The Space Between

Functional Fixedness has implications in the field of education. Sometimes answers tend to be coaxed out of the learner because as teachers we want our students to succeed. There is no bad intention in wanting the best for students but we must remain cognizant of the opportunity cost associated with shallow successes.

Functional fixedness can limit students' creative thinking and adaptability. Encouraging students to think outside the box and see objects for their potential uses, not just their typical ones, can foster a more innovative mindset.

https://ConnectingTheSpaceBetween.com

Embracing creativity, exploring unconventional ideas (with others), and fostering a mindset of experimentation, you’ll discover new possibilities and enhance your problem-solving abilities. Break free from the constraints of functional fixedness and unleash your full creative potential!

https://ConnectingTheSpaceBetween.com

5 thought patterns and/or strategies for tackling functional fixedness:

1. Reframe the problem (reframe the problem and a new solution might follow)
2. Brainstorm without filtering
3. Try analogies and metaphors (connecting ideas can spark creativity leading to new thoughts)
4. Experimentation and play
5. Collaboration and diversity of perspectives (the 2 head are better than one adage)

https://ConnectingTheSpaceBetween.com

Functional fixedness is a mental block that stops us from seeing new uses for familiar objects. Basically, it's when we only think of an object in terms of its traditional use, which can make it hard to come up with creative solutions or new ideas.

One of the go-to examples for functional fixedness is the candle problem. In the classic candle problem, participants are given a candle, a box of tacks, and matches, and are asked to attach the candle to a wall so that it can be lit without dripping wax on the floor. Many people initially try to use the box as a platform for the candle, overlooking that it can be emptied and used as a candleholder.

We all have had that moment where we see a problem/issue and we say to someone, “I never thought to do it that way.” Functional fixedness doesn’t need to be considered bad, but overall, we want to be creative and think “outside of the box” when we are problem solving.

https://ConnectingTheSpaceBetween.com

How focused am I really? A chance to reflect...

How long do you believe that you can focus at one stretch of time? Ever tested it?
How do you train yourself to be more focused?
What things get in the way of your focus? How do you get around the temptation of those things?

Comment below...



https://ConnectingTheSpaceBetween.com

It's difficult to quantify the exact percentage of time a human can stay in the present moment, as it varies greatly depending on individual factors, circumstances, and practices. However, there are so many techniques for optimizing focus and attention. From improved sleep, to minimizing distractions, to taking scheduled breaks (like in the Pomodoro Method), we all want to be productive it seems!

https://ConnectingTheSpaceBetween.com

According to a study by Microsoft, the average human attention span has dropped to eight seconds, largely due to the impact of digital technology and constant information overload (Microsoft Attention Span Research, 2015). For focused work, the research published in the journal Cognition indicates that cognitive performance, including sustained attention, typically begins to decline after about 20-30 minutes of focused activity without a break (Kahneman, D. et al., 2011).

https://ConnectingTheSpaceBetween.com

Effective communication in healthcare is crucial for patient safety, quality care, and overall health outcomes. Communication training equips healthcare professionals with the skills to better understand and address patient needs, reduce errors, and improve patient satisfaction. Research shows that good communication can lead to more accurate diagnoses, better adherence to treatment plans, and fewer readmissions. Investing in communication training ensures that healthcare teams work cohesively, fostering a culture of transparency and trust. In an environment where every interaction can impact a patient’s well-being, communication training isn't just important—it's essential.

https://ConnectingTheSpaceBetween.com

Happy Relaxation Day! 🌿 Today is the perfect reminder to take a break and recharge your mind and body. Whether it's through meditation, a nature walk, reading a book, or simply taking a few deep breaths, making time to relax is crucial for your mental and physical well-being. Studies show that regular relaxation can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall health (Mayo Clinic, 2021; Harvard Health Publishing, 2020). So, take a moment today to unwind and do something that brings you peace. You deserve it!



https://ConnectingTheSpaceBetween.com

Your self-talk shapes your reality. Positive self-talk can boost your confidence, improve your mood, and help you achieve your goals. On the other hand, negative self-talk can limit your potential and increase stress. Next time you catch yourself thinking negatively, challenge those thoughts and reframe them into positive, empowering statements. Small changes in how you speak to yourself can lead to significant improvements in your overall well-being and success.

https://ConnectingTheSpaceBetween.com

Life is one big improv! It’s an illusion of sorts that we feel we are controlling our lives. Yes, we make decisions and those have consequences… actually, maybe it reversed... it might be more accurate to say we react with next choices based on the circumstances we experience? Regardless, life has us reacting in real time over and over again! When a stranger asks a question in the grocery store check out line, we do not prepare an answer, we improvise! When a child falls off of a bike and gets hurt, parents do not plan that, they improvise! Our days then are a sequence of priorities where we must determine the most important information and then make decisions from there.

Strong communication training in education is crucial for creating a positive learning environment and enhancing student outcomes. It equips educators with the skills to clearly convey concepts, listen actively, and respond empathetically, which improves student engagement and understanding. Research shows that strong communication skills in teachers lead to better classroom management, increased student motivation, and higher academic achievement. Moreover, it helps in building strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues, creating a supportive and collaborative school community. Investing in communication training for educators isn't just beneficial—it's essential for nurturing a thriving educational environment.

https://ConnectingTheSpaceBetween.com

Practicing presence through improv can help you improve in the following areas:

1. Dealing with uncertainty (increases spontaneity and flexibility)
2. Creativity/Innovation (problem solving and thinking under pressure)
3. Collaboration/Teamwork (being able to effectively build on others’ ideas while increasing listening/communication skills)
4. Empathy (improvement in relating to others, especially situationally)
5. Risk-taking and Resilience (reframing failure as learning, making individuals more adaptable)

Connect with us today to help make life more pleasant for you!

What you say to yourself matters. Your internal dialogue can either be a powerful motivator or a significant barrier. Cultivate positive self-talk by being kind, encouraging, and realistic with yourself. Replace negative thoughts with affirmations that uplift and empower you. Remember, the most important conversations you have are the ones you have with yourself. Choose words that build you up, not tear you down.

https://ConnectingTheSpaceBetween.com

Can we reframe thoughts we have of others? Yes!

Is there a way to inspire others to reframe their narrative of us, seeing us in an aligned light? The answer is still yes!

How we can attempt this is to proceed with actions over words, communicate as openly as possible if given the opportunity. If possible, we can also provide context to any misunderstandings and move forward with full intention to grow (individually and in the relationship). Very important though, is that we must remain steadfast to boundaries!

This is a lot to learn but let The Space Between break it down for you, all completed through fun filled art and play! We get serious results through enlivening play!

https://ConnectingTheSpaceBetween.com

Maslow was a man that set out to structure basic human experience into a prioritization of needs from least to greatest. This made me wonder, where does art fall on this scale?

Art definitely enriches our lives AND I boldly say I believe it contributes to well-being across ALL levels of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. At the basic level we may relieve psychological and emotional stress towards those most basic primal needs. And at the highest level we can refine who we are and our purpose through art.

While deeper engagement and mastery may align more closely with self-actualization, the emotional, psychological, and social benefits of art are accessible and valuable to people at all stages of life and development!

https://connectingthespacebetween.com

It is the natural fluctuation in life that not everything is a homerun and not every relationship withstands the storm. While so much can be achieved through awareness and communication, the communication process is not without the need for relationships to end. It means nothing about the quality of the relationship or the the people in the relationship. It is worth noting though that intense emotions (both highs and lows) come with endings. We all want solutions but sometimes we forget that it might not be pleasant. That does NOT mean it isn't worth working on or letting go.

https://ConnectingTheSpaceBetween.com

We encounter a variety of individuals that influence our lives at different levels—friends, family, coworkers, and strangers. Each person brings their own unique background, experiences, and perspectives to the table, yet we sometimes fall into the trap of making snap judgments and assumptions based on limited information or utilizing only our experience. For example, can a man really know what it is like to be a woman? Can a white person know what it is like to be a person of color? No. But we can imagine and empathize using information. We can check for understanding or allow others to weigh in on their experience. There is a reason groups are stronger than individuals. More ideas, more perspectives bring more knowledge to the table when working to serve the masses. It is imperative that we look at our assumptions and the narratives we put on others (sometimes unknowingly). We can connect better with a little more self awareness and clarification in our relationship toolbox!

https://ConnectingTheSpaceBetween.com

Everyone comes to the relationship table with different beliefs and values, making how issues are sorted out very complex. There is also the myriad of experiences that are part of the equation as well. There is no one size fits all to solving relational misgivings.

While seeking understanding, respecting boundaries, and working to grow with others are great strategies, they do not guarantee success in relationships of any kind. It is painful to feel you’ve caused harm to others, however well intentioned. Just because you are not the receiver of the ‘harm’, doesn’t mean hurt is not experienced. It takes two to tango as they say. And that means tango-ing into growth or tango-ing towards demise.

https://ConnectingTheSpaceBetween.com

If you have ever heard someone label someone else’s emotion or if someone seems very sure they know the best outcome for someone else’s situation, then you have witnessed the use of assumptions and stories! It is natural to have expectations or best guesses at what someone else is thinking and feeling, BUT taking an inclination and running with it CAN cause a lot of problems. At work, it is not unheard of that entire relationships can be built on wrongful assumptions. Even with those that we are closest too, we can believe we understand their situation as well as they do, forego checking in, and create a mess to clean up.

But what if we could challenge these assumptions and rewrite the stories we tell ourselves about others? What if we could approach our relationships with curiosity, empathy, and a willingness to embrace nuance? Whether a pleasant and healthy relationship or a negative one, there is always the option to REFRAME and begin again.

https://ConnectingTheSpaceBetween.com

You know, procrastination get a bad name most of the time. But what if it isn't necessarily a bad thing all of the time? For artists, the struggle to overcome procrastination can often feel like an insurmountable barrier between them and their creative goals. Procrastination isn't always a negative force though. It can be an intrinsic part that promotes the creative process.

What if we view procrastination as more of a creative pause? Sink time to let ideas marinate and take shape. It's about not forcing the work and letting it come to you. The subconscious mind is still at work even when we aren't activating the brain. Maybe the important thing to note here is that you've got to find the self awareness to see when you are triggered negatively, versus when you are intentionally pausing.

https://connectingthespacebetween.com

The phrase "assuming makes an ass out of u and me" is a clever play on words that highlights the pitfalls of making assumptions. Assumptions lack information, are left up to interpretation, and they skip the important step of clarifying when needed.
Making assumptions can also come across as arrogant or insensitive, especially if the assumptions are incorrect or offensive. This perception can erode trust and damage relationships.

It’s a matter of survive versus thrive. The little things like how we speak, become the big things in the end. By fostering an environment where questions are encouraged and assumptions are minimized, communication becomes more effective, leading to better relationships, improved collaboration, and enhanced outcomes.

https://connectingthespacebetween.com

The Space Between ENJOY learning about how your business can improve communication & culture through art and play experiences.

Effective communication is the foundation of personal and professional success. Whether you are interacting with colleagues, clients, or loved ones, the depth and precision of the information you share can significantly impact the clarity, understanding, and outcomes of your conversations. Detailed information enhances clarity and understanding, can build credibility and trust, improves collaboration and conflict resolution, and increases learning.

https://ConnectingTheSpaceBetween.com

Are there any downfalls in using more and more online collaboration tools?

What has your experience been like? Tell us what you love and hate below!

https://ConnectingTheSpaceBetween.com

What's the difference between play and games?

Play is spontaneous, creative, and open-ended, allowing for free expression and imagination without specific goals or rules. It’s all about enjoying the moment and exploring new ideas.

Games, on the other hand, are structured with defined rules, objectives, and outcomes. They require strategic thinking, skills, and often involve competition or collaboration to achieve a specific goal.

Both play and games are valuable, but they serve different purposes in fostering creativity, relaxation, and skill development. Embrace both to balance fun and growth!

https://ConnectingTheSpaceBetween.com

Recent studies highlight the significant impact of effective communication on job satisfaction. Research by Heuss and colleagues shows that servant leadership and frequent, meaningful communication greatly enhance job satisfaction, especially in remote work settings. Another study reveals that nearly 50% of communication satisfaction, which strongly influences job satisfaction and organizational commitment, is due to effective internal communication practices.

Heuss et al. study
Emerald Insight study

https://ConnectingTheSpaceBetween.com

The Space Between ENJOY learning about how your business can improve communication & culture through art and play experiences.

When you are the boss, feedback is essential for improvement of those you lead.
How then do you maximize feedback so that those receiving the feedback receive it best?

Effective feedback should include the following key elements:

Specificity: Focus on specific behaviors or actions rather than generalizations.

Constructiveness: Frame feedback in a way that is helpful and aimed at improvement.

Empathy: Deliver feedback with sensitivity and respect for the recipient's perspective.

Actionable: Provide clear, actionable steps or suggestions for improvement.

These elements help ensure that feedback is constructive, respectful, and conducive to growth and development.

https://ConnectingTheSpaceBetween.com

The Space Between ENJOY learning about how your business can improve communication & culture through art and play experiences.

Over-relying on email for workplace communication can cause several problems. Without tone and body language, emails are easily misunderstood. Important messages often get lost in a flood of emails, and responses can be delayed, causing significant hold-ups. Plus, emails lack the personal touch that face-to-face or voice communication offers.

http://ConnectingTheSpaceBetween.com

Failing to seek clarification when communicating can lead to major misunderstandings and mistakes in the workplace. Don't assume you understood—ask questions, confirm details, and ensure everyone is on the same page. Clear communication is key to effective teamwork and success. Let's prioritize clarity, like Arnold, to avoid confusion and keep our projects on track!

https://ConnectingTheSpaceBetween.com