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The world is noisier than it’s ever been. What are the benefits of tuning out?

On Point

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Edited by Gwyn Herbein
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Finding quiet in a loud world

The news

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Under the sea. Ariel fans rejoice! “Mermaiding”—the practice of swimming underwater in monofins or a fabricated mermaid tail—is taking off across the world. While learning to swim in sparkly neoprene tails takes training and practice, the burgeoning subculture has become both an escape from the pressures and problems of the modern world and a safe harbor for members of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s “meditation in motion,” says one practitioner. [AP]

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Silent partner. Speaking up during meetings can be a double-edged sword. Dominating a conversation is often synonymous with leadership but can also stifle innovative ideas coming from those who may struggle to get a word in edgewise. In other words, even if there’s diversity around the table, you won’t get diversity of opinion if only a few people talk. Some of the most influential CEOs and government leaders are people known to sit back and take it all in. [FT]

“Over the last 100 years, fire engine alarm sirens have gotten to be six times louder than they were previously.”

Our insights

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Tune out to tune in. From phone notifications to packed schedules, the world is getting louder and busier, coauthors Leigh Marz and Justin Zorn tell McKinsey. But in a carryover from the cave dwelling days, the human brain can’t process an overwhelming amount of information at once. In modern times, “noise” means not only decibels but also mental stimulus. Along with auditory noise, there’s informational noise, which includes everything grabbing at our attention, and internal noise, which happens in our consciousness—such as when we ruminate or worry.

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Back in focus. The battles for attention that wage both at home and at work make it difficult to focus on any one task. However, weaving moments of silence into a busy day has proven benefits, from reducing burnout to even regenerating nerve cells, say Marz and Zorn in their new book, Golden: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise. Explore the benefits of silence in the workplace.

Discover the power of silence

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by "McKinsey On Point" <publishing@email.mckinsey.com> - 10:08 - 26 Jul 2022

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The world is noisier than it’s ever been. What are the benefits of tuning out?

Finding quiet in a loud world

The news

“Over the last 100 years, fire engine alarm sirens have gotten to be six times louder than they were previously.”

Our insights

Archives

in

info@learn.odoo.com

Digital health: An opportunity to advance health equity

3 minutes to get enrolled into the all new mySchneider IT Partner Program

The world is noisier than it’s ever been. What are the benefits of tuning out?

Finding quiet in a loud world﻿

The news

“Over the last 100 years, fire engine alarm sirens have gotten to be six times louder than they were previously.”

Our insights

Finding quiet in a loud world