DT | BrainWiser Series: "We Don't Do That Here" - 11:45 a.m.

We Don't Do That Here.   

Some workplace settings promote creativity, productivity, and success.  Other settings promote stress, negativity, and job-hunting!  The difference has to do with our brains and how they work.  We’ve all heard, “Work smarter not harder,” but that’s easier said than done.  Today’s workplace often has many distractions, from the knock on the door (or no door!) to email, texting, and the compulsion to be a ‘good multi-tasker.’  (Learn why multi-tasking is a myth!) 

From the management perspective, let’s analyze the workplace and learn examples and ideas of how it can be improved so that workers feel safe, valued, and successful. We will touch on such topics as the important role of mirror neurons and how they affect teamwork, stress management, and feedback.   Managers can handle supervision tasks in ‘brain-wiser’ ways that are helpful and avoid unhelpful strategies with this new knowledge.   And, on the individual level, if you’re not in a ‘brain-friendly’ environment, there are still ways to take care of yourself.  Find out ways to enhance brain function at your job, even if “we don’t do that here.”
 
Dr. Carolyn J. Cottrell is a lifelong educator.   She has taught students from ages 8 to 68, in both public and private schools.  With a bachelor’s degree in Political Science (Washington University, St. Louis) she began her career as a secondary social studies teacher, earning her MAT from Webster University and K-8 certification as well.  After teaching mostly middle school social studies and English for 15 years, she shifted to University Academic Advising at Webster University and was an adjunct professor for both undergraduate and graduate classes there.  She earned her Ph.D. in Education at St. Louis University, where she focused on adult learners and adjunct professors in higher education

Until recently, Dr. Cottrell was the Regional Director for Webster University’s Kansas City campus, one of many W. U. campuses worldwide.  Since 1999, she has studied extensively regarding ways brain research can be applied to various activities: self-care, stress management, the workplace, home, schools and communities.  Dr. Cottrell has written and presented nationally and internationally on brain-related topics.  Now retired after 35 years at Webster, she continues her teaching and consulting through Brain-Wiser.  She lives in south Kansas City with her husband, Dr. Larry Pickett; between them, they have five children, four grandchildren and two grand-dogs.