3 Cognitive Zones Most Leaders Never Optimize

My wife and I just completed a challenge to complete a 5k every day in the month of May. Many evenings, I’d take a walk on the dark street of the neighborhood.

One evening, I had a stark realization: walking is a form of bilateral stimulation. This simply means it activates both sides of the body, and by doing so, it activates both hemispheres of the brain. This is one of the reasons why crawling is such an important developmental milestone for children.

I decided to explore this further. Are there studies that discuss how walking and talking integrate both left-brain and right-brain activities? (Note that these terms are only descriptive terms, and left-brain thinking has nothing to do with the left hemisphere.)

This matters to me because I believe great leaders integrate IQ and EQ, and I’m very curious about tools that make this possible.

I discovered research that shows that for some people, walking and talking significantly increases cognitive function.

Furthermore, I found research that indicated that movement primarily unlocks decision-making and problem-solving cognitive functions.

On the other had, sitting unlocked reflective, narrative thought.

It’s very easy to see this play out in a hunter-gatherer world. We’re designed to make decisions and problem solve when chasing down our next meal. We’re designed to shape culture, tell stories, and learn lessons from our day when we’re sitting around the campfire in the evening.

I began to pay attention to myself. I struggle to sit in conferences for three days (even one). I will sometimes stand in the back, or I’ll excuse myself and go on a walk.

I’ve consistently followed the following pattern:

1. I will walk for decision making meetings where possible.

2. I will often stand at my standing desk for strategic discussions.

3. I will often sit at my conference table for reflective conversations and work.

4. I will often sit at the coffee shop if I have something that needs detail and focus.

I don’t think evidence points to this being universal, but I do think it matters.

As a leader, the more that you can understand how you do your best thinking, the better you are set to lead as effectively as possible.

I’m curious what patterns you’ve seen for yourself?