How's your brain?

I attended a workshop several weeks ago that addressed the profile of our brains. Not just American brains, but ALL brains. The workshop was sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Sheild Foundation and featured Harold Suire with Emergenetics International, Inc. It was probably one of the best workshops I have attended in quite some time.

According to their hand out, 'Emergenetics provides a window into the way you think and behave.' What I found astonishing was that the work these professionals have done is world wide and that all brains and brain preferences are pretty universal.  

Understanding the brain and understanding my brain was of great interest to me. As a self proclaimed liberal living in conservative community, I've been confused at times as to why I think the way that I do and why others think the way that they do. It's been extremely difficult at times because  I must admit, I do feel like a freak. And the political climate and name calling doesn't help.  So, what is it about me that make me, me....?

Understanding my brain has helped me to understand myself and my relationship with others. While I shouldn't try to simplify this ....I will.  We have four thinking attributes that we are born with. Here is how they defined the different brain preferences:

Analytical thinking is rational, inquiring, and clear. The Analytical part of the brain wants to see data and research. People with a preference for Analytical thought are considered logical, cogent, and objective. They can appreciate the scientific method, and they learn by mental analysis.

Structural thinking is detailed, practical, and methodical.  The Structural part of the brain follows rules and is cautious of new ideas.  People with a preference for Structural thought are considered disciplined, organized, and tradtional.  They like guidelines, and they learn by doing.

Social thinking is relational, collaborative, empathic, and supportive. The Social part of the brain is team-oriented and socially aware. People with a preference for Social Thought are considered connectors and are sensitive to feelings and ideas of others. They are intuitive people, and they learn from others.

Conceptual thinking is imaginative, unconventional, and visionary.  The Conceptual part of the brain likes change and is easily bored. People with a preference for Conceptual thought are considered inventive, original, and innovative. They are intuitive about ideas, and they learn by experimenting.

When you have a preference for a particular Thinking Attribute, that means it plays a prominent role in your thinking processes. 92% of the population has more than one thinking preference.

My brain profile based on my answers to an extensive survey conducted by Emergentics showed me at 80% conceptual; 43% Social; 28% Analytical and 18% Structural.  What it also revealed was that only 12% of the population share my social/conceptual combination. And because my thinking is intuitive, I run the risk of being percieved as "out there," and I may feel out of step with other people in my community or organization. 

I also learned that my preference for Social thinking allows me to see the human side of events and ideas and people who do not share my perference for social thinking may underestimate my intelligence or believe I am too emotional. I also learned that I probably have a vision that extends far into the future, and I expect others to share my enthusiasm for the overall concept or goal.

So, what I also learned from this workshop is that I was born this way and while my thinking may be different from others, there is no "right" or "wrong"....I am unique and I am wonderful the way I am. What I have also come to understand is that we all need each other.  We are all unique and wonderful in our own way and we need to appreciate each other more and stop the name calling and the pigeon holing.  I may be a liberal and you may be a conservative....and that's okay....together we can make a great country greater! or in this case, a great community greater!!!

If you want to learn more about his brain thing, there is a book available on Amazon. Google Emergenetics and check it out.