Mix it up!

We're lucky, we humans, in that our brains were designed to release dopamine when we learn new things. Dopamine has been shown to be involved in a number of brain functions including ones that influence mood. I'm not a brain scientist so I'm paraphrasing of course but as the linked article states if learning something new releases the "feel good" chemical in your brain then our brains were truly designed to keep learning. We are attracted to "the new" and when we encounter "the new" our brains are alert and receptive.

As we all know even the best of jobs can get mundane and tedious at times. People get bored, fall in a rut and become disengaged for a multitude of reasons. No matter the reasons it's in our best interest as mentors and leaders to encourage an alert and engaged person or team. One "trick" I love using for my own team at staff meetings is to mix it up a bit. We meet weekly but most weeks we don't just sit around and give status. Instead I start the meeting by doing something a little different. Here are some of my (hopefully) dopamine-creating activities:

1. Bring in a puzzle to solve whether a clever riddle or some cast iron puzzle (such as these).
2. Show and discuss some thought provoking video (perhaps something from TED).
3. Discuss some ideas about communication and conversations. One of my preferred approaches is Fierce. (They have very useful techniques with an accompanying book as well as an interesting blog).
4. Change the location of the staff meeting once in a while. Even a simple change of environment can have a positive and stimulating effect. Just go to another floor, or have the meeting in an open space or a coffee shop.

The goal of all of this is to reawaken everyone's brain and still stay in the work context. Sure it takes time to solve a puzzle or discuss a video but I strongly believe (and have seen the evidence) that when everyone goes back to work they are a little more energized and a little more excited to be working at our place.

How can you "mix it up" at your workplace and with your mentees? I'd love more suggestions!