Of course, we don't really have two distinct brains. However, our brains consist of hemispheres or regions that process different types of information in unique ways. Scientists have found that, depending on the type of information being viewed, one side of the brain is likely to be more active. This has nothing to do with being left-handed or right-handed nor does it relate to the fact that the left brain controls the right side of the body while the right brain controls the left side.
Which side are you on?
In broad terms, the left brain hemisphere is associated with analytical and mathematical ability. The right brain hemisphere is associated with creativity and artistic ability.
While somewhat controversial, the idea that different thought processes are controlled by different sides of the brain actually makes perfect sense. It has been scientifically proven by multiple studies that different regions of the brain control various physical activities. For example, the brain's cerebellum coordinates muscle movements while the medulla controls involuntary functions such as, breathing, heart rate, swallowing, and coughing.
Why wouldn't the same thing apply to thinking activities? Here are some of the ways that the left brain and right brain differ:
Left Brain | Right Brain |
Interprets Words | Processes Pictures |
Does Analysis | Uses Intuition |
Likes Details | Prefers the Big Picture |
Makes Plans | Operates on Impulse |
Follows Rules | Uses Imagination |
Now don't interpret this too literally. While each side of the brain has preferences, both sides are involved in every thought process to varying degrees. The key point is that each of us has a dominant brain side. Yet to fully understand a concept or learn a new process, information must make sense to both sides of the brain. Merely appealing to one side or the other results in incomplete comprehension and miscommunication.
It's better when both sides of the brain "get it".
DAMICON links the left brain and the right brain by delivering results and documentation that make sense no matter which side of the brain dominates the thought process. We do this by using words, pictures, tables, graphs, animations and whatever else is needed to clearly convey complex technical information.
In presenting technical content, a critical success factor is to understand the audience. What do they know? What don't they know? How do they learn new concepts? How do they lookup information to stay fresh?
Armed with the answers to these questions, we can deliver results that get used not shelved. DAMICON, linking the left brain and the right brain so that your organization uses 100% of its brain power.
We have a project approach that is unique to DAMICON. It enables us to deliver effective results fast. We encourage you to read more about our approach and decide for yourself.
Organizations also tend to display left or right brain dominance. This relates to culture. If the organization's culture is very much driven by rules and procedures, then it is left brain dominant. Conversely, if the organization is free-wheeling and imaginative, it is right brain dominant.
As a consultant, this is important to understand because it has a direct and tangible impact on how information should be presented. The dominant side needs to be respected by providing results in the format most likely to be accepted.
Meanwhile, the "other side" cannot be ignored. Results must be comprehensible by both sides of the brain so that everyone in the organization can benefit.
The same logic applies to customers, of course. Information to be conveyed to them must link both sides of the brain to be most effective and to minimize support calls.