The difference between noise
November 1, 2017
By Brian Maynor
Not all noisy environments are the same.
According to research coming out of the University of Sydney, unwanted distractions are the most common problem cited by workers, especially unwanted noise. You would think that would apply unilaterally, but not all noise is the same.
Think about it. Our lives are filled with ambient noise. Some of it we tune into and some of it we tune out, so what makes them different? Generally speaking, it’s not about what is making noise, but who is making it.
Here is a good break down on noise and why we find some it distracting and some of it helpful:
1. Silence is golden. I find this to be the case especially when I am rushing to meet a deadline on a project and need absolute concentration. These projects are usually cognitive, which means they are brain-based skills that flow through a specific neuronal network. In other words, they require a train of thought.
2. Silence can be deafening. Especially when we are trying to engage in creative tasks. Creative tasks are very different from cognitive ones because they require our brains to work in an abstract way, pulling together ideas from various parts of our experience and knowledge instead of in a strictly linear way.
3. The happy medium. White noise is that sweet spot between silence and noise. The reason white noise is called ‘white noise’ and what makes is so special is the fact that it is a combination of various sounds and frequencies blended together, much like white light is the blending of various frequencies. The fact that its blended noise is what makes it ideal for drowning out, or masking other noise.
4. What or who is making the noise matters. The reason we can tend to focus in a noisy coffee shop, but not in our office, is because we aren’t invested in the casual conversation of patrons like we are our coworkers. Plus, we probably hear fewer coworkers talking at one time, which allows our brains to tune into the conversation easier.
Noise can be a distraction, but it generally isn’t. The fact is there is a lot to be said for the benefits of ambient noise, especially when it comes to increasing our brain’s creativity. So instead of seeking out a quiet place when we are trying to focus, maybe it would be better to seek out a private place. After all, the goal is to avoid interruptions more than it is to avoid noise.
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I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
