The PCO - IAPCO Annual Meeting Vancouver

An award-winning medical doctor, researcher and expert on the neuroscience of innovation, leadership, and motivation, Dr. Shimi Kang provides science-based solutions for health, happiness, and achievement in the workplace, classroom and at home.

In your talk you encourage people to do it the dolphin way! What is so special about the dolphin way from which we human beings can learn? The dolphin way has two parts - the firm yet flexible collaborative interpersonal style and a balanced lifestyle that values ‘POD’ – play, others and downtime. These are the science-based characteristics of a relationship and lifestyle that leads to adaptability, community, creativity and motivation - all key qualities needed in our ever-changing modern world.

1. Dolphin KEYS to Motivation The dolphin KEYS are the essence of motivational communication. They complement but do not intrude on the development of self-motivation. It is a four-step process focusing on a balanced state of mind, empathy, autonomy and optimism.

K - kill the shark and jellyfish Behavioural science tells us that pushing and micromanaging (the shark) are counterproductive. Also, guiding is better than no direction (the jellyfish). Thus, take a few deep breaths, get centered as a calm, present, dolphin communicator.

E – empathy Empathy is a powerful tool to connect with others as it activates powerful mirror neurons and releases the trust hormone oxytocin. Put yourself in their shoes and make a statement of empathy.

Y - Your Goals Identify and express an understanding of the other person’s goals. We all need a reason to take a step or make a change. Defining personal reasons builds autonomy and sets up the brain to release dopamine.

S - Support success Create a positive support system by expressing optimism in success! If you can add a vision of success, you will activate serotonin.

2. All about the dolphin POD Play The play mindset and exploration leads to innovation. Take healthy risks, embrace trial and error, and adapt to new situations.

Others Social connections with others leads to leadership. Make communication, collaboration and contribution a daily practice.

Downtime Downtime and wellness leads to resilience. Review practical downtime activities that can be integrated into everyday life. The qualities include being a dolphin leader and using empathy, autonomy and optimism.

In your book the Dolphin Way you conclude that there is the one word that describes the skill to an awesome life – adaptability. Why is adaptability so important in your opinion? Wherever you look - whether it’s a plant, animal, small business, large business, government, or empire - adaptability has persistently been a key to success. Survival of the fittest is not the fastest or the strongest but the one that has the best fit to an ever-changing world. We are in the midst of a rapidly changing, fast pace, and ultra competitive world and thus adaptability is more important now than ever.