There are a number of assessment modules that have been designed for companies to use to assess the traits their employees possess. Popular tools include: the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, the DISC Assessment, and the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI). The HBDI system has especially grown more popular in recent years.
Designed to measure and describe thinking preferences within individuals, the HBDI identifies four different modes of thinking and classifies individuals based on these four modes. An individual might have one or two dominant modes, which causes the company to invest in HBDI training to help the individual improve capabilities related to less dominant thinking modes. With proper HBDI training, an individual has the flexibility to alternate between different modes of thinking, using a process that William Herrmann called “whole brain thinking.” The four modes of thinking described by the HBDI are:
- Analytical thinking: Individuals who are central in this mode of thinking prefer activities like collecting and analyzing data and trying to understand how things work.
- Sequential thinking: Individuals who are dominant in this mode of thinking: follow directions, like step-by-step problem solving, and are highly organized.
- Interpersonal thinking: Individuals whose strengths are in this mode of thinking prefer activities like group interaction, expressing ideas, and looking for personal meanings.
- Imaginative thinking: Individuals who are dominant in this mode of thinking prefer activities like metaphoric thinking, taking initiative, creative problem solving, and looking at the big picture.
HBDI training can be performed only after employees take a 120 question test. This test will identify which thinking styles they use most frequently. Individuals can then learn to utilize less used thinking styles in the whole brain thinking process by using a variety of resources. Many organizations offer programs, coaching, books, and workshops that teach individuals how to think in a larger variety of ways. In workshops, employees might engage in games or other exercises that introduce them to the thinking methods that they are not used to using.
There are a number of benefits offered by a staff that uses whole brain thinking. The increases in creativity, problem solving, and the ability to access a higher level of thought all benefit the organization for which these employees work. Additionally, teamwork and cooperation will improve because employees will use new ways of thinking to approach personality conflicts among co-workers. Employees will also improve their mental health since whole brain thinking allows them to understand a wide range of emotions and think through personal problems. Healthier employees are not only more productive at work because they are free of distractions, but also help the company save money by requiring that less money be spent on healthcare related to mental ailments.
Providing HBDI training for employees will improve brainpower and strategic thinking across the organization, and these traits are a valuable assets that most organizations strive to acquire. To arm an organization with employees that engage in whole brain thinking, reach out today to a company that provides HBDI training.
