David Rock, CEO of the Neuroleadership Institute writes in his book “Your Brain at Work” that science shows that “picturing a concept activates the visual cortex in the occipital lobe, at the back of the brain. This region can be activated through actual pictures, or through metaphors, and storytelling, anything that generates an image in mind… Creating visuals for complex ideas is one way to maximize limited energy resources.”

Introducing evocative photos to conversations arouse more of the brain’s resources to deal with the issue at hand. Using more of the brain’s regions allows individuals and teams to think in greater breadth and depth. This results in greater clarification and broadening of points of view – resulting in our ability to identify and resolve real problems rather than just working on superficial symptoms of these problems. Visual stimuli also allow us to connect with our inner feelings and emotions – resulting in more authentic conversations and a faster building of trust between individuals and within teams.

Rock also writes that “Visual processes evolved over millions of years, so the machinery is highly efficient, especially in comparison to the circuitry involved in language.” When you apply this reality to management processes in organizations that focus on dialogue – brainstorming, strategic planning, performance reviews, training, meetings, vision statements, etc. – we are significantly under-utilizing our collective brains’ resources to maximize value. Points of You has taken a leadership role in combining evocative photos, relevant words and inspiring stories to arouse our brains to think far more effectively.