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The left side of the brain is for the logical, rational, scientific, linear-minded people; the right side is for the creative minds, the ones who rely on intuition and hunches to get them through life.

Business-minds think inside-the-box; the intuitive-minded re-shape the box and extend the limits.

Men are more left-brained and perhaps rational to the point of exasperation; women are more right-brained, emotional (not always bad, and actually necessary for balance), and perceptive about relationships. Of course, when the two team up, it's a winning combination.

Change is one of the constants in life, and some people handle change better than others. More resilient, laid-back personalities seem to handle stress better; perhaps because creativity flows better. A relaxed mind works better than one that is under deadline to produce results. We talk about getting the "creative juices flowing," and that could be an under-recognized reality.

Perhaps the reason that men have more heart attacks and ulcers at a younger age than women correlates with the fact that men are in a work force that demands rational - 1, 2, 3 steps - kinds of thinking. Creativity in the workplace is often discouraged and conformity is often rewarded as the operating force. But conformity is also stifling; it produces tension and a huge build-up of negativity and stress, which cuts the creative flow.

Creative souls, like writers, artists, actors, architects, sculptors, etc. can express themselves more freely, but often don't have the discipline needed to complete projects or to advertise themselves in a business-like manner. That's probably why we hear of so many "starving artists."

Linear thinking blocks creativity, but unbridled creativity blocks productivity of methodical, consistent, regular output. There should be a good, middle-ground solution.

Managing change means overcoming challenges. Meeting challenges is best done with "group think" because the complementary sides are working together.

Change in itself is stressful. Rational, logical, sequential-thinkers can butt heads with change because, by definition, change is dis-orderly, and left-brained thinkers depend on order to function fully.

Managing change means using the brain in creative ways to overcome stress, disorderliness, and confusion. Intuitive, creative thinkers will come up with ways to manage change and stress, but may need to be reigned in by practical solutions.

Any business that wishes to survive in today's unpredictable, ever-changing environments needs some left-brained people to coordinate production, but they need creative minds to make it work effectively.

Good management should recognize personal limitations, because few people fully utilize both sides of their brains; thus, the obvious need for group interaction and putting forth the best ideas for all involved.

Even as the less-logical left-brainers can develop self-control and logic through practice and effort, right-brainers can learn to "meditate" (breathe deeply, relax, visualize positive outcomes), reduce stress, think more outside-the-box, and get their creative juices flowing.

Thus, any group should be encouraged to expand in personal growth as individuals, but also cooperate as a "team." Then, any boss/manager/leader will have the best of both worlds in his/her task force.

Learn more about this author, Karon Brandt.
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