In Daniel Pink’s bestseller, “A Whole New Mind,” he argues that although the work world has favored the left-brain thinkers (logical, mathematically-minded, number-crunchers), the right-brain thinkers (empathic, creative, pattern-recognizers, and meaning makers) are making a resurgence. In fact, all evidence suggests that the future is going to belong to those workers who can leverage the power of both.
The theory that the different halves of the human brain govern different skills and personality traits traces as far back as the 1800s when scientists discovered that an injury to one side of the brain resulted in a loss of specific abilities. The concept gained further ground in the 1960s based on Nobel-Prize-winning "split-brain" work by neuropsychologist Robert Sperry. However, Neuroscientist Lian McGilchrist argues that this may be an oversimplification. He explains that it is really not about what they do (left being logical and right being creative), but more about how they do the same things differently. The right focuses on the big picture and the left focuses on details – making them both equally vital. In essence, if we fail to hone in on the details, it becomes impossible to accomplish simple tasks, and if we cannot see the big picture, we lose all sense of direction.
Candidates whose abilities represent a marriage of the two hemispheres are highly sought after by employers. In effect, combining softer skills such as teamwork, collaboration, and empathy with the so-called harder skills like technical ability, in-depth knowledge, and specific industry experience. Some companies that consistently land on the “Best Workplace” list such as Google and Facebook design their interviews to ask questions which assess both a technical and cultural fit. Spotify is known for creative drills to find left-brain/right-brain candidates, rather than just excellent techies.
Here Are Some Ways A Company Can Leverage Both To Get The Best Results:
1. Know Your Style. Are you somebody who prefers creativity over analysis, seeing the big picture over small parts within, is more conceptional over practical, more intuitive over methodical? There are various kinds of assessments such as StrengthsFinder that can glean essential data so you can utilize your gifts to your potential.
2. Create Mixed Teams. It could be quite effective to combine somebody who enjoys accruing data, analyzing it, and strategizing with a teammate who can put that information into a story and paint a vision of the world that motivates people to get behind the idea. For example, marketing is often regarded as a right-brain activity, the domain of creatives and artistic types. But without attention to data and analytics, there is a risk that your marketing campaign will be largely ineffective. Conversely, all data and analysis lead to a mundane campaign and a lackluster customer experience. It is important to pay attention to people’s different wiring because when you pair people that think too much alike, they can not only get in each other’s way but produce mono thinking.
3. Create More Integrated Departmental Opportunities. Director of Small Business Development, Tammy Marquez-Oldham offers this idea - you can divide your marketing development process into two phases, one for creative activities, such as brainstorming, building content, and creating visuals, and the other for analysis, tracking, reporting, and market segmentation. If you use separate teams for each process, ensure that they are communicating and coordinating with each other.
4. Encourage “Teach and Learns.” Informal conversations to help better package your ideas can serve as a medium for healthy exchanges. For example, the creative thinker and visionary with grandiose ideas could benefit from questions from the left-minded teammates about small steps and details to puncture the paralysis of possibilities. Likewise, the detail-oriented and analytical thinker could consider more on the side of messaging, branding, and the fine art of storytelling.
Being aware of what you bring to the table and finding ways to add what you lack is a proven method on how to get the best of both worlds in your business and personal life.
Quote of the day: “May you find inspiration in the big picture, but may you find love in the details - Adrienne Maloof
Q: Are you mainly a big picture or a detail-oriented thinker, or both? How can you take a more balanced approach for the next time you are developing your ideas? Comment and share below, we would love to hear from you!
The best thinkers utilize both sides or form teams that do