Brain Theory

Today we talked about something that I love talking about: Change.

Yeah, yeah, I know. Change is hard. I know. It means growing and stretching. And growing means growing PAINS! But growth means progression. And that is good. Of course, that's what this life--and the Gospel--are all about.

Actually, we talked about Brain Theory, but that deals with change.

Brain Theory is based off two hypotheses:

1) It's the idea that parts of the brain can replicate itself and
2) The idea that the brain works in two ways: simple loop and double loop.

Let me explain.


1) It's the idea that in an organization, you need to have different people who can perform different functions. It means you have backups in case someone gets sick. It means that your company won't die if the boss goes out of town. (It also means you choose more than one person to do payroll so everyone gets paid--okay, just an example.)That way, if someone gets sick, you can still function. And that person can eventually take a break. It's the idea that your company is not going to die without you.


2) It's based on the idea that the brain thinks in two ways: Single Loop and Double Loop.

Single Loop measures everything in norms. It's like a lizard that sits on a rock. For example:

a) The lizard is sitting on the rock
b) It notices that it is too hot (it's not the "norm")
c) It gets off the rock

Thermostats work like that, too. You set it to a nice temperature and it measures the actual temperature to the preferred temperature. If it's too hot, the air conditioner turns on. If it's too cold, the heater turns on. Easy, right?

But what about on weekends? Or holidays? The thermostat doesn't know when the school is closed. So, it will continue to heat the classrooms all the way through the break--unless someone tells it otherwise.

But in an organization, we can be smarter than thermostats. (Of course we can. Nod with me, people.)

So Double Loop suggests that things are not only measured against the norms but also against "outside norms." If thermostats could think, it would be equivalent to them being able to recognize that school is closed for Christmas break. And it would measure itself against the holiday schedule (B1) and give that input back into the simple loop. That affects how it works. Which leads us to HOW Brain Theory is all about change. Are you following?

Brain theory means that we change against the norms, but it also means we recognize potential outside norms and consider them, as well. It means we look at potentials and say, "What are we missing? how can we overcome the status quo?"

In essence, Brain Theory is about finding new ways to be more productive. It's about finding people in your organization who can give you great ideas and help your company grow.

So when your company has been growing for ten years and there's suddenly a new competition in town, brain theory is what helps you go from the way you were to being even better, thus ensuring your company stays on top--despite the new competition that moved in.

And the laws of nature continue. Survival of the fittest at its best. All because parts of an organization can change, adapt to new surroundings, and consider new norms. Plus the idea that you've left some wiggle room--just in case the "brains" the operation get sick and can't come to work.

And now I feel the cycle going in my head. I better jump off before it becomes too confusing.

Did you know the brain can still function even if part of it is damaged? That's the beauty of all this.