 The Salience Network:
The Brain Network You’ve Never Heard Of (But Use Constantly) You’ve probably heard of “executive function," that hard-working system of your brain responsible for focus, decisions, and getting things done. Maybe you’ve even come across the Default Mode Network (DMN), the system that activates when your mind wanders, reflects, or dreams - the one where your imagination lives. I've been running on the premise that these two networks collaborate, like complimentary opposites. On and off. But there’s another, lesser-known player in your brain that might just be the secret to your clarity, intuition, and creativity. It’s called the Salience Network, and it’s the one deciding what matters most right now. It doesn’t compete with the other two. It manages them. What Is the Salience Network? Think of the Salience Network as the orchestrator, the mode-switcher, the meta-attention system. It watches for emotional cues, bodily sensations, environmental inputs, and says: “What’s most important here? What deserves your attention?” Think of it as the brain’s spotlight operator. In every moment, it scans the inner and outer world. It’s the part of you that:
It doesn’t think or do. It decides where your thinking and doing should go next. It’s not either/or anymore. It’s dynamic, intelligent flow, with the Salience Network serving as conductor, not competitor. Metaphors to Make It Stick The Salience Network is:
So it’s not loud, but it’s powerful. And when it’s working well, it helps you feel clear, attuned, and aligned. Why It Matters More Than Ever It's noisy out there, and in your head. With the constant pings, distractions, and emotional overload, your Salience Network is under siege. We can be overcome by a deep inner meh. Many of us have been trained to ignore our inner signals, to override instinct with productivity and greater output. If you're feeling scattered, burned out, or stretched too thin, you’re not alone. That’s what happens when your brain runs on structure and an emphasis on productivity without enough space to pause, sense, and shift. The Salience Network is your built-in reset button. Not to stop everything. But to recalibrate what matters most. Tuning in to this network can help you:
If you’ve ever had an insight appear out of nowhere, or shifted gears mid-thought because “something felt off,” you were likely listening to this quiet but crucial system as it spotlit an important thought. How to Strengthen It The good news? This isn’t abstract brain science. It’s trainable. You strengthen your Salience Network by practicing:
These are all elements of Creative Intelligence (CQ). The goal isn’t constant clarity. It’s being able to tune your attention like an instrument, with curiosity and care. Final Thought You don’t have to run your life on tasks, lists, and to-do’s alone. There’s a quieter intelligence in you, one that knows when to pause, when to pivot, and when to pursue. It’s constantly scanning for what matters most. All it asks is that you notice when it's calling for your attention. If you want to sharpen that discernment, if you’re craving more clarity, more insight, and a way to move through complexity with intention, start by growing your CQ.
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 Image: JJ Ying via Unsplash
Artists are often viewed as mysterious beings, seemingly possessing magical knowledge that’s beyond the grasp of mere mortals. They create something out of nothing, captivating audiences with their chosen medium, whether it be visual art, music, theater, film, or writing. Their creations serve as mirrors to the world, reflecting back profound truths or offering unique perspectives. Their work can evoke a range of emotions: enthralled, amused, frightened, or deeply moved. Like I said, it’s almost as if they wield a kind of magic. But here's the secret: it's not magic at all. In reality, artists have honed a few key skills to a high level of proficiency. And guess what? You can develop these skills too, tailored to your own medium, whether it's problem-solving, project management, research, communication, analytics, or anything else you do. So, what exactly do artists excel at, and how can you cultivate these abilities in your own life and work? Here’s how: 1. Observe + Notice In art school, you're taught the art of observation. You learn to see shapes, colors, textures, and tensions that others overlook. This keen observation is essential for artists, enabling them to capture the essence of what they perceive and express it through their chosen medium. In life and work, the ability to observe and notice allows you to see what others miss, to discern the subtleties of a situation, and to gain a deeper understanding of reality. 2. Reserve Judgment An artist must learn to set aside judgment while honing their observational skills. When sketching from life, for example, you can't afford to label something as unattractive or imperfect. You must see things as they are, without bias, to capture their true essence. In work and life, reserving judgment enables you to approach challenges with objectivity, make decisions based on facts rather than preconceptions, and build meaningful relationships on understanding rather than judgment. 3. Challenge Assumptions Building on the foundation of observation and reserving judgment, artists excel at challenging assumptions. Did you know that, in drawing a portrait, the eyes typically fall halfway between the chin and the crown of the head? Yes, that far down. Your perception of reality isn't always accurate. By challenging your assumptions, you open yourself up to new perspectives and insights, essential for innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving in both work and life. 4. Ask New Questions Artists are masters of inquiry, constantly asking, "What if?" and "Why not?" These simple yet powerful questions spark a cascade of new ideas and possibilities. Just like feeding different prompts into ChatGPT yields different responses, changing your approach can lead to fresh insights and solutions. Cultivating the ability to ask probing questions empowers you to explore new avenues and uncover innovative solutions to complex problems. 5. Lead with Curiosity Curiosity is the lifeblood of artistic expression. Artists approach the world with a childlike wonder, constantly questioning, exploring, and seeking to understand. Cultivating curiosity allows you to delve deeper into subjects, expand your knowledge, and generate novel ideas. Embrace your innate curiosity, and watch as it leads you toward new discoveries and insights in both your personal and professional life. 6. Practice Using Tools + Techniques Just as a painter wields a brush and canvas, artists master a variety of tools and techniques to bring their visions to life. Similarly, in work and life, knowing which tools and techniques to apply can make all the difference. Whether it's choosing the right software for a project or employing effective communication strategies, skillful application of tools and techniques enhances your effectiveness and efficiency. 7. Develop Mastery Repetitive practice breeds mastery. Watch a virtuoso play the piano. Through countless hours of dedication, artists develop an intuitive understanding of their craft, allowing them to transcend the technicalities and focus on their creative vision. Likewise, in work and life, mastery of your domain empowers you to tackle challenges with confidence, innovate with ease, and achieve extraordinary results. So, what sets artists apart isn't some elusive magic; it's a set of skills that anyone can develop with dedication and practice. As someone who was trained as an artist and now applies these skills as a coach, advisor, and thought partner, I've seen firsthand the transformative power of embracing these principles. |
AuthorVeronica Scarpellino is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the ICF and Board Certified Coach (BCC), stands at the forefront of creativity and career evolution. With over 20 years of immersive experience and formal coaching, she specializes in guiding professionals through transitions, emphasizing the transformative potential of creative thinking. Archives
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