Activate Your Brain by Scott G Halford

Activate Your Brain by Scott G Halford ISBN-13: 9781626341975 Hardcover: 248 pages Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group Released: May 5, 2015

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Our brain is an incredible organ and is still full of mystery, but we know enough to harness its power better than ever before. We just have to recognize how the brain works and understand the actions we can take to help it perform at its best. Combining research, anecdote, and inspiration, Activate Your Brain shows you how small choices can lead to better brain function and management.


My Review:
Activate Your Brain contains advice for managers on how to get the most out of themselves and their team at work. I've read this advice in relationship books for years. The author found brain studies that back this advice up then applied it to business-related situations. It's good advice and will work, but it's not new just because they put a brain on the cover.

The first two chapters were heavy on jargon with references to "mammalian brain, "reptilian brain," "human brain," and the names of hormones connected with certain behaviors. His related advice was very basic, like think about the consequences before you say something, or don't make big decisions while tired, or break difficult tasks into easier steps and then do the first step. If you haven't heard this advice before, then you'll probably find the whole book very useful.

The rest of the book focused more on real life situations and applications than on brain studies, though he'd still refer to how the brain works. He covered things you can do to keep yourself at top performance, like exercise (both mental and physical), nutrition, sleep, and relaxing activities. He covered effective ways to motivate workers (especially during stressful times), the benefits of cooperation & collaboration, and building trust in relationships. He also talked about things like control, confidence, and focus.

The author did a good job at encouraging the reader, and he suggested practical ways to apply his advice. Since the application was usually specific to an office/business environment, I'd recommend this book to managers or those who want to be managers who would like some basic advice.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.