2 minutes
Know your own thinking preferences and learn to work with the preferences of others.
According to science, each side of the brain controls different types of thinking. We all know people who prefer one type of thinking over the other. For example, your Uncle Joe might be called "left-brained" because he tends to be more logical, analytical and objective. In contrast, Aunt Minnie might be considered "right-brained" because she tends to be more intuitive, thoughtful and subjective.
But it’s also clear you can benefit in both your professional and personal life by knowing how to use your whole brain.
For example, if you prefer to be more logical or analytical but have to help an employee who’s upset, you may need to shift from right-brain thinking to left-brain thinking to be fully effective.
Using whole-brain thinking means being able to fully leverage your own preferred thinking style, stretching to use the other style when necessary, and adapting to and working with the preferences of those around you to improve performance and results.
Exercising both sides of the brain helps us understand how others think and gives us an insight into how to better manage relationships. Whether creating a high-performing team or communicating with a romantic partner, whole-brain thinking offers insight into an individual’s motivation, decision-making style and approach to problem solving.
The "door" that goes from the conscious brain to the subconscious brain is called the reticular activating system. The more that door gets opened, the more you can use and enjoy whole-brain thinking, which in turn helps you understand how others are thinking.
The four stages of whole-brain thinking are:
- Busy beta. The door of the RAS is closed. You are checking stuff off of a list and cannot come up with new thinking.
- Amazing alpha. The door is opened a little and you can step into your subconscious to grab some new thoughts.
- Thoughtful theta. You are about to go to sleep when you come up with an even broader range of ideas. The door is wide open.
- Dreamy delta. When you are crashed out and dreaming, you have the greatest potential for whole-brain thinking. The door is off the hinges!
Practicing whole-brain thinking is an amazing way to live. It pays to consciously consider the thinking styles associated with both the left and right sides of your brain as you continue to collaborate, create and innovate!
Gert Garman is owner of Broad Perspective LLC, Orlando, Fla.
