The words in the left column are usually associated with “left brain thinking” and the words in the right column are usually associated with “right brain thinking”. These are simple generalizations, designed to make you think about the usual thought patterns you use to approach your work. The more integrated we are, the more we access and use the elements associated with both sides of this list in any given situation, the more effectively we can generate elegant solutions and create new systems. Most individuals and most organizations lean more toward one side or the other. Certainly, in our culture, most organizational systems use more “left brain” approaches and would benefit greatly from balancing their methods.
I’ve developed a short quiz to help you determine your most common brain usage. Quickly search the list for words that apply to you at work. Do not think about it or try to figure it out, follow your initial instinct. Keep track of how many words in each column describe your own. You don’t have to choose between the 2 columns, just check off each word that resonates with you as part of its own process, even if they seem opposite. For example, you may find that you already use both general and detailed thinking in your work. If so, check both.
Whole Brain Dimensions Questionnaire (TM)
left brain——————-right brain
Rational———————-Intuitive
Logical ———————– Metaphorical
Based on facts ——————- Aesthetic
Quantitative—————–Holistic
Sequential——————-Synthesizing
Detailed————————————-Large Image
Plan—————————-Improvise
Mathematical—————-Musical
Administrative—————Correlative
Language and words———Images
Technical———————Visual
Analytical——————–Emotional
Scientific———————-Spiritual
Abstract————————————Conceptual
Order————————Move
Singular———————-Complex
Preparation—————–Incubation
Verification——————-Lighting
Subjective objective
Parts———————-Wholes
Evaluation—–Development
Deduct———————Expand
Precision———————-Randomness
Pattern Perception ——— Spatial Perception
Strategies——————-Possibilities
Security and protection———–Risk taking
Practical———————Impetuous
Remember——————Fantasticize and imagine
Add—————Integrate
Successive——————-Simultaneous
Directed———————-Flow
Convergent—————–Divergent
Divisions———————-Connections
Detection———————-Perception
Cause and effect ———-Correspondence
Straight lines—————Meanders
Verbal————————Kinethetic
Isolated———————Interdependent
Deduce———————Expand
Awards—————–Relationships
Observe——————-Imagine
Discern——————–Generate
Categories——————Interconnections
Catalogs and labels——-Incorporates and assimilates
Sort and separate ——— Infuse and mix
Realizes—————-“Gets”
Conclusions—————-“Aha!”
Segmented—————–Contextual
Methodical —————— Spontaneous
Levels and stages————Dimensions
Lists———————-History
Elements———————Units
Add up the totals for each side to become aware of your dominant thinking approach. What are your strengths? What are your dominant thought patterns? Where is there room for expansion in whole-brain thinking?
4 Whole Brain “Activation” Techniques
opposite functions – Spend some time doing everything with your non-dominant hand. Every time you break a dominance habit, you create new neural pathways and give your brain more options. It becomes easier to think in new ways throughout the day and easier to adapt, respond and create in high-pressure environments.
colored markers and unlined paper – Instead of using lined legal paper and a pen in meetings, brainstorming sessions, or any other work-related function, try using unlined paper and colored markers (I recommend the Sharpie fine-point brand, they’re vibrant and durable ). Without exception, once you get used to the exhilarating freedom of working “offline” and the new ideas it will produce, you will never be mentally boxed in again. The lines have a subconscious effect on us that keeps the brain locked in habitual thought patterns. By removing lines, the brain is freer to think multidimensionally rather than just linearly.
sensory immersion – Consciously engage all your senses. Instead of coming to a situation just by thinking, approach it from your sense of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch as well. The more senses you bring into a creative process, the more you will expand your thinking and consciousness, and the more information you will receive.
incarnation – become the project, problem, vision, product and act from their point of view. New ideas will flood your mind. This is easy to test. First, try to imagine new features to add to any product in a given amount of time, say 5 minutes. You will come up with a number of features. Then pretend that you are actually the product, become the product, and start talking from it’s, again for 5 minutes. You will learn exponentially more about what you “need”. The act of incorporating a product, process, concept, etc. it will give you new insights and knowledge about the product and therefore potential new features that you can’t get by just thinking about it.