In essence, he persuaded his players – seeking a first home win since April – to pretend they were a goal behind rather than on equal terms at 1-1 with Hibernian, and to battle for another goal.
It was a psychology that worked, and when Gavin Rae's close-range shot hit the back of the net with 20 minutes remaining there was communal relief that the cloud which had hung over their heads for six months had been lifted.
Aberdeen's defence may have been unwilling to unravel this season – and only a blistering 18-yard volley from Hibs' Irish striker Eoin Doyle breached it in this absorbing game – but concern had built up over an inability to turn chances into goals.
Niall McGinn's fourth-minute strike settled them quickly, however, though Doyle's reply half an hour later brought unuttered thoughts of "here we go again" from the Pittodrie faithful, perhaps even from Brown and Archie Knox, his assistant.
Stephen Hughes, diligent and influential in midfield for the home side, pointed to "a togetherness" among the squad and their willingness to support one another as a major reason for his belief that they will make an impact in the campaign.
"The manager said he wanted to be judged by what he does this season because it is his team now," he said, "and he has put together a squad which has competition for places. There is a good work ethic and a good balance to our play.
"Last season we didn't have enough options and were a bit easy to play against but this time we have good players who can definitely cause havoc in the final third. Let's hope that we can kick on from the Hibs win and see where it takes us.
"There's a lot of creativity and those in the team have to be on their toes because they know that the players at the side are waiting to get in. That competition for places helps massively."
Hibs, while disappointed that they could not capitalise on the periods of the game in which they enjoyed greater possession, should perhaps not be despondent.
They held firm under a number of impressive Aberdeen attacks, while James McPake, gritty in his approach and as ungenerous as he could be in the tackle, also found the occasional moment to burst his way into the opposing goal area in an effort to restore parity after Rae's goal.
"The last time we lost a game was the first one of the season," said Doyle, "and we went on a good run after that. Now we have to bounce back again and pick up a few results on the run to stay up near the top of the table.
"I think we can put down the defeat to an off day. We didn't really turn up but I reckon we can turn things around. It's just a blip."
With the obvious spirit there is in the Easter Road side this season, few would dispute such a claim.
