Ever wondered what goes on in your mind just before you knock on your boss's door to request a raise? Dr. Joel Salinas, a neurologist and expert on brain health, joins us to discuss the neurology behind negotiation.
When you shy away from tough conversations, your brain rewards you with a small surge of dopamine. This fleeting sense of relief feels pleasant, which reinforces the behavior of avoiding the conversation.
However, Dr. Salinas notes that this creates a troublesome cycle: the more you steer clear of conflict, the more challenging it becomes to confront it.
To break this pattern, start with a simple yet powerful action: take a deep breath. A prolonged, slow exhale activates the more thoughtful regions of your brain, aiding you in moving past instinctive reactions.
Dr. Salinas advises concentrating on what he refers to as the “Bigger Better Offer”—the meaningful benefits gained from overcoming discomfort. Reflecting on the consequences of not asking for that raise (like struggling with bills or missing out on career progression) can inspire you to confront avoidance behaviors.
In addition to workplace conflicts, we delve into intriguing brain facts:
- Your brain creates reality as if it is “one great big hallucination.”
- Neural pathways that are activated together become interconnected.
- Conflict is not a sign of defeat; rather, it is essential for genuine connections.
If you want to enhance your brain health, Dr. Salinas recommends engaging in regular exercise, consuming brain-healthy foods like leafy greens and berries, getting quality sleep, fostering supportive social relationships, and challenging yourself with new skills.
The conversation covers various facets of brain functioning—from why humans are visual beings to how trauma influences neural pathways—explained in a relatable and engaging manner.
Whether you're aiming to handle difficult conversations more successfully or simply interested in the remarkable three-pound organ that governs your reality, this episode provides practical insights into the workings of your mind.
Timestamps:
(Note: Timestamps may differ on individual listening devices due to diverse advertising durations. The provided timestamps are approximate and could vary by several minutes depending on changing ad lengths.)
(0:00) Introduction
(3:00) What takes place in your brain when requesting a raise
(6:30) How negativity bias influences interactions with authority figures
(10:41) The “Bigger Better Offer” technique for breaking behavioral patterns
(19:22) The reasons why avoiding conflict establishes reward pathways in the brain
(29:12) Training your brain to accept disagreement
(34:52) How salience and valence influence our perception of conflict
(40:42) The significance of internal conflict in decision-making
(55:08) Gaining insight into the structure and functions of various brain regions
(1:00:53) Why imagining possibilities is crucial for breaking rumination cycles
(1:06:45) How challenging the brain forms new neural connections
(1:11:42) Five essential habits that promote long-term brain health
(1:17:03) Brain plasticity and its changes throughout our lives
(1:22:51) Resources for further exploration of conflict resilience
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Have you ever thought about what occurs in your brain just before you approach your boss to request a raise? Dr. Joel Salinas, a neurologist and expert in brain health, is here to discuss the neuroscience behind negotiation.