Hack:
Neural Pathways to Innovation

Human physiology resists innovation.  Though we humans have tremendous capacity to innovate, our instinct repels the very change process needed to achieve it.  Habits are hard to break because we are naturally inclined to operate in a thoughtless ‘auto-pilot’ mode. 

Our default position of routine arises because we subconsciously strive to conserve mental energy.  In a process termed ‘neuroplasticity’, the more we activate any sequence of neurons the more we strengthen that particular active neural pathway.  Over time, the more active pathway becomes our default processing route while other neuron routes become dormant.  In other words, by our repetitious nature we eventually compromise our cognitive pliability, developing what we term ’muscle memory,’ ‘cognitive-bias,’ and ‘auto-pilot.’

Sometimes, we are even thrown into a cognitive disabling state of panic when we hear of impending change, (or that we must innovate). How our body reacts to the threat of a change, even when we realize change may be necessary, is a complex process involving tiny electrical signals and chemical hormones.  When the most primitive part of our brain, (the amygdala), detects any perceived threat above a given threshold, an all-points bulletin alarm is sounded. Every part of us readies for attack.  First comes Norepinephrine and Adrenaline, (the Emergency and Energy hormones), triggering our immediate ‘fight or flight’ response with a temporary increase in heart rate and energy level.  Shortly thereafter, Cortisol, (the Stress hormone), is generated with a resulting decrease of non-critical functions such as skin temperature, reproductive drive, immunity, digestion, creativity, imagination, and complex thinking.  One of the largest repercussions of Cortisol is its half-life in our bodies is perhaps 50-60 times longer than that of Oxytocin (the Trust hormone), or Dopamine (the Feel Good/Reward hormone).  Stress lingers.  When we hear bad news, it lasts much longer than the positive effects of any good news we receive.

Speed also plays an ‘auto-pilot’ role.  Our non-conscious brain systems can process sensory information millions of times faster than our conscious (pre-frontal cortex) brain systems. ‘Auto-pilot’ gains us time and energy efficiencies, but it does NOT naturally navigate us toward cognitive variety.  To be creative, have variety, and think innovatively takes more time and energy. 

As an example, if a lion attacks us, yes, we are better positioned to survive.  However, if our trigger is something a little less life threatening, (like our boss yelling at us, an unfamiliar group activity, or a problem at work requiring an innovative solution), unfortunately our non-conscious brain process still reacts the same way.   Regardless of the emergency, once the physiological alarm is triggered our brain begins fueling our survival response.  Energy is redirected from our cognitive processes into our physical ability to fight, or run. 

 So, ‘How Might We’: increase the sense of safety, reduce perception of threat, and allow the change process to happen more easily?  ‘How Might We’ lead participants out of routines and into creation of new and improved innovative business solutions?