There is little evidence that proves women think differently than men, though many would argue this point. However, there is one physiological difference in the brain that affects focus. Women have a bridge that connects the right and left frontal lobes that is missing in the brain of men.

THE RESULT:
Women multitask better than men.

Men focus better than women.

Evolution gave us this difference because in the old days, women had to stir the pot, listen for predators and watch the children all at once while men went out to hunt, which required patience and focus. However, in our complex world, we need to be able to compensate for this difference as well as exploit it.

BRAIN TIPS FOR WOMEN:
Women need to be aware of circumstances when focusing would be beneficial. There are times when giving 100 percent to the task at hand, especially when we are supposed to be listening to others, is better than doing and/or thinking about ten things at once. Giving a focused effort may mean finding a quiet space, turning off the phones and setting boundaries for when you can’t be interrupted. Creativity works better with focus. And full-on listening is the single most act of caring. It requires undivided attention.

BRAIN TIPS FOR MEN:
Men need to practice expanding their awareness, especially when giving 100 percent of their attention to the object, situation or topic is not necessary. Someone in your house may need you more than the television set. And there are times when a co-worker or friend is complaining about work but doesn’t really want you to solve the problem. They really want you to listen but don’t know how to ask for it. You need to hear their emotions as well as their words to understand what they really need, which requires listening at more levels than one. Men can be more intuitive by 1) learning how to allow and identify their own emotions (we must feel emotions in ourselves before we can interpret the feeling and intentions in others), then 2) relax back and take in body language, vocal cues and the energy transmitted by our emotions in addition to the spoken words.

Let’s celebrate our differences; we need to count on each other’s strengths for success. And let’s commit to using our brains to their fullest potential by teaching our brains how to behave.