Thought Diversity

Whole Brain Thinking— A Methodology that Produces Results

Our programs incorporate a cognitive diversity framework for looking at leadership, teams and culture that helps to harness differences in our brains and approaches to thinking, communications, decision-making and problem-solving.  The goal is to better understand ourselves…. whether individually or collectively through our various interpersonal relationships.  This is true whether working one on one, in teams or as part of a broader organization.

KnowledgeSources uses the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI®), a self-assessment survey, to explore participants’ mental diversity. Most people think of diversity in terms of the first three things that psychologists say people notice when meeting someone new: race, gender and age. While all of this is key to creating inclusive organizations, there is probably more diversity in how people think than in any physical aspect of their being.  When someone has the self-awareness and ability to communicate how they think to others, the impact on their relationships, team and organizational success is powerful.

This framework can be used within teams, pairs or rolled up organizationally to understand the types of thinking across any large or small group.  The goal is to understand the strengths of teams or cluster of relationships as well as what might be less preferred that requires supplemental thinking, learning or guidance.  We find that teams at all levels of an organization are most successful and productive with a combination of diverse thinking.  The methodology also becomes a common language to help shortcut and expedite interactions driving better, faster results.

KnowledgeSources consults with clients on how to apply these insights to key areas of focus including:

• Increase team productivity and capacity
• Develop stronger customer relationships
• Improve interpersonal communications
• Build more cohesive, aligned teams
• Manage conflict
• Effective decision-making
• Solve problems in a more cohesive way
• Create Whole Brain professional presentations and written communications
• Develop learning programs to address all types of adult learners using multiple mediums

Agile Thinking

In this video, Ann Herrmann-Nehdi discusses how to become more agile thinkers in today’s VUCA* world of fast moving technology and communications. Learn how to be deliberate in planning ahead to lead your thinking so the swirling world of tech doesn’t lead you. Learn how many of today’s inspirational and forward-thinking leaders are building their thinking agility and getting more conscious about how they apply their mental resources so they can lead successfully in a world of globalization, unpredictability and distractions.

* short for volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity, and a catchall for “Hey, it’s crazy out there!”