The Whole Brain Model: Understanding Thinking & Communication Styles Andre Delicata http://andredelicata.biz/
Jun 19, 2015
TheWhole Brain
Model:Understanding
Thinking &Communication
Styles
Andre Delicatahttp://andredelicata.biz/
Warm up excerciseWarm up excercise
The two hemispheres control vastly different aspects of
thought and action.
Each half has its own specialization and thusits own limitations and
advantages.
Hemispheric Dominance
Left Hemisphere•Speech, Verbal
•Logical Mathematical
•Linear Detailed
•Sequential
•Controlled
•Intellectual
•Dominant
•Worldly
•Active
•Analytical
•Reading, Writing
•Order
Right Hemisphere•Musical
•Holistic
•Artistic
•Symbolic
•Spontaneous
•Emotional
•Intuitive
•Creative
•Spiritual
Quadrants Orientation
• Left mode A / B is male oriented• Right mode C / D is female oriented• Cerebral styles A / D prefer for
technical and experimental thinking• Limbic styles B /C prefer stability of
tradition with a caring responsiveness
Male Female Differences
Male•Mathematics
•Mechanical
•Understanding Theories
•Probing Questions
•Analytical
•Linear Reasoning
•Problem Solving
•Understanding Facts
•Task Forces
•Creativity based on technical, “thing” orientated.
Female•Foreign Languages
•Hearing/Listening
•Verbal Ability
•Intuitive
•Evocative Questions
•Contextual
•Holistic
•Problem Understanding
•Process Understanding
•Creativity based on Intuition & Relationships
Physiology Metaphor
TheBrain
TheWhole Brain
Model
TheOrganizingPrinciple
Application
TheHBDI
A
B
D
C
Architecture
A
B
D
C
The Whole Brain Model
25
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The Whole Brain Model• Four quadrant metaphoric model
• Preferred modes of thinking, learning andworking
• Based on brain research
• Nature and Nurture
• All styles are neutral
• We have all the styles
• Preferences different from competence
• Similarity and complementarity
• Organizations need all styles
• Understand and value diverse styles
Physiology Metaphor
TheBrain
TheWhole Brain
Model
TheOrganizingPrinciple
Application
TheHBDI
A
B
D
C
Architecture
A
B
D
C
© Herrmann International Group™ 2000-2003
The Whole Brain Model
Styles at Work
Logical Big PictureRational Creative
Organized InterpersonalPlanned Feelings
What are the Four Brain Quadrants?
Analyze Facts, logic, statistics, data
Rationale for listening, taking action, making decisions
What?
Organize Details, arranged systematically (linearly, sequentially)
Safety, reliability, history
How?
Personalize
Emotional connection between speaker and listener
(strong motivational factor)
Who?
StrategizeStrategize Big picture, future vision
Explores possibilities, sets long-term goals
Why?
HBDI
AuthoritarianMaterialisticAcademic Realistic
ReliableTraditionalTask-driven Bureaucratic
ExperimentalFuturisticInventive Flexible
Value-OrientedHumanistic Cooperative
The Whole Brain Business Book (Ned Herrmann)The Creative Brain (Ned Herrmann)
WHOLE BRAIN TEACHING AND LEARNING
LogicalRational
QuantitativeTheoretical
OrganizedSequentialProceduralMethodical
VisualConceptual
SimultaneousExperimental
EmotionalExpressive
InterpersonalKinesthetic
A
B C
D
RIGHTLEFT
UPPER
LOWER
Exp
erie
ntia
lC
on
crete
Intellectual
Instinctual
OPEN MINDED
FEEL
ING-B
ASEDCONTROLLED
FACT-
BASED
Non
-Verb
al
Verb
al
The A and B quadrants are practical and realistic.
2
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4
• Logical
• Analytical
• Linear Thinking
• Quantitative
• Here-and-Now
BLUE
• Argue Rationally
• Generalize from specifics
• Problem-solve logically
• Know the bottom line
• Critical Analysis
• Solve tough problems
• Gather facts
• Measure precisely
• Make things work
• Rational, unemotional
• Consider financial aspects
• Goals & outcomes
• Realistic & present-oriented
• Efficient
Quadrant A Skills Uptake
Expects• Precise, to the point, information • Theory & logical rationales • Proof of validity • Research references • Textbook reading • Quantifiable numbers, data sets, problems • Opportunity to ask challenging questions • Subject matter expertise
Struggles with• Expressing emotions • Lack of logic • Vague, imprecise concepts or ideas
• Directive in all business• Comfortable with concrete information, like
computer programming, Mathematical formulas, Medical terms, Legal briefs and Stock market indexes
• Lives in a technical world and likes factual evidence
Quadrant A style is typically authoritative
Quadrant A Behavioural aspects
• Quadrant A persons use words like
How? Prove it? Must, Typically. Should, explain, Logical, rationally, I think, Quotes statistics and evidences
• Interested in purchasing useful objects only, reading business/ technical articles
• Do not understand others’ feelings and emotions. Do not like humor
• Organized
• Sequential
• Safe-keeping
• Planned
• Detailed
• Implementer
GREEN
• A rule and a place foreverything
• If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
• On time
• Action-oriented
• Approach problemspractically
• Stand firm on issues
• Maintain standard ofconsistency
• Stable leadership &supervision
• Detailed plans & procedures
• One thing at a time
• Keep financial recordsstraight
• Neatness & protocol count
• Disciplined & reliable
• Order & control
Quadrant “B” Skills Uptake
Expects• An organized consistent approach • Staying on track, on time • Complete subject chunks • A beginning, middle, and end • Opportunity to practice & evaluate • Practical applications • Examples • Clear instructions/expectations
Struggles with• Risk • Ambiguity • Unclear expectations/directions
Quadrant B style is typically traditional, conservative and risk avoiding
• Highly traditional and conservative• Strive for safety and stability• Resist change. • They like order and work best in an
organisation where the lines of authority is clear,
• Strictly follows rules
Quadrant B Behavioural aspects
• Quadrant B persons use words like usually, quoting past incidents, quotes rules and regulations, plan ahead before talking, think and talk about the safety procedures
• Completes the work in time, gets irritated for being late
• Spends more time in planning, wants everything go in undisturbed smooth fashion
• Discourage new ideas and resist change
• Interpersonal
• Feeling-oriented
• Teamwork
• Intuition
• Communication
RED
• Attuned to people &group dynamics
• Empathetic & nurturing
• Experience is reality
• Intuitive, understanding
• Care about values
• Recognize interpersonaldifficulties
• Helping, coaching,partnering
• Participation & collaboration
• Expressive, talkative, friendly
• Spirituality
• Personal growth
• Build relationships & teams
Quadrant C Skills Uptake
Expects• Group discussion & involvement • To share & express feelings/ideas • Kinesthetic, moving around • Hands-on learning • Personal connection with teacher/group • Emotional involvement • A user-friendly learning experience • Use of all the senses
Struggles with• Too much data and analysis • Lack of personal feedback • Pure lecture, lack of participation
Quadrant C is personable,interactive and care giving
• Highly participative, oriented to teams and communities
• Concerned about the people and comfortable with people
• Ready to help out of the way and counsel others
• They are usually musical
Quadrant C Behavioural aspects
• Quadrant - C persons use words like I feel, pleasure, crazy, humorous, shouts, touches others while talking, please, consider, accept, excellent, lovely, beautiful, talks about picnic, music
• Always with people• Goes for tours and picnics frequently with family
and friends
• Creative
• Innovative
• Holistic
• Synthesizing
• Visionary
YELLOW• See the “big picture”
• Risk-taker
• Recognize new possibilities
• Integrate ideas & concepts
• Bend or challengeestablished policies
• Problem-solve in intuitiveways
• Use metaphor
• Originality & imagination
• Curious & adventurous
• Design/Artistic
• Like variety & multi-tasking
• Envision the future
• Impulsive & playful
Quadrant D Skills Uptake
Expects• Fun and spontaneity • Playful, surprising approaches • Pictures, metaphors, overviews • Discovery of the content • Freedom to explore • Quick pace and variety in format • Opportunity to experiment • New ideas & concepts
Struggles with• Time management and deadlines • Administration and details • Lack of flexibility
Quadrant D is holistic, risk oriented, adventurous, initiative and entrepreneurial
• Conceptual, imaginative, integrative, adventurous, risk oriented, global
• Talk about possibilities, strategic planning, independent, inventive, innovative and does always different
• Thinks bout the future, open minded and less conservative
Quadrants C & D are open minded, like initiative and are flexible
Quadrant D Behavioural aspects
• Quadrant D persons while talking ask Why not, What if, Try, Novel, etc.
• Last minute action• Procrastinates but completes the tasks• Interested in novelty • Unplanned
• Being Challenged
• Analyzing & Diagnosing
• Logical Processing
• Finance & Numbers
• Making Things Work
• Solving Tough Problems
• Clarifying Issues
• Explaining Things
• Dealing with the Future
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Inventing Solutions
• Developing New Things
• Providing Vision
• Taking Risks
• Integrating Ideas
• Bringing About Change
How I Like to Put My WHOLE BRAIN to Work
• Administering
• Attending to Detail
• Being in Control
• Building Things
• Establishing Order
• Timely Implementation
• Planning Things Out
• Providing Support
• Coaching
• Working with People
• Communicating
• Building Relationships
• Expressing Ideas
• Teaching/Training
• Persuading People
• Being part of a Team
Whole Brain Model Communication Preferences
BLUE
• Facts, no Fluff
• Technical Accuracy
• Articulated ideas
• Brief, Clear, Precise
• Critical Analysis
• Straight forward
GREEN
• Details
• Thoroughness
• Rules & Procedures
• Action Plans
• Explanations
• Stay on topic
YELLOW• Metaphors
• Big Picture Overview
• Imaginative
• Conceptual framework
• Exploration
• Visual
RED
• Feelings & values
• Open discussion
• Expression
• Personal touch
• Empathy & consideration
• Stories & examples
“What’s the Theory of the case?”
• Define goals & objectives
• Logically solving problems
• Critical analysis & theory
• Efficiency, cost & data
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“Challenge the Status Quo”
• Strategize & visualize the future
• Risk taking & experimenting
• Combining & connecting concepts
• Brainstorming new ideas & solutions
• Working toward quantifiable outcomes • “Big picture” perspective
GETTING DOWN BREAKTHROUGHTO BUSINESS THINKING
Team Approaches
“How can we make this happen?”
• Attention to detail & procedures
• Moving from point A to point B
• Task allocation, organization & planning
• Follow-up & scheduling with time lines
• Making sure everything is in order & incontrol
MOVING TOWARDCLOSURE
“Being part of the team”
• Mediating & facilitating
• Sharing, listening & expressing
• Collaborating & building relationships
• Intuitive sensing of underlying issues
• Being sensitive to other people
KINDLING THE SPIRITOF COMMUNITY
Management Styles
Blue• Authoritative
• Directive• All-business
• Analytical• Factual
Green• Traditional
• Conservative• Organized
• Accountable• Safe-Keeping
Yellow• Adventurous
• Visionary• Entrepreneurial
• Idealistic• Holistic
Red• Team-Oriented
• Supportive• Personable
• Intuitive• Communicator