The success of almost any organisation relies on effective teamwork. However, teamwork is not always easy, and it is not unusual for many teams to encounter roadblocks along the way. Whether it’s a conflicting communication or thinking style, or different ways to problem solve, we’ve all been there. Working well in teams is a shared responsibility.
This includes making a genuine effort and commitment to learn about one another’s strengths and shortcomings, common frustrations, problem-solving approaches, and everything in between. Committing to successful cooperation is not only good for team morale and culture; it is also the foundation for accomplishing corporate goals and scaling success.
But how can we better understand our coworkers or team members in order to improve collective teamwork and collaboration?
That’s where the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument® (HBDI®), comes in.
What is the HBDI®?
The Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI) can help to improve teamwork in your organisation in many ways. To kick things off, here’s a quick run down of what the HBDI is all about.
The HBDI is a highly validated Thinking Styles assessment tool, backed by 40 years of global research. It serves as a starting point to understand individual and team thinking, communication, and optimal performance. The Whole Brain® framework provides a powerful common language that promotes teamwork, develops collaborative success, and can be applied in a variety of areas including decision-making, innovation, and consumer insights. Its positive and inclusive attitude fosters development, making it an excellent resource for individuals, teams, and organisations seeking long-term progress.
The HBDI and The Whole Brain® Thinking Model
The HBDI assessment is linked with Whole Brain® Thinking as it provides a complete framework for understanding and utilising varied cognitive preferences, supporting a holistic approach to maximising human thinking potential.
The Whole Brain® Thinking model is divided into four quadrants, namely:
- The A Quadrant – Analytical Thinking: analysis of facts, numbers processing, logical thinking
- The B Quadrant – Practical Thinking: organising facts, detailed review, planning approach
- The C Quadrant – Relational Thinking: interpersonal, expressive, intuitive
- The D Quadrant – Experimental Thinking: big-picture thinking, imaginative, conceptual thinking
The HBDI assessment reveals that individuals may not fit into just one quadrant; they could have a mixed thinking style, combining elements of two separate quadrants. It’s essential to recognise and consider these factors after completing the HBDI assessment and receiving your profile results. Once your whole team understands these insights, you gain valuable knowledge on how your team can work together optimally, which positively influences decision-making and overall outcomes.
Does it sometimes feel like your communications are getting ‘lost in translation’? Check out our How-To Guide to assist in navigating communicating with different thinking styles.
Five Ways the HBDI Can Improve Teamwork
Now that we’ve explained in a bit more depth what the HBDI is, let’s look at five ways that the HBDI can help guide your team to work together more effectively.
1) Enhanced Communication
The HBDI assessment categorises individuals’ thinking styles into four quadrants, representing different cognitive preferences – analytical, practical, relational, and experimental. Understanding these preferences helps team members tailor their communication to match their colleagues’ preferred styles better. By doing so, individuals can convey their ideas more effectively, reduce misunderstandings, and create a more harmonious working environment.
2) Improved Collaboration
When team members comprehend each other’s strengths and growth areas through their HBDI profiles, they can collaborate together more effectively. Knowing who excels in analytical thinking versus creative ideation, for instance, allows for better task allocation, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving that leads to better outcomes. This optimisation leads to a higher level of productivity and a more efficient utilisation of each team member’s talents.
3) Building Trust Amongst the Team
Trust is the foundation of successful teamwork and has been found to boost organisational productivity. The HBDI provides insights into how individuals build and lose trust. By sharing this information, team members can understand the actions that will foster trust with their colleagues and those that may lead to its detriment. This knowledge promotes empathy, mutual respect, and stronger bonds among team members.
4) Resolution of Conflicts
Things aren’t always smooth sailing in the workplace. Unfortunately, conflicts are an inevitable part of teamwork. However, by referring back to the team’s HBDI profiles, conflicts can be addressed more constructively. Team members can identify potential sources of misunderstandings and frustrations, which empowers them to seek resolutions proactively. By approaching conflicts with a better understanding of each other’s perspectives, teams can find solutions faster and maintain a positive working relationship.
5) Fostering Team Cohesion
Adopting the HBDI as a standard practice within a team fosters a culture of appreciation for diverse Thinking Styles and preferences. When individuals see the value in their unique cognitive approaches and understand the strengths others bring to the table, team cohesion improves. This cohesiveness leads to greater innovation, problem-solving, and overall team performance.
In conclusion, utilising HBDI for teamwork is a transformative approach that brings invaluable benefits to any team. By promoting open communication and discussion of team members’ HBDI profiles, team members can better understand each other’s cognitive strengths and preferences, leading to improved communication and teamwork.
The power of HBDI lies in its ability to foster empathy, mutual appreciation, and a culture of openness within the team. With HBDI, teams can capitalise on their diverse thinking styles, accelerate decision-making, and achieve collective success with efficiency. So, start using HBDI today and witness the positive impact it brings to your team’s dynamics and performance. Embrace this approach to create a more cohesive, productive, and harmonious team, leading to greater achievements and shared success.
Get our full whitepaper to learn how cognitive diversity can help your team work more effectively and productively together.
If you want to learn more about how Whole Brain® Thinking and the HBDI can help you and your organisation, have a look at how it works here or get in touch and we’ll help you find the right solution.
