Types of Thinking

[Tom Yum]

I read somewhere (can't remember - probably at an airport) that there are different kinds of cognitive styles. In otherwords, different ways of thinking.

Methodical? thinking - going step by step through a problem or process from its beginning until it is resolved.

Intuitive? thinking - starting anywhere at the problem and working backward or forward until you get to a solution.

Integrative thinking - taking random facts or unrelated information about a problem, relating them and coming up with new information about the problem or process.

and several others that I can't recall. Can anyone shed some light here on the topic of cognition styles? I think understanding different styles of thinking will be useful when working in teams, especially diverse teams.

[Guest]

Hey Tom,

There are loads of different models for this, that break down how someone's thought process works and what part they would play in a team environment. The Belbin Team Role Theory is one of the most famous and widely used in business. You can take the test at www.belbin.com

The Mensa website also runs a test (I think you have to pay for it now) where you answer a vast series of online questions and puzzles in a time limit and it tells you things like your IQ, what kind of thinker you are, and what kind of memory you have. Interesting stuff.

[Hardball]

When I was working on my MBA in management we studied a lot of this stuff in detail. One thing that comes to mind is the right brain/left brain theory. Basically, some people use more of their right brain than others. The right brain is said to be analytical and technical whereas the left brain is said to be more rythmic and intuitive. Some people have been known to tap into different parts of their brains using hypnosis and relaxation techniques.

I'm not sure if this helps.

[npk9]

When it comes to teams working on a specific task - I would recommend just basic understanding of each team members background. That would usually forecast the type of person they are. Then tailor your message to them. Using cognitive models are nice to categorize people in but the mind is too dynamic and people change depending upon the situation they are in let alone the moods that they feel at that particular time (which of course effects there cognitive functions).

Don't mean to sound stereotypical but communication is key and of the utmost importance within a team scenario. Just because there is a leader or manager that has a very effective plan doesn't mean that it will lead to success. It's definitely how that person relays there message.

I would recommend research more specifically on group dynamics and effective leadership communication. Understanding and finding out what type of person they are cognitively is great and all but put them in the group and they will act differently.

[Liberty]

...The Mensa website also runs a test (I think you have to pay for it now) where you answer a vast series of online questions and puzzles in a time limit and it tells you things like your IQ, what kind of thinker you are, and what kind of memory you have. Interesting stuff.

Heck, why pay for that type of thing, Mike Brewer and Jubaji will tell you your IQ for free! Not only that, but without a time limit. LOL!

[Tom Yum]

Here ya go, Mike.

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[Tom Yum]

Tried to rep ya Mike, but it says I need to spread more.

[Liberty]

Here's a great site for this kind of stuff.

http://www.similarminds.com/

It's all free, and pretty enlightening.

Liberty, I figure you're a solid 45 on IQ.

(That puts you about 40 points above me, by the way)

Just saw this - Couldn't help overrating yourself, could you - LOL!

[Caveman]

Nice little test.

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[TTEscrima]

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[treelizard]

Check out

http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/hrd/bloom.html

[kingoftheforest]

I am a neurotic a$$hole

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All this test tells me is that I am a a$$hole who worries about my friends and a bunch of other stupid crap. I like to argue (and win) and I hate to be alone.

Holy shit I AM a human being (crap)

Nothing new there. But at least I am not as self absorbed as some people.

Ditto nice little test. Kinda puts it out there all pink and naked.

[kingoftheforest]

No MMA state ban on KOTF

Yeah the Physical fitness and sexuality high scores are why the state banned me from MMA.

Can you imagine a horny clown who'll nail a donut if you roll it past him...with the ability to tackle you and hold you down??? Adds new meaning to tap out

Scary in any bar in America

From what I see in yours you run with a pack of the Fonzes (Arthur Fonzerelli) who like to buy stuff and screw with people.

[TTEscrima]

From what I see in yours you run with a pack of the Fonzes (Arthur Fonzerelli) who like to buy stuff and screw with people.

Sounds more like a Republican to me.

[Tant01]

That's pretty close except for the pack of Fonzies bit. I have no friends. Extroversion be damned!

Except the Internet losers you associate with. If you weren't such a computer nerd you might have real friends.