Friendly conversations can have cognitive benefits, according to research recently published by Michigan Today online at http://michigantoday.umich.edu/story.php?id=7900. Oscar Ybarra, lead researcher for the study at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research, published results in the Social Psychological and Personality Science journal. Brief friendly social interactions provide a short term boost in cognitive tasks using executive brain functions.
Given the competitive context today’s economic situation has fostered in organizations, the final comment is especially applicable. Note that “in competitive contexts that occur in some organizations, be aware that you may inadvertently fail to support your cognitive flexibility and focus.”