What kind of thinker are you?

by Lionel Wijesiri

Although thinking is invisible behaviour, we are aware of it going on in our own minds, and we see the products of other people's thoughts in the solutions they find and decisions they make.

What we don't see is that the wheels in our minds turn in quite different ways. Take, for example, two people buying a new car. One does extensive consumer research and financial analysis; the other prefers to go by look and feel.

We all gather facts and draw conclusions, but we have very different styles of thinking.

Robert Bramson, renowned author of over 20 best sellers, in his book. 'The Stressless Home' classifies five basic categories that describes anyone's thinking style: synthesist, idealist, pragmatist, analyst or realist.

Subsequent research shows that only about 15 per cent of the population uses all the styles of thinking equally - whereas 50 percent has a single preferred style.

The remaining 35 percent scores high in two or, occasionally, three areas, making these people double- or triple-barreled thinkers.

The Synthesist

According to Bramson, "Synthesists are creative thinkers who perceives the world in terms of opposites. When you say black, they think white, when you say long, they think short."

To connect with Synthesists, Bramson suggests "listen appreciatively to their speculation and don't confuse their arguing nature with resistance." Synthesist is an ardent debater.

If your spouse is a synthesist, but you're not, remind yourself that the synthesist views arguments as fun, not to be won. If he takes off on a tangent, let it fly for a bit.

There may be a creative idea born. But you prepare yourself to be the practical one, without dampening enthusiasm.

The Idealist

According to Bramson, "Idealists believe in lofty goals and standards."To connect with idealists, Bramson suggests "associate what you want to do with these goals of quality, service, and community good." The idealists are good listeners, concerning themselves with goals, valuesand what's good for other people,and they prize morality and integrity.

More than others, idealists are concerned about the future. But theymay overdo their greatest strength by helping those who don't need it or want it.

If you live with an idealist, keep in mind that he may have unrealistic expectations of himself and others. Be willing to talk about long-range goals and plans of your family.

Make it easy for him to voice criticism. Remember that he doesn't want to hurt you, and may sit on grievances until they explode. Bramson says, "Pragmatic thinkers are flexible, resourceful folk who look for immediate payoff rather than for a grand plan that will change the world."To connect with Pragmatists, Bramson suggests "emphasise short-term objectives on which you can get started with resources at hand."

Pragmatists have positive and lively view of life.

Because they believe in doing today what is possible, they don't get overwhelmed with problems.

Vision

Although they have vision of where they are going, and a strong grasp of reality, detailed planning is not their strength.

They are compromisers and are wonderfully adaptable, because they don't need to take on the whole world at once.

With opposition scaled down to size, they can enthusiastically tackle what seems an impossible job.

More than most people, a pragmatist has an excellent tactical sense, and a knack for negotiating.

If you live with a pragmatist, don't expect a him to plan for the future. Too many goals can overload him.

The Analyst

According to Bramson, "Analyst thinkers equate accuracy, thoroughness, and attention to detail with completeness. They are likely to gather data, measure it, categorise it, and rationally and methodically calculate the right answer to any problem you come up with.

To connect to Analysts, Bramson suggests "provide a logical plan replete with back-up data and specifications."

For an analyst, there is only one best way to do absolutely anything. To find that way, he will work tirelessly to search for the right formula. Once the best way has been found, it may stay fixed in his mind.

If a member of your family is an analyst, you may find yourself frustrated by his endless insistence that a better method can always be found. Don't interpret a lack of enthusiasm as disapproval; analysts need to think about things. And try to make sure that your cash account balances every month. Analysts equate efficiency with competence.

The Realist

According to Bramson, "Realist thinkers are fast moving doers who know that reality is what their senses - sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch - tell them it is, and not that dry stuff that one finds in accounting ledgers, or the insipid pages of manual of operations."To connect with Realists, Bramson suggests focus on the challenge and your solution.

The realist distrusts compromise, synthesis, idealism and soft ways of dealing with the world. He can see the objective clearly and don't understand why everyone else cannotsee it as well.

If your spouse is a realist, state your ideas succinctly when dealing with him, avoiding too many details. Stand up for your ideas. Realists look down on 'yes' people. If you've agreed to do something, do it. Broken promises bring out the worst in realists.

Special Note

Whatever your thinking style, keep in mind that difference does not mean defective. If you're the oddball in your family or group - always wanting to plan when others insist on being spontaneous, for example, stick to your guns. Although others may not realise it, they may need your unique perspective.

Adapt tasks to your way of thinking and take on jobs that can best be addressed by your style.

But challenge yourself occasionally trying something that doesn't come naturally. Everyone can stretch the mind, and it's worth a little effort to learn new thinking strategies.The human brain is a powerful leadership tool. It works even better when you use all five thinking types!