Brainwork: The Neuroscience Behind How We Lead Others

by David A. Sousa

In his masterful new book, Brainwork, David Sousa dispels popular brain myths and half-truths and gives us the hard facts of brain research as applicable to the workplace. Some of the new revelations run counter to long-held beliefs in organizational management. For example, the old shibboleth that "knowledge is power" is not always true. Too much knowledge overwhelms the brain's processing systems, impairing your decision-making ability and personal success--as well as your organization's goals and profit. In line with this, Sousa has compiled and condensed current brain research to provide the must-have information for busy executives.

Organizations are dynamic entities, existing in an ever-changing world of technology and the expanding world of markets. In response, leaders must constantly find new ways to meet new challenges. Gone are the days of "it's not personal; it's just business." Today's business world requires a closer look at emotional intelligence, and the best decision makers use both their emotional brains and rational brains. Multitasking is no longer considered a coveted trait but rather a hindrance to productivity. And what happened to morality and ethical behavior? Do they even exist in business anymore?

Brainwork explores these subjects and shows leaders how to use their brains most effectively and efficiently. In addition, it offers ways to improve thinking, control stress in the workplace, and lead by dissent. Brain health is most important, so a chapter is devoted to taking care of the brain, including what type of diet, what amount of exercise, and how much sleep is needed to maintain a healthy brain, especially as we grow older.

Findings from brain research are suggesting strategies that can expand your existing cognitive networks and build new ones--in other words, make you smarter and more creative. Sousa shows you how.

Chapters Introduction

Chapter 1: The Curse of Too Much Information

Chapter 2: The Myth of Multitasking

Chapter 3: Respecting the Emotional Brain

Chapter 4: Improving Your Thinking

Chapter 5: Leading by Dissent

Chapter 6: Moral and Ethical Leadership

Chapter 7: Taking Care of Your Brain

Notes

Bibliography

Index

About the Author

Genres: Leadership

144 pages, Paperback

First published February 17, 2012

Reviews

[Dwight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great research was done in this book to help clarify whether humans can multitask. It was interesting to learn that we really can't multitask if multitasking is using different parts of the brain.

I think you will find this a good read if you are tasked with completing multiple projects on a daily and weekly basis. It has helped me to prioritize which assignments I will delete and which order to complete my remaining tasks.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This book is very well researched and I appreciated all the details about how and why our brains work the way they do. A word of caution that this book is very corporate and workplace focused, with how to increase work productivity, how to build an effective team and how to be a strong leader. I was not reading this from an employer perspective, so I didn't get as much out of it from that angle. But it was still interesting and well explained.

[Susan Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent short book that presents with facts and stories. A good reminder on starting with you if you are leading others.

[william latson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good and inquisitive read

I loved the book, it has a lot of good information I need to follow. I will be implementing a number of the suggestions in the book but I will take my time and do it in a patterned manner as suggested in the book.

[Jennifer Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent information on how the brain works and using that information to become a good leader.

[Blanca · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well researched book.