We’ve talked about a number of learning tips over the past few weeks. Today, I want to share some information from an interesting book I have been reading this past year. I pick it up often and review sections and some of my sidebar notes. It’s the kind of book that keeps you coming back for more. There is so much great information to digest and retain!

The book is Brain Rules by John Medina. It covers 12 principles for surviving and thriving at work, home and school. It includes stories and research to support the concepts in an easy to understand format. If you don’t have time to pick it up and check it out, in the coming weeks I would like to share with you a few of the concepts that I have gleaned from the book.

Let’s talk about “Brain Rule #3,” every brain is wired differently.

Did you know that no two people’s brains store the same information in the same way in the same place?

Eric Kandel earned a Nobel Prize in 2000 when he showed that as people learn things, the way their brains are wired changes. The brain acts like a muscle, as you are exposed to new learning experiences, the larger and more complex your brain can become.  In addition, George Ojemann, a neurosurgeon, an expert at the technique called electrical stimulation mapping found that no two brains are wired identically. External factors can and do impact performance.

So what does this mean to you? Two words – Blended Learning. As a leader or educator, you need to understand that one size does not fit all. Variety is not only the spice of life; it can also improve retention and learning. So, be creativite and supportive of the individuality of your team members. Our personalities and the way we think and learn are unique.

Next time, let’s talk about “Brain Rule #5: Repeat to Remember.”