Cognitive Flexibility Boosts Creativity

The terms cognitive adaptability and cognitive flexibility sound synonymous. But while the terms are related, they are not synonymous. Both are important skills for leaders. But to be really successful, leaders need a high level of cognitive flexibility even more than cognitive adaptability. The World Economic Forum referred to cognitive flexibility as one of the top skills needed to succeed in the world today and Fast Company called it an “indispensable skill to future-proof your career.” So how are cognitive adaptability and flexibility different and why is cognitive flexibility such a super power? Even more importantly, is it a skill that can be learned or improved?

Here’s the scoop. Continue reading →

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 →