Why do workshops fail: a neural path less travelled Eugene van Niekerk Annette Weyers

CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS Why do workshops often fail in changing EI habits? What are the implications of such failures? How can such shortcomings be remedied? Do we need to consider newer learning models…? If so which models…?

ROOT ARGUMENT EI Workshops traditionally target neo-cortex Deep seated behaviour: empathy, active listening, warmth impulse control Target only neo-cortex good enough? Financial implications: $50 Billion $ 100 billion Invested in personal coaching

2 TYPES OF LEARNING Neo-cortex – explicit learning – excellent at learning words ideas facts e.g. Teaching new soft-ware program – learning facts…school syllabus… When changing deep seated HABITS built over life time…the LIMBIC BRAIN – implicit learning should be targeted…

Limbic brain – slower learner Best targeting deeply ingrained HABITS Skills limbic brain learned through MOTIVATION, EXTENDED PRACTICE and FEEDBACK What happens when workshops only target neo-cortex?

HONEYMOON EFFECT Many companies invest time and money hone EI competencies Belief deeply ingrained habits changed in 1-2 day workshop What is the honeymoon effect? In long run changes don’t last How can we counter the honeymoon effect?

REFLECT ON MECHANISMS OF CHANGE A NEW LEARNING MODEL – BASIC ASSUMPTIONS BOYATZIS’ THEORY OF SELF DIRECTED LEARNING Becoming a leader PROCESS not event Learning process may not be a SMOOTH process Chaos theory suggests learning often takes form of ABRUPT – without warning “wake – up” calls or REAL LIFE DISCOVERIES

FIRST DISCOVERY: MY IDEAL SELF IDEAL SELF – 2 KEY ROLES COMPASS MOTIVATOR SCRIPS CORE WANTS IN LIFE COMMITMENT FUTURE VISION DEVELOP MENTAL PICTURE REACH INSIDE GUT LEVEL – ENTERIC BRAIN UNCOVER ROOT VALUES VISCERALITY VS CEREBRAL PASSION – GENERATE PSYCHIC ENERGY

SECOND DISCOVERY: QUEST FOR THE REAL SELF Heed Aristotle’s injunction: ‘know thyself’ We become reflexive: reflect back on our biography – THE PERSON WE REALLY ARE… BOILING FROG ANALOGY CEO SYNDROME Paint a picture of self is very SLIPPERY Ego defence mechanism Achieve MULTI - PERSPECTIVITY 360 degree evaluation Host of ACTORS provide feedback Psychological tests… Feedback on video…

PERSONAL AUDIT: BALANCE SHEET WEAKNESSES Active listening Empathy Providing positive feedback Rigid thinking Lack of warmth IMPULSE CONTROL STRENGTHS Self – confidence Admin skills Conscientious High energy Initiative

BRAIN LESSONS Should the trainer begin with individuals strengths or weaknesses? Activation LEFT PRE-FRONTAL LOBE – hope motivation and encouragement Weaknesses – electrical activity right pre-frontal lobe – de-motivates pessimism…

THIRD DISCOVERY:LEARNING AGENDA Setting goals… BUILDING ON STRENGTHS WHILE REDUCING GAPS Not become obsessed with either strengths or weaknesses

FOURTH DISCOVERY: RECONFIGURING THE BRAIN IMPLICIT LEARNING - HOW TO RESHAPE DEEPLY INGRAINED HABITS Implicit learning deep zone of brain (limbic) outside reach of words and ideas Limbic system re-mastery occurs – 3-6 months Weaken old neural connections and form new neural pathways… Slogan: practice, practice, practice…

THE FIFTH DISCOVERY:THE POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS According to Boyatzis learning takes place in context of trusting relationships…discourse… Seek out positive people: colleagues, boss, mentor, coach,- relationships filled with trust, honesty, genuineness and psychological safety

Further learning strategies/mechanisms for changing behaviour STEALTH LEARNING: effectively utilising your limited time Integrate learning into naturally occurring situations – using life as a laboratory… WORK FAMILY LEISURE – becomes the learning laboratory to experiment in Naturally occurring situations: Empathy skills: meetings at work; church; community

MENTAL REHEARSAL It takes about 3-6 months to rub out old neural pathways and build new ones One needs resilience determination and perseverance and passion Mentally rehearse e.g. empathy while driving to work – conjure up picture of meeting in your mind Mental rehearsal strengthens neural connections…

SELF-EFFICACY Another booster to the learning process is Albert Bandura’s concept of self-efficacy… Perception that ‘I can…’ Efficacy expectation create self-perpetuating prophesy… The higher the level of self-efficacy the greater the chance of overcoming learning obstacles…