What's Your Thinking Style?
Take this quick quiz to find out what kind of thinker you are. Then learn more and power up your team.
Did you know that people think in different ways?
We've found there are eight distinct thinking styles. You use each of these at different times, but some come more naturally than others. It's like being right- or left-handed.
Knowing your thinking style will help you be more productive, engaged and energized. In addition, building teams around a diversity of thinking styles fosters collaboration and exponential results. That’s why the Think and DO Institute is using thinking styles as an important input for creating a group of dynamic thinkers who will drive change and develop solutions.
EXPLORER thinking has a Big Picture perspective and a focus on Ideas. Explorers like to solve problems, envision opportunities, and recognize patterns. They value creativity and imagination. They like when people ask for help to solve difficult problems but often prefer for others to work out and execute the details.
Planner thinking combines a Big Picture perspective with a focus on Process or Systems. Planners like to figure out how to get from A to B, design effective structures, and work out the right priority and sequence. They see how all the parts fit together.
Energizer thinking is a combination of a Big Picture orientation and a focus on Action. Energizers like to set a bold vision, rally people around a cause, and mobilize resources to achieve an important objective.
Connector thinking has an orientation toward the Big Picture with a focus on Relationships. Connectors like to maintain a wide network and bring people together around shared interests for mutual benefit.
Expert thinking has a Detail orientation with a focus on Ideas. Experts like to go deep into a topic to gain insight, reveal new information, and test assumptions. They value data and evidence towards getting to the right answer.
Optimizer thinking has a Detail orientation with a focus on Process. Optimizers like to make things better, always finding ways to be more productive, efficient and organized.
Producer thinking has a Detail orientation with a focus on Action. Producers like to get things done — checking it off the list, sustaining momentum, and achieving results.
Coach thinking has a Detail orientation with a focus on Relationships. Coaches like to work with people one-one-one, helping them learn, decide, grow or otherwise move forward.