Two days ago, while in Jamaica to speak about MITA brain based renewal, I spotted revival alive and well from a car radio. In a vehicle that transported Dr. Robyn McMaster and I to the University of West Indies, radio guests discussed broken systems in general, and Jamaican policies that got  implemented without discussion from citizens.

Opposition heated as amygdalas flared and alternative views surfaced. Talented facilitator and Jamaican first lady, Beverly Manley, calmly appealed for discussion, as one guest demanded faster implementation without wasting time for people’s input. Maybe that’s what Obama’s adviser, Jeffrey Sachs referred to recently as influence abuse.

Have you noticed how differences tend to submerge into ego shuffles and toxic workplaces when one voice dominates?

Not so in this case. With great skill, Beverly Manley guided thoughtful discourse on HOT102 Radio along both sides of sizzling issues that affect ordinary people.  Without diminishing her aggressive guest and without blocking deeper discussion from Jamaican people, I saw brilliance in action. Have you interacted lately with leaders who break through dominance to engage democracy?

Only later did I discover that I too would have the privilege of discussing learning and leading brain based renewal on HOT102 Radio, with this talented Jamaican leader.

A brain based facilitator becomes both:

• catalyst and guide
• listener and speaker
• inspirational lead and avid follower.

While few people possess all of these traits, gifted guides-to-the-side tend to spark renewal by engaging multiple views of issues. Rarely does the sage-on-the-stage rally hidden and unused brainpower on the other side. In this age of new brainpower possibilities, the world craves brain based guides like Beverly Manley.

The same brain that wires for wonder and sparks curiosity, can crash like a jet under fire when scorn strikes. Does your workplace cherish adventures and embrace change? Or do you settle for toxins and deepen ruts that diminish people or eliminate keen voices on the other side?

Consider the wasted talent when leaders lack brain based facilitator strategies:

1. Meetings become boring as few speak or feel heard.
2. Research lacks applications while defendants attack one side.
3. Language sports jargon yet rarely communicates.
4. Learning leaves behind voices and views on the other side.
5. Projects barricade brains that hold winning solutions.
6. Diversity gets lost along with alternative possibilities.
7. Business lacks ethical practices from shared perspectives.
8. Genders waste insights that complement male and female views.
9. Leadership grows arrogant as it protects its own interests.
10. Change gets lost in favor of narrow ruts and tired routines.

Would you agree that facilitator tactics could help us restore broken systems, and tip the scales toward transformational visions? A shared progress that impacts growth, creates caring communities,  and lifts the bottom line. What would it take to develop brain based facilitators where you work?