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

2. 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…?

3. 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

4. 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…

5. 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?

6. 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?

7. 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

9. 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

10. 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…

11. 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

12. 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…

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

14. 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…

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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…

18. 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…