In The Wizard of Oz the Scarecrow thought he’d do fine if he only had a brain. If he would have requested a brain style as well, he may have better understood his companions on the yellow brick road. A brain style is a person’s predominant way of looking at the world, a thinking preference, a way to gather and process information, said Donna K. Donald, an Iowa State University Extension Family Life Field Specialist.
“Ever wonder why you and your child sometimes mix about as well as oil and water? It may be that your brain styles are opposites,” Mrs. Donald said. “Although we can imagine how the Scarecrow would have interacted with Dorothy and the Tin Man if he’d only had a brain style, we know from research that by understanding brain style, you and your child can get along and even learn to enjoy each other.”
There are four brain styles — logical, practical, relational and explorer, Mrs. Donald said. “No brain style is good or bad, right or wrong. They are just different.”
-
People with logical preference are analytical, fact-based and technical. They focus on facts and want results.
-
Those with practical preference plan and organize. They are reliable and detailed. They get things done and often prefer tradition and order.
-
People who prefer the relational brain style attempt to harmonize and be supportive. They are friendly, sensitive and like to talk and teach.
-
Explorers are innovative and playful. They are spontaneous, artistic and curious.
Conflict can occur between a parent and child due to brain styles, Mrs. Donald continued. For example, 10-year-old Sally, the explorer, likes to daydream and play games, forgetting her homework and chores. Mom, the practical parent, keeps things tidy and does her work in a similar pattern each day. Mom has trouble understanding why Sally can’t remember to do her part.
“By learning more about the brain styles of the people we live and work with closely, we can communicate better, support one another and solve problems. It doesn’t mean we won’t have conflicts, but we may be able to resolve them more quickly if we take brain styles into account.”
So back to Sally, with her undone homework and chores: Mrs. Donald said Mom can use the knowledge that Sally’s style is the explorer to tackle the problem. “Mom must first remember that Sally doesn’t see the world in details and doesn’t make lists or follow plans even though Mom does. Mom might come up with fun, creative notes as visual reminders to keep Sally on track. Use Sally’s natural curiosity and playfulness to encourage her to get her work completed.”
To learn more about brain styles, Mrs. Donald recommends reading “The Creative Brain,” by Ned Herrman (1995, www.hbdi.com).