The Fountain Institute Blog

Research on Multi tasking

2009-11-16T09:21:00.000-08:00

To better understand executive control, as wee as the human capacity for multitasking and its limitations, Rubeinstein, Meyer and Evans studied patterns in the amoumnts of time lost whemn people switched repeatedly between two tasks of varying complexity amd familiarity. In four experiements, young adult subjects switched between different takss , such as solving math problems or classifying geometric objects. The researchers measured subjects' speed of performance as a function of whether the successive tasks were familiar or unfamiliar, and whether the rules for performing them were simple or complex.

The measurements revealed that for all tyhpes of tasks, subjects lost time when they had to switch from one task to another, and time costs increased with the complexity of tasks , so it took significantly longer to switch between more complex tasks. Time costs also were greater when subjects switched to tasks that were relatively unfamiliar.
They got up to speed faster when they switched to tasks they knew better, an observation that may lead to inte4rfaces designed to help overcome people's innate cognitive limitations.

Next time: If it is so harmful to your brain, what can you do!!

Multitasking 3

2009-11-11T06:11:00.001-08:00

Studying the "Inner CEO" can improve interface design, personnel training and diagnosis of brain damage. Recent scientific studies reveal the hidden costs of multitasking, key findings such as technology increasingly temps people to do more than one thing (and increasingly, more thanone complicated thing) at a time. Joshua Rubeinstein, Ph.D. of the Federal Aviation Administration and David Meyer, Ph.D and Jeffrey Evans Ph.D both at the University of Michigan describe their research the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance" published by the American Psychological Association (APA).

To better understand executive control, as well as, the human capacity for multitasking and its limitations, these three studied patterns in the amounts of time lost whne people switched repeatedly between two tasks of varying complexity and familiarity.

Tomorrow, I'll go into what they found. It will greatly interest YOU!!!

Multitasking 2 continued

2009-11-10T03:35:00.000-08:00

Attention Deficit trait takes hold when we get overloaded with incoming messages and competing tasks that we are unable to prioritize. The result is not only distractibility, impulsiveness and haste but also feelings of guilt and inadequacy. Individuals believe it is their fault that they are falling behind. They think they have to sleep less and work harder and stay later at the office, which only makes it worse because they're not taking care of their brain by getting enough sleep.

Dr. Edward Hallowell was asked how common is this phenomenon. His response, "It's rampant". He indicated that whenever he lectures around the country, there's instant identification.

MULTITASKING: WITHOUT LOSING YOUR MIND

2009-11-08T08:26:00.000-08:00

Dr. Edward Hallowell, a Psyhiatrist specializing in Attention Deficit Disorder in Sudbury, Mass. has seen the fallout of multitasking walk into his office five days a week. The number of patients increased ten-fold in a ten year period with symptons closely resembling those of ADD but of a work-induced variety.

The symptons included: increased irritibility, decreased productivity, disorganization, making black/white decisions or shooting from the hip instead of taking the time to think through the decision adequately and all felt pressured to get things done quickly.

In contrast to his regular ADD patients, Dr. Hallowell noticed that these patients felt frantic only in certain situations, mainly in the workplace or for at home moms, while managing the home front.

Dr. Hollowell named this condition Attention Deficit Trait (ADT)

Values: The Key to Making Decisions

2009-05-10T05:57:00.000-07:00

It is important to identify your top three values in life for they have a profound impact on how you respond to situations, make decisions and set goals. My top three values are Education, Purposefulness and Independence. These influence everything I do in my life. I read and research constantly in all areas of my life. I am a lifelong learner and have a thirst for knowledge. (EDUCATION) But, I want to utilize that knowledge to impact lives and help people to overcome the obstacles to personal or professional success. My Branding Slogan is that I am a KNOWLEDGE ARCHITECT. For I take all of the knowledge that I have and can learn and shape it to fit my client's needs and design programs, workshops or seminars (and coaching) that fit their particular needs or requests. Therefore, I live and work in a life of PURPOSE. My third value is INDEPENDENCE. I value being able to select the work that I do, to go when I need to go and to change directions immediately when needed.

Every decision you make is related to your values. Knowing your values will also save a huge amount of time for a person who has identified his/her values sets goals based upon them and then are able to choose only from activitIes or professional moves based upon their values and say no to the others. They provide a roadmap to fulfill your career goals.

Choose your top three values from the list below or add the values to the list that you have: They include:
Beauty, Freedom, Optimism, Challenge, Fulfillment, Persistence, Ethical Behavior, Loyalty, Success, Spirituality, Dedication, Innovation, Influence, Security, Creativity, Growth, Power Happiness, Purposefulness, Helping Others, Recognition, Courage, Honesty, Respect, Change, Choice, Consistency and Education.

Begin NOW, to set your career goals and make choices and decisions based upon your TOP THREE VALUES!

Behaviors Driven Business vs. Values Driven Business - My Dissertation

2008-07-08T10:59:00.001-07:00

As I pursue the completion of my Ph.D. in Theology/Ministry, I determined that my interest in the differences between the Values Driven Business and the Behaviors Driven Business is a very worthy research topic to pursue. The "Values" that I am referring to are the values that we find in the book of Proverbs and is the basis for the LA RED, "Fountation for Achievement" Leadership Program. I have observed first hand the lack of balance in Behaviors Driven Businesses over the past few years from Washington, D.C . to other parts of the country. From the very beginning of my research, I have seen patterns that are obvious in each type of business. Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing with you some of my research and some of my evaluations based upon my research which will serve as the core for my Ph.D. Dissertation.

The first obvious difference that I have observed is that Behaviors Driven Businesses are reactive in nature from the Leadership on down the chain to the employee. There is an instability that exists and usually no true strategic, well thought out plans. Conversly, the Values Driven Businesses are proactive in nature from the C Levels on down. Every decision, plan or contact with any employee is based upon building the individual and company on stable ground. The Values Driven company pursues a base of Human Behavior Understanding and an environment that supports the employees ideas, desire for growth and and a positive evaluation process that builds the enthusiasm, energy and knowledge base of the employee.

Over the next few weeks, I will address specific Values that I am concentrating on in my research for comparison with the Bahaviors Driven Business. My ultimate desire is to prove that companies who build and instill these values into their company and staff actually have more impact on their markets than the Bahaviors Driven Companies. I am interested in employee evaluations of their company in both areas. I think we will all be inspired to pursue these values in our lives, as well as, in our business.

Values Driven Business vs. Behaviors Driven Business

2008-07-01T09:42:00.000-07:00

I am beginning a series on the differences, outcomes and culture of a Values Driven Business vs. a Bahaviors Driven Business. I have been conducting research on both and the benefits and outcomes of each type of leadership or management technique. One promotes employee value, employee enthusiasm, fairness and a financially sound future. The other promotes an environment that is unbalanced, a "just do the work" mentality, a business driven by behaviors as opposed to sound Strategic planning and management and ultimately leads to the best of the companies human capital and talent to leave, decisions that lead to loss of money for the that company.

So, each few days, I'll focus on one particular aspect of each. Look forward to your continued emails!!!!

Professional Women Videos

2008-06-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

Check out the following on a regular basis!! I have been invited to be a part of this series and perhaps at some point this year, you might actually see me here!! But, I wanted to pass these amazing women on to you!!

http://p.castfire.com/tFuR7/playlist/all/rumur/women-for-hire/dynamic-women/

THANK FOR CHECKING IT OUT!!!!!

Link to the Magnolia Internet Television Interview with Jayne Michelle Fountain

2008-06-02T12:16:00.001-07:00

http://www.helloworld.com/global_frameset.aspx?target=myworld&uID=76901&section=show&recID=134602

The Magnolia Internet Television Interview

2008-06-02T12:13:00.000-07:00

We all have to have fun sometimes and I certainly did with Nyda...as you will see on this attached link to the television taping in Louisville, Kentucky last week!! We discussed a subject very clost to my heart...LEARNING TO LOVE YOURSELF AGAIN...It is my pleasure to make this available to you.

The Thirty Second Commercial

2008-05-24T18:29:00.001-07:00

Oh my goodness! Tonight, I have an assignment here at the Author's Institute in Louisville, Kentucky!! I am here with some of the most extraordinary women (and one man) in America, members of the Professional Woman Network. And, we have an assignment...that infamous....THIRTY SECOND COMMERCIAL!!!

I remember the first time I had to put that together about four years ago...a thirty second overview of who I am, my company, mission, what I do leaving a visual picture in the listener's mind so that person has a clear picture and memory of me and my company!!! Sounds simple?

Well, here goes...

Hello, I'm Jayne Michelle Fountain, the CEO of the Fountain Institute. Just envision a water fountain flowing with ideas and solutions to overcoming obstacles to personal and professional success ...that is what I do as a Professional Speaker, Certified Coach and trainer, Radio commentator and published author. I'd certainly count it a privilege to provide you with that refreshing experience.

Now, would you remember me? Well, It is an honor to stand in front of these accomplished individuals and give it a try for here at PWN, we are all in it together...we stand in support of each other and honor each's success!!!

Why don't you give it a try...? Write your thirty second commerical to promote your incredible talents and the amazing job that you do each and every day...

Utilizing Words and Attitudes to achieve your dreams, and become more of who you want to be!!

2008-05-13T06:55:00.000-07:00

My major theme when speaking or coaching is "Overcoming Obstacles"...to personal success, to Emotional Wellness, to a Positive Self Image, to Professional Success....Of course, many of these talks contain similar elements because overcoming obstacles involves Identifying the main problem, mapping your way out of that problem and building an environment that supports your needs.

But, I have found that our words and thoughts have a POWERFUL IMPACT in the outcome of life. Many of you have read or heard of the book, THE SECRET. I am interested in your thoughts about this book. But, I have designed and am delivering workshops that takes this much, much further. I am a former Science and Math Teacher and simply put, SCIENCE TURNS ME ON!! And, I discuss the scientific evidence to support that our words can change our situations, environments or bring about the desires that we are striving for.

I utilize the area of Quantum Physics to show the possibilities and probabilities. I am interested in knowing if you have evidenced your attitude and words, either positive or negative, affecting an outcome in your work or personal life?

Let me know your experiences, your thoughts...