Brain Research: Positive Attitude Improves Performance

Recent neuroimaging research has confirmed negative social-emotional responses interfere with developing positive thoughts, feelings and high cognitive performance. [link below to video] I realize many of you who are regular visitors are saying, "Like duh dude, everyone knows what you think is what you get."

Yet, why do so many people struggle with being more positive about life and why are so many people taking drugs for anxiety, depression and a variety of emotional/behavioral disorders? Academics, psychologists and scientists have continued to believe, profess and attack the positive attitude community as nothing but some pseudo-science with only anecdotal evidence and no definitive research. 

Neuroimaging Research Provides Proof

Up until just a few years ago, even the neuro-scientists believed the brain to be a static organ and could not generate new brain cells. It is now a fact the brain does continue to regenerate new brain cells throughout life. This is proven with neuroplasticity, which explores how, and in which ways the brain changes throughout life. This ongoing growth of new neural pathways and synapses, confirms, no matter the age, if we change the way we think, the brain can change it's structure, become more flexible and improve brain functions for better memory, attention, speed, and problem solving. If this were not so, then how is it possible for a twenty-something to grow and develop into a mature fifty-something?

The Best Way To Become A Sustainable Leader!

Anyone truly serious about becoming a highly capable, sustainable leader can easily find leadership development opportunities in any number of community, school or worship communities. It doesn't make any difference about your age or whether you have ever been in a leadership role or you have years of experience in management and leadership roles. If you genuinely desire to develop your leadership skills, get involved in serving others.

One of my "just curious" questions I ask leaders is to give a quick history of their volunteer service, starting with high school. Those leaders with consistent volunteer service are simply more mature, sustainable, servant-minded leaders. Individuals who get involved in service work in high school and college will have numerous opportunities to experience leading others. They are also the ones who will experience faster personal, professional and leadership growth than their peers in the workplace.

Likewise, for anyone at any age. Even if you didn't take advantage of such opportunities in your early years and you think you have limited opportunities where you work, then today is always a good day to get involved and become a volunteer. Find an organization you can truly believe in their purpose and mission. You will not only experience personal growth, but you will be serving others and making a difference in other people's lives.

If you are older, wiser and more experienced, don't think you should immediately be on the board of directors. Get your hands in the dirt. That means be willing to work alongside others and do whatever is needed, especially the grunt work. Really get to know other people who are serving. The key thing to remember - It's not about you. Be like the Undercover Boss.

Anyone who gets involved and is willing to do whatever is needed will find new doors opening up for them in the workplace. it was three young guys in 1920 who wanted more management responsibility in their respective companies. The opportunities weren't there and changing jobs was not an option, so they began doing service projects in the community. Soon, others joined them, the young men got promotions at work and they created the United States Jaycees. 

I believe the future is one of incredible opportunity as I watch young people today get involved in serving others. It's as if volunteering is genetic for them. Imagine the future our emerging leaders are building!

And, if you are a boomer retiring and looking for something to do and find yourself sometimes complaining about today's youth. Become a volunteer. You will find numerous opportunities for mentoring.

Happy Volunteering and Making A Difference,


~ Alan Goldsberry, Author and CEO of ZFactor Group Publishing

ZFactor blog explores and discusses a variety of techniques, tools and discoveries by successful people that will assist others to achieve greater personal and professional success. ZFactor is a proprietary coaching methodology based upon the premise that successful people think and act differently. The ZFactor methodology is proven to accelerate a person's ability to think and act differently.

Thanks to Karrie, whose post in the LinkedIn Servant Leadership Group inspired this blog!

Power of the Narrative - Storytelling to Release New Potential

The power of the narrative trend is growing rapidly in corporate America. Why? Because we work in the midst of extreme complexity. Things are changing so rapidly, if we do not stay somewhat current, we can be left behind in a matter of days.

Storytelling, today, has become a new art form. Ever seen one of those videos of someone drawing pictures on a whiteboard, only the drawing is going at a high rate of speed - and, someone is narrating the story as each new picture is revealed? It's engaging isn't it?

It keeps your interest and it encompasses your three primary channels for receiving information and learning. You see and hear it as you internalize the message and integrate what you see and hear with your feelings. Definitely beats a "talking head" or "boring powerpoint at #10 font" doesn't it? 

ZFactor Publishing has seen this trend coming and has positioned itself to be a thought leader in mastering the power of the narrative to help individuals breakthrough the complexity of the situations they face day to day and achieve the results they desire, and more.

This is essential for us to achieve our mission to Reveal and Release Untapped Potential in today's complex and accelerating paced environments. Please engage with us as we move through this journey to bridge the gap between traditional publishing, digital publishing and the new developing territory of narrative publishing. Let's do some on the job learning, together.

~ Alan Goldsberry, Author and CEO of ZFactor Group Publishing