Executive functions – such as working memory, self-control, adaptability, flexibility, and planning — help us remember our goals and the steps needed to reach them, resist distractions along the way, and find a Plan B when Plan A doesn’t work out. And, it helps us ensure that a plan is carried out properly. That’s called updating, and it is very important for getting work done. Without these cognitive abilities, we’d be lost. But what happens if a person’s brain is not very good at updating or other of these executive functions? Can this unseen hero of productivity – cognitive updating — be improved? It turns out that all executive functions can be improved, and there are lots of exercises that can help.

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The human mind performs many cognitive tasks that control how well we learn, work and manage life. They aren’t part of IQ or EQ. These are “executive functions” like self-control, planning, adapting, viewing things from different perspectives, creating new ideas, storing and retrieving information to perform complex tasks, making decisions, using reasoning or logic to solve problems, and much more. One of the cognitive functions most used by successful people yet least acknowledged is called “updating.” Without updating, no college course is completed, no degree is earned, no project reaches the finish line and no work plan is accomplished. So what is cognitive updating, how does it work and what happens if your brain is not very good at updating? Can this unseen hero of productivity be improved?

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Cognitive Flexibility Boosts Creativity

The terms cognitive adaptability and cognitive flexibility sound synonymous. But while the terms are related, they are not synonymous. Both are important skills for leaders. But to be really successful, leaders need a high level of cognitive flexibility even more than cognitive adaptability. The World Economic Forum referred to cognitive flexibility as one of the top skills needed to succeed in the world today and Fast Company called it an “indispensable skill to future-proof your career.” So how are cognitive adaptability and flexibility different and why is cognitive flexibility such a super power? Even more importantly, is it a skill that can be learned or improved?

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Are you the proverbial Chief Problem Solver in your department, division or company? Do you spend a lot of time solving problems at work and home? Indeed, most jobs require a lot of problem solving ability and that involved fluid intelligence. Certainly any job involving customer service, operations, technology, manufacturing, management, marketing, or sales requires the ability to solve problems. And leadership positions, by definition, consist of constant problem-solving. So can we improve this executive function? The answer is yes. Fluid intelligence, which includes problem solving, is an essential cognitive skill that we all develop and which can be improved over time.

Here’s how. Continue reading →

Decisiveness and Decision-Making

Are you a good decision-maker? Do you make decisions in a snap? Or do you ponder, gather information, and sit on issues that require a decision a long time? Making well-informed and time-sensitive decisions is a crucial part of being a successful leader, and it is one of our many Executive Functions. Decisive leaders seek out the appropriate information they need to make good decisions and then make good decisions in a timely manner. Sounds easy, but it’s not. Making decisions is actually is a difficult task for many and making too many decisions is taxing for everyone. Here are the facts about decision making. Easy or hard?

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How adaptable are you? Do you roll with the punches, never flinching when plans are suddenly upended? Do you accept big changes without batting an eye and just make the best of each situation as it arises? Do you see change as just a fact of life and adapt to every situation with ease? Or are you one of those people who does not like anything “new”? The truth is that most people are not that adaptable. Adaptability is a cognitive process with which many people struggle. In fact, some are so entrenched in their ways that they are unwilling or unable to accept new software, new processes, new technology or new systems. How does that impact their ability to work with others and keep up in an ever-changing world? And can a person who hates change become more adaptable?

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Benjamin Franklin once said “when you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Long before scientists began mapping out the brain’s Executive Functions, Franklin understood intuitively that planning and prioritization were important for success. He was right. A few hours of planning can save weeks of wasted time. Laying out a solid plan is vital for any work or project to be completed on schedule, on budget, and without unnecessary stress. But some people are just not natural-born planners. Can those who are not very good at planning and prioritizing become better at it? Thankfully, yes.

Here’s how. Continue reading →

We think that intellect (IQ) is the most important driver of success. It’s not. To be productive or achieve anything, we need strong Executive Functions. And some executive functions are particularly important to be successful at work. One of our most important Executive Functions is the ability to plan and prioritize. It’s key for practically any job. But what if you’re not a very good planner or you have trouble prioritizing work? You’re not alone. However, this is a cognitive process you will need to improve if you want to be successful.

Here’s how. Continue reading →

Not everyone has a strong working memory, even though it is essential for learning and work. In part, differences in working memory are similar to differences in IQ, EQ or skills. It varies from person to person and is impacted by lifestyle. Indeed, there are things we do that can impair working memory just as there things we can do to improve it. Here’s the scoop on how to protect that most vital of Executive Functions… and strategies for how to boost working memory as much as 1000%! Continue reading →

We’d like to think that IQ (intelligence) or innate talent accounts for success. Or perhaps it is hard-earned skills and abilities. Or maybe it’s just perseverance and hard work. While all of that plays a part, one of the biggest contributors to academic success – which often leads to career success – is something else. Memory. Specifically, working memory. It is an Executive Function that most every person has (unless affected by illness or a developmental disorder). However, not everyone has an equally strong working memory, though it is essential for learning and work. So what is working memory and can we improve it?

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