Plasticity-based training: building the ultimate learning organization

Purpose This paper aims to introduce talent development professionals to the most recent breakthroughs in the science of neuroplasticity and how those breakthroughs directly apply to building better brains and a true learning organization. Brain plasticity is the ability of the brain to change chemically, physically, and functionally based on sensory and other inputs. Design/methodology/approach Viewpoint based on literature review and author’s own neuroscientific research over the past 30 years. Findings Gains can be made on standard measures of processing speed, attention, memory, and executive function and those changes generalize to standard measures of mood and affect the real-world activities. Benefits, seen in experiments over the past few years for peak sports performance, are now being applied in the workplace Practical implications It is hard to think of any job, where a faster and more accurate brain would not help. Originality/value Many learning and development professionals are not yet aware of the health and performance benefits of plasticity-based training. This paper provides summarized evidence of its efficacy for individuals and organizations.