior Right - the "Innovator" quadrant.
- Posterior Right - the "Nurturer" quadrant.
Julie then explained each quadrant in more detail:
1. Anterior Left:
- The logical inductive/deductive reasoning.
- Delegates authority well (ex: CEO, workaholic).
- Gifted at fact based problem solving.
- Makes decisions with ease.
2. Posterior Left:
- Sequences things, makes lists, organizes.
- Gifted at accurately performing detailed procedures, and repetitive sequential tasks.
- Dependable, practical and predictable.
3. Anterior Right:
- Visionary. Able to see things as they can be, not as they are.
- Energized by innovation, exploring, brainstorming, creative problem solving.
- See the big picture, not the minute details.
- Entrepreneurial.
4. Posterior Right:
- Specialize in peace keeping/harmony/connection.
- Sensitive, sentimental about things and people.
- Memory is based on emotions/feelings, not facts.
- In problem solving, will take the emotional view.
Julie then explained how best to get along with each of the quadrant personalities:
1. Anterior Left or "The Boss":
- Give them the date, the proof, the cost benefit analysis.
- Show how this will assist in reaching goals.
- Explain the functionality in logical terms.
- Be understanding of their need to take the lead and be in control.
2. Posterior Left or "The Master Coordinator":
- Show your track record.
- Demonstrate the productivity benefit.
- Give them the details, avoid showing only the big picture.
- Be understanding of their need to organize and maintain the status quo.
3. Anterior Right or "The Innovator":
- Emphasize the global picture, the new idea.
- Use terms like "the cutting edge" or "the latest trend" in innovation.
- Avoid giving too much detail, you will lose them.
- Be appreciative and validate their way of doing things.
4. Posterior Right or "The Nurturer":
- Stress the harmony in the idea.
- Explain the connectedness and potential for a positive emotional outcome.
- Show them you are willing to be part of their team or want them to be part of yours.
- Be appreciative and validate their need to harmonize and keep peace.
Julie then told us about the "Amygdala" in out brains (see below) which is activated when we are having stress and how we need to do our best to eliminate stress in our lives since stress only harms us and is never beneficial.
Julie then gave everyone the following tips for improved relationships and dealing with difficult people:
- Take a breath, engage your brain.
- Consider the "Brain Personality Connection" of others. Think receiver not sender.
- Think collaboration not confrontation. Look for the win/win.
- Its not always about you. Work at not allowing it to bother you.
Julie then showed several cartoons that reflect the ideas she presented (see one of the cartoons below):
Julie then gave everyone the following URL as a "Fun Thing to Do": https://yourbestmindllc.com/dna-brain-strength/.
A photo of those attending online can be seen below:
