Chesapeake Bay Organization Development Network
Transform Minds
to Transform Organizations
April 30, 2010
Dr. Suzanne Kryder
www.theMindtoLead.com
Minds Influence Minds
Influence Organizations
© 2010 Suzanne Kryder
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Brains are Naturally Negative
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Vigilance & anxiety
Sensitivity to negative information
High priority storage
Negative information trumps positive
Lingering traces of negativity in brain
Vicious cycle of negativity creates pessimism
--Hanson, Buddha’s Brain, 2009
Is
a good strategy for influencing
another negative mind?
Brain-based Skill #1:
Meeting of the Minds
Reflect
 Laser
 Inquire

calm mind
focused mind
solving mind
© 2010 Suzanne Kryder
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Britt
© 2010 Suzanne Kryder
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The Mind to Lead Model
Problem
Reactivity
Judgments,
Assumptions, &
Ambiguity
Ineffective
Decisions & PUSH
Behaviors
© 2010 Suzanne Kryder
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My response?
© 2010 Suzanne Kryder
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The Mind to Lead Model
Problem
Process
Negativity & Reactivity
Mindfulness
Judgments,
Assumptions, &
Ambiguity
Exploration
Ineffective Decisions &
PUSH Behaviors
Influence
© 2010 Suzanne Kryder
Outcome
…no matter what
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Objectives
1. Major structures and functions of the brain
2. Research on how leaders can train the mind to
stay calm and manage change
3. Three brain-based skills for managing
ambiguity and complexity: Meeting of Minds,
Mind over Matter, and Peace of Mind
© 2010 Suzanne Kryder
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Neuroleadership
A new scientific framework that uses findings on
how the brain works to enhance the practice of
leading others.
© 2010 Suzanne Kryder
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Jean
© 2010 Suzanne Kryder
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Triune Brain
Neomammalian (Human):
corresponds to cortex
Paleomammalian (Mammalian):
roughly corresponds to limbic
system including amygdala
Reptilian: roughly corresponds
to brain stem
MacLean, P. D. 1990. The Triune Brain in Evolution:
Role in Paleocerebral Functions. New York:
Springer.
© 2010 Suzanne Kryder
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Brain-based Skill #2:
Mind over Matter
We create non-reactivity by
developing circuits in our brain
that enable the lower affectgenerating circuits (limbic
amygdala) to be regulated by the
higher modulating ones (prefrontal
cortex or PFC). Mindful awareness
may directly influence nonreactivity by altering the
connections between the PFC and
limbic area.
--Siegel, The Mindful Brain, 2007
© 2010 Suzanne Kryder
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Mindfulness Practices
 Feet and Seat
 Warm Sandy Beach
 Breath Awareness
© 2010 Suzanne Kryder
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Gene
© 2010 Suzanne Kryder
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Brain-based Skill #3:
Peace of Mind
 Three negative thoughts about someone I dislike at work:
A.
B.
C.
 From The Work by Byron Katie (www.thework.com)
Ask four questions:
1. Is it true?
2. Can you absolutely know that it’s true?
3. How do you react when you believe that thought?
4. Who would you be with the thought?
© 2010 Byron Katie, Inc.
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Summary
Transform Organizations
by Transforming Minds by remembering:
 Brains are naturally negative
 To PULL out rather than PUSH into minds
 Prefrontal cortex can modulate reactivity in
limbic system
Copyright 2009 Suzanne Kryder, Inc.
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