Hard Wired for Safety
Time also plays an important role in how we respond to change. When we take in information (via the thalamus), the data is relayed to our old and new brains simultaneously to make meaning of it and to determine a course of action. Though the message is sent at the same moment, the path to the amygdala is much faster than the path to the cerebral cortex – so our survival center is reacting to the new information (and processing it based on the perceived level of threat) before it even reaches the point of logical reason. If there’s the slightest threat to our physical or emotional safety, the old brain will choose the safest survival strategy.

That might ensure our security and longevity – better that we eat than are eaten – but our brain’s natural negativity bias can cause us to misread others’ intentions, doubt ourselves when there is no “real” reason to do so, and choose predictability (and safety) at the sake of change, whether we’re at work, on vacation, or in the classroom.

While we might want the amygdala in charge as we’re preparing to go skydiving, it’s essential to have the cerebral cortex calling the shots during organizational change in a work environment. With the new brain in the lead, people are more capable of and ready to embrace change; they’re both relaxed and stimulated. It’s a state of mind comparable to someone taking a walk in an unknown but safe environment, curious about the surroundings, eager to find the treasures that lay ahead, and devoid of any background chatter spurred by anxiety.

Creating Neural Networks
In this “learning state,” the brain is literally growing, developing new neural connections as we consider an idea, examine it, evaluate it, reflect on any experiences we may have had that are similar, and begin to practice it. Our brain cells, called neurons, grow more dendrites (which look similar to the roots of a plant) which in turn connect to the head of other neurons, creating a vast neural network of behaviors, attitudes, feelings and thoughts. The new networks don’t replace the old; instead, they’re laid over the top of the old networks like a new city springing from the ruins of the old – and replacing it as the hub of activity.