Written by: Susan Litwiller, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
After my shoulder surgery, I noticed something interesting. As a part-time Pilates instructor, my job is to cue clients with specific instructions to perform the precise and controlled body movements to achieve maximum benefit. Along with the verbal clues, I typically move my arms to demonstrate a move or to point to proper positions within my own body. Having one arm in a sling I would say, “pretend I am doing this with both arms” and then proceed to demonstrate by only placing my left arm behind my head or up in the air. Inevitably, half the class would only raise one arm. I would chuckle and repeat the “pretend it’s both arms as I only have one that currently moves”.
As an Executive NeuroCoach, this led me to delve deeper into how mirror neurons work and why even though we verbalize instructions, the physical movement is more dominant in conversation.
What are mirror neurons?
Mirror neurons are unique brain cells that were discovered in the 1990s by Dr. Giacomo Rizzolatti. These “little mirrors” in our brains allow us to understand and imitate the actions of others. These neurons fire not only when we perform an action but also when we observe someone else doing the same action. It's as if our brains are mirroring what we see.
Mirror neurons work by creating connections between different parts of our brains. They connect areas responsible for planning and executing actions with regions involved in sensing and perceiving those actions. When we observe someone else's actions, these mirror neurons activate and help us understand what the other person is doing, almost as if we are experiencing it ourselves. In fact, if we were to take fMRI (a unique machine that measures the small changes in blood flow that occur with brain activity) while someone is watching a tennis match, the same areas of the brain would light up as if the person watching was actually playing in the match.
Social development
Additionally, mirror neurons play an important role in the development of our social learning and communication. Daily, our ability to interact socially is linked to the activities of these neurons. They enable us to understand the intentions and emotions behind other people's actions. When someone smiles, for example, our mirror neurons fire, allowing us to "mirror" their smile and feel the positive emotions associated with it. These neurons also help us imitate and learn from others. The lack of engagement with mirror neurons was magnified during the pandemic for our young students learning to begin to read. The younger students learning how to pronounce words and hear specific sounds by emulating the movement of teacher’s mouths was dramatically hindered by having faces covered. I personally missed seeing everyone’s faces. I did my best to “read” someone’s eyes to know if they understood me.
Reaction before response
The processing speed of our brains is beyond amazing. Some of the latest research says the human brain processes at around 300 to 500 milliseconds. While I don’t discount the irony of trying to process how the brain processes (the brain uses itself to examine itself), the point being our brains sift information before we are consciously aware. Our mirror neurons notice the micro-expressions and create an emotional response. It’s the response we respond to. So, the energy we receive and give from a smile or a snarl is what drives our reactions. Add to that the plethora of automatic thought systems already guiding our lives, and if we are not careful, we can misinterpret all aspects of communication. Hence, raise one arm (visual) when the instructions were specifically (auditory) to lift both.
Human complexities
Mirror neurons are remarkable brain cells that enable us to understand and connect with others. They allow us to mirror the actions and emotions of those around us, paving the way for social interaction and empathy. The study of mirror neurons holds promise for unlocking the complexities of human behavior and providing valuable insights into neurodevelopmental disorders. As we continue to explore this fascinating field, we move closer to unraveling the secrets of our social brains.
Until we know more, pay attention to not only what you see, but also what words are being spoken. As true communication occurs and we connect with others more fully and completely, pushing past our initial mostly skewed perceptions we can smile and say, “I understand exactly what you mean”.
Susan Litwiller, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Susan Litwiller, is an executive coach with over 20 years of experience in leadership development and coaching. Susan specializes in serving the C-suite and helping executives achieve their personal and professional goals.
Susan holds an Ed.S degree and an MBA, providing a deep understanding of both education and business. Her dissertation work focused on the impact of employee engagement and structural empowerment on workplace environments. This research provided Susan with a solid ability to gain insights into the drivers of employee motivation and satisfaction. Additionally, as a certified Master NeuroCoach, Susan applies the latest neuroscience research and techniques to help clients achieve their desired outcomes. She helps both individuals and organizations overcome barriers to success and reach their full potential.
As a leadership expert and strategy coach, Susan partners with clients to develop their leadership skills, enhance decision-making abilities, and increase emotional intelligence. Her approach is collaborative, supportive, and results-driven. She has a unique way of weaving brain science with leadership and management principles to create innovative solutions to today’s complex challenges.
