Want To Be Great?

We live in an age when more scientific research about the human brain and human behavior is being conducted than at any time in history. It’s true. We have learned more about our brains in the past five years than in the previous five thousand!” Will Marre, American Dream Project

Hi all: Jean here, the “J” in the JEK Speak blog. As many of you know I am fascinated, if not obsessed with the fields of cognitive and social neuroscience. What most interests me is applying the research findings to learning, creative thinking, and leadership development. I recently came across hot off the press research from neuroscientist Carol Dweck of Stanford University. Dr. Dweck is a respected teacher and prolific researcher in the field.

No sooner did I learn about her work than one of my favorite blogs arrived in my email. Coincidentally, it was devoted to Dweck’s research findings and how they relate to leadership and success at work. It seems like it was meant to be passed on to you, those committed to using talents to make a difference in our world. I think you will find the short blog engaging and applicable in your VISTA Leader role. It may provide you some ideas for member training and development. Link on…
http://www.americandreamproject.org/dream/want-to-be-great/

Video: 5 Ways to Listen Better from Ted Talks

Wishes for a Happy, Abundant New Year from Elaine! In my last blog I wrote about Listening. Many of you have asked me for resources and books so you could improve your listening skills. There are not many out there although I recently found The Wisdom of Listening and found it to be relevant and filled with wisdom to not just communicate better, but to be more self-aware of who we are and who we would like to be in our relationships. On the Ted Talks web-site I came across a wonderful video entitled, "5 Ways to Listen Better." It offers some fresh, new perspectives. I am including the link below, and hope you will take a moment to watch the video and also, share it with your VISTA members. Let me know how you liked it, Elaine

http://blog.ted.com/2011/07/29/5-ways-to-listen-better-julian-treasure-on-ted-com/

In our louder and louder world, says sound expert Julian Treasure, “We are losing our listening.” In this short, fascinating talk, Treasure shares five ways to re-tune your ears for conscious listening — to other people and the world around you. (Recorded at TEDGlobal 2011, July 2011, in Edinburgh, Scotland. Duration: 7:50.)