4. Is This Motivating?
This brain network allows us to see multiple consequences for a single behavior.
Responds to:
The SEQUENTIAL BRAIN
Multiple options and choices. Planning complex behaviors, decision making and moderating correct social behavior. Motivation based on future reward or alliance with a value system. The basic activity of this brain region is considered to be orchestration of thoughts and actions in accordance with past experiences and past emotional responses.
Does not respond to:
Incomplete explanations. Requests that conflict with past experience or long-held values. Actions that are out of sync with experience or are not fully explained. Out-of-context behavior.
Only humans, bonobos appear to have fully developed prefrontal lobes, although significant differences exist. For humans, this area allows us to compare patterns we observe to stored memories and emotions to ‘predict’ possible outcomes. It is a powerful part of our brain and has the capacity to override other conscious processes. Untapped, however, it can reinforce “lazy” behavior.
Critical Questions
Q. Does this work connect with my values or aspirations; does it connect those of my employees?
Q. Are we thinking binary or multiple options?
Q. Can I see a destination or better status that the majority of can comfortable with?
This is the most creative part of the brain. The part that can put together the patterns our Neo-cortex observes and formulate future possibilities. The Prefrontal Lobes are part of the Neo-cortex and they allow us to think beyond binary – yes or no – terms so that we can see multiple consequences for a single behavior. The Prefrontal Lobes’ connections to the Limbic (long-term memory and emotions) are the brain’s most active. This part of the brain “predicts” the near future and shows high levels of activity when we are “inspired” or “motivated.” Of interest: male Prefrontal Lobes mature in their early-to-mid 20s; women’s mature around 18-19.
It is believed that at least some of the human abilities to feel guilt or remorse, and to interpret reality, lie in the Prefrontal Lobes. Research indicates that this part of the brain is the source of “inspiration” and “motivation” and that these concepts are a decision we make after feeling safe, respected and engaged in an idea. In effect, inspiration is a decision we make, not something that is done “to us.”
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