Collaborative Intelligence: Thinking with People Who Think Differently

by Dawna Markova

Step 3: What’s Your Game Plan?

It’s not necessary to figure out the exact mind pattern of the other person, just to discover as much as you can about what works and what doesn’t.

Step 4: What Effect Are You Having?

The most important principle when using this strategy is to notice the effect you ...

The strategy of mind patterns draws on our inherent need to connect. In spite of astounding new technologies that appear to make communication easier,

How is zoom affecting conversation for Kinesthitic people?

Leaders who understand and maximize the different ways that people process information are more prepared to inspire, empower, and meld the diverse intellectual assets within their organizations.

CHAPTER SUMMARY: KEY CONCEPTS OF THIS CHAPTER

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My colleagues and I synthesized and adapted the work of Herrmann and Gallup, along with the latest findings in neuroscience and our own hands-on experience of working with dozens of companies. The result was a strategy that includes thirty-five of what we call “thinking talents.” When

Thinking talents are your natural ways of approaching challenges, ways that increase your mental energy.

WHAT ARE YOUR UNIQUE THINKING TALENTS?

All you need to remember about thinking talents are the following three characteristics: • They are innate ways of thinking. That is, you’ve always been really good at doing them, even if you never had any specific training, and you tend to use them when faced with challenges. • You get natural joy and energy from using your thinking talents, and you don’t burn out. • You excel in using these talents and enjoy developing capacities with them.

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Some people have difficulty identifying their thinking talents, because as a society we have been conditioned to focus attention on fixing our deficits rather than maximizing our strengths. Most training programs emphasize weaknesses that need to be improved. Furthermore, some cultures, religions, and family traditions consider modesty a virtue, thereby eclipsing the ability to even admit one’s talents.

Repeat this practice with each of your shadow attributes—name it, contain it, and aim it until the thinking talent is readily apparent to you.

third reason that recognizing thinking talents can be a challenge is that they come so easily to us that they are almost invisible—we often don’t realize they make us exceptional.

Equally important as knowing your mind’s sweet spots—the talents you have, the talents that are hidden, and how they combine—is recognizing your mind’s blind spots, which are the talents you lack.