Are you the proverbial Chief Problem Solver in your department, division or company? Do you spend a lot of time solving problems at work and home? Indeed, most jobs require a lot of problem solving ability and that involved fluid intelligence. Certainly any job involving customer service, operations, technology, manufacturing, management, marketing, or sales requires the ability to solve problems. And leadership positions, by definition, consist of constant problem-solving. So can we improve this executive function? The answer is yes. Fluid intelligence, which includes problem solving, is an essential cognitive skill that we all develop and which can be improved over time.

Here’s how. Continue reading →

Decisiveness and Decision-Making

Are you a good decision-maker? Do you make decisions in a snap? Or do you ponder, gather information, and sit on issues that require a decision a long time? Making well-informed and time-sensitive decisions is a crucial part of being a successful leader, and it is one of our many Executive Functions. Decisive leaders seek out the appropriate information they need to make good decisions and then make good decisions in a timely manner. Sounds easy, but it’s not. Making decisions is actually is a difficult task for many and making too many decisions is taxing for everyone. Here are the facts about decision making. Easy or hard?

You decide. Continue reading →

How adaptable are you? Do you roll with the punches, never flinching when plans are suddenly upended? Do you accept big changes without batting an eye and just make the best of each situation as it arises? Do you see change as just a fact of life and adapt to every situation with ease? Or are you one of those people who does not like anything “new”? The truth is that most people are not that adaptable. Adaptability is a cognitive process with which many people struggle. In fact, some are so entrenched in their ways that they are unwilling or unable to accept new software, new processes, new technology or new systems. How does that impact their ability to work with others and keep up in an ever-changing world? And can a person who hates change become more adaptable?

Read more. Continue reading →

Benjamin Franklin once said “when you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Long before scientists began mapping out the brain’s Executive Functions, Franklin understood intuitively that planning and prioritization were important for success. He was right. A few hours of planning can save weeks of wasted time. Laying out a solid plan is vital for any work or project to be completed on schedule, on budget, and without unnecessary stress. But some people are just not natural-born planners. Can those who are not very good at planning and prioritizing become better at it? Thankfully, yes.

Here’s how. Continue reading →

We think that intellect (IQ) is the most important driver of success. It’s not. To be productive or achieve anything, we need strong Executive Functions. And some executive functions are particularly important to be successful at work. One of our most important Executive Functions is the ability to plan and prioritize. It’s key for practically any job. But what if you’re not a very good planner or you have trouble prioritizing work? You’re not alone. However, this is a cognitive process you will need to improve if you want to be successful.

Here’s how. Continue reading →

Not everyone has a strong working memory, even though it is essential for learning and work. In part, differences in working memory are similar to differences in IQ, EQ or skills. It varies from person to person and is impacted by lifestyle. Indeed, there are things we do that can impair working memory just as there things we can do to improve it. Here’s the scoop on how to protect that most vital of Executive Functions… and strategies for how to boost working memory as much as 1000%! Continue reading →

We’d like to think that IQ (intelligence) or innate talent accounts for success. Or perhaps it is hard-earned skills and abilities. Or maybe it’s just perseverance and hard work. While all of that plays a part, one of the biggest contributors to academic success – which often leads to career success – is something else. Memory. Specifically, working memory. It is an Executive Function that most every person has (unless affected by illness or a developmental disorder). However, not everyone has an equally strong working memory, though it is essential for learning and work. So what is working memory and can we improve it?

Read more. Continue reading →

Impulsivity and Self Control
Each January 1st we start the year making grandiose resolutions. As described by James Collins and Jerry Porras in their 1994 book entitled Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies, we set “big, hairy, audacious goals”… meaning they are often externally questionable but not internally impossible. But seldom are these resolutions aimed at improving our Executive Functions. The irony is that we need our Executive Functions to achieve goals, and Executive Functions can actually be improved. So, this year, instead of setting goals for fitness, achieving a professional milestone, exceeding a financial mark, or summiting a personal mountaintop, why not enhance your Executive Functions? In doing that, you’ll be more likely to hit goals big and small. So what are Executive Functions and how do you improve them?  Continue reading →

Every company touts that they deliver great service. Yet there are many companies actually known for delivering terrible service. Of course, they aren’t alone. But, while business leaders may think that the pandemic has afforded companies leeway in how well they service customers, think again. Subpar service is costing companies customers and sales, which is unfortunate since service is the one area that can truly elevate and differentiate a business long-term from the competition. Here are some companies that are really doing “customer service” right in 2022. Continue reading →

In business, there is a tremendous focus on how to win customers. Rightfully so. And that is nothing new. To win customers, companies will claim a variety of variables that set them apart: quality, price, innovation, convenience, customization, first-to-market, etc. But there is one differentiator that can never be undercut, become outdated, or be copied identically: service. It beats all other features, whether it’s delivered face-to-face (brick-n-mortar), remote-to-remote (email or phone) or screen-to-screen (ecommerce). Great service was, is and will always be the only lasting differentiator, especially in a high-tech world. 

So what does service look like in 2022?  Continue reading →