Just Saying - The BRIEF Lab

The brain is an amazing processor, yet we’re constantly losing focus. A deeper look at how multi-tasking is depleting our working memory. The post Episode 30 – Penguins on an Iceberg (Brain Basics Part I) appeared first on Just Saying .

The brain is overworked and we’re sleeping less than ever. Why is it so important for all of us to invest in a good night’s sleep? The post Episode 29 – Go to sleep appeared first on Just Saying .

Activists investors are calling on Apple to start helping parents protect their kids. Former Facebook executives are warning that social media seriously undermines childhood development. Is tech addicting our youth? The post Episode 28 – Are smartphones addictive brain candy for kids? appeared first on Just Saying .

In the U.S., there are 5,000 aircraft in the air at any given time. Yet how many passengers seated in the exit row paid close attention to the safety announcement? Is our safety at risk because of collective inattention? The post Episode 27 – Training people to ignore a safety briefing appeared first on Just Saying .

Why are more and more fans these days not watching the sports they love, but still following them avidly online? The post Episode 26 – Stay tuned. Fans aren’t really. appeared first on Just Saying .

In a survey of 1,000 professionals we disclose and discuss how constant connectivity is affecting our performance. Is always being plugged in helping or hindering us? Download the report The post Episode 25 – The BRIEF Lab Annual Report appeared first on Just Saying .

Nobody wants to be pushed, persuaded, swayed or sold something. Nowadays, powerful persuasion is ironically what’s killing civil discourse and making everyone tune each other out. The post Episode 24 – An argument against persuasion (and for civil discourse) appeared first on Just Saying .

Writing down every word verbatim in the middle of a conversation, call or a meeting is a quick ticket to getting lost in the weeds. Listening, waiting and writing noteworthy notes is what drives big-picture thinkers. The post Episode 23 – Senseless note taking appeared first on Just Saying .

The ugly reality is an errant word or simple comment is all it takes to send a conversation off track. Who’s to blame and how to avoid this painful problem? The post Episode 22 – Conversation highjacking appeared first on Just Saying .

What’s the hidden risk of repeating yourself? When people are easily distracted, it may be worth restating, reiterating or rephrasing. Just don’t overdo it (like I just did). The post Episode 21 – Is there power in repetition? appeared first on Just Saying .

Some comments can derail conversations and send people down a rabbit hole or over the edge. There’s wisdom to know when to keep your mouth shut, no matter how tempting saying one more thing might be. The post Episode 20 – Bite your tongue appeared first on Just Saying .

If you had to speak to an important, influential and busy executive, you’d expect brevity to be built in. Yet there’s a totally different (longer) standard when communicating with teammates, peers and subordinates. And it’s not ok. The post Episode 19 – Avoiding an audience double standard appeared first on Just Saying .

Very few people are good listeners and the majority get no formal training to improve this valuable skill. We’ve all felt the frustration talking to someone who isn’t really listening. So why is it so hard? The post Episode 18 – Why is listening so hard? appeared first on Just Saying .

In a world that’s always on, we feel drained. Ironically, we need to unplug to recharge. Finding critical moments for quiet in our day will help us gain peace, perspective and rest from the noise. The post Episode 17 – Quiet time appeared first on Just Saying .

We all know people that are longwinded, confusing and unclear. But there’s also a segment of professionals that needs to speak up and doesn’t say nearly enough. Let’s explore ways for them to find their voice. The post Episode 16 – Getting some people to talk more (not less) appeared first on Just Saying .

Leaders can be passionate, powerful and captivating. Nearly all of them are completely convinced that their explanations are crystal clear – and they’re not. The fallout can leave people excited, yet deeply confused. The post Episode 15 – Confident leaders don’t get it appeared first on Just Saying .

There’s so much to gain when dealing with past pressures and pain. By embracing and sharing stories of our own struggles, conflicts, failures and frustrations, we grow as real leaders that others can trust and follow. The post Episode 14 – The uncomfortable allure of a crucible story appeared first on Just Saying .

Kind words from a boss or client not only lift our spirits but also motivate and move us. We all need to learn to lead by improving how and when we show others succinct forms of flattery and encouragement.   The post Episode 13 – Leaders we all love deliver precise praise appeared first on Just Saying .

You feel the frustration being stuck in a long meeting only to realize that what was covered could have been better delivered in an e-mail. Determining the core criteria will help you make the right choice. The post Episode 12 – Knowing if a meeting should’ve been an e-mail appeared first on Just Saying .

Nobody likes to be the bearer of bad news, yet it’s part of everyone’s professional life. Taking great care to manage tough conversations can ease the pressure greatly. The post Episode 11 – Bearing the heavy burden of delivering bad news appeared first on Just Saying .

Learners need to learn to monitor early on warning signs that their organization isn’t aligned. Waiting and hoping to see positive results is not a strategy. Anticipate how initial disconnects can spell disaster. The post Episode 10 – Signs your team is not on the same page appeared first on Just Saying .

Becoming a better writer means learning to cut, trim and omit needless words. In an attention-starved world, concise writing means being ruthless on what really belongs and what’s just fluff. The post Episode 9 – Concise writers are ruthless redactors appeared first on Just Saying .

Delivering a convincing message is tough. Challenge yourself to define the gist in as few words as possible. It’s a game worth playing to boil it all down to the basics. The post Episode 8 – Great messages are as simple as 1-2-3 appeared first on Just Saying .

It’s no surprise that Elon Musk and Tesla have been on a roll. It started a decade ago with a clear and concise story declaring their purpose and plan. The post Episode 7 – Tesla’s not-so-secret strategy appeared first on Just Saying .

Some important insights on making the story your own versus sharing a half-hearted rendition. The post Episode 6 – Owning a message that’s important appeared first on Just Saying .