WHOLE BRAIN MODEL- Ned Herrmann

The American brain researcher Ned Herrmann developed the patented HBDI model, which stands for Herrmann
Brain Dominance Instrument®. Directly related to this is the, also patented, Whole Brain Technology Model®.

Both are inextricably linked. Hermann developed the HBDI on the basis of a large diversity of human behavioural
analyses. It provides an overview of the different thinking styles that people usually have, use, and apply. This is
also referred to as the thinking preference profile, which is further elaborated in the Hermann Whole Brain model.

In addition to thinking styles, every person has a certain thinking preference. This can be determined using the
Herrmann Whole Brain Model. These thinking preference may change according to one’s phase of
life, emotional experiences, insights, education, and other factors. Each person has access to all four thinking
styles. Despite a specific thinking preference, the other thinking styles are also used to varying degrees. In daily
life, different situations arise that require different ways of thinking at different times.

Every HBDI profile provides insight into the thinking preference at that moment in time. The final profile prefers
a certain way of thinking, learning, communicating, and decision-making.

-It provides insight into the fact that every person has different interests and the reasons why not everyone
communicates in the same way.

-People simply have different ways of observing, recording information, making decisions, and solving problems.

-When someone understands their own thinking preference within the Herrmann Whole Brain Model, there will
be an opportunity for improved communication with their environment and other aspects of personal and
interpersonal development.
Six Thinking Hats
Used with well-defined and explicit Return on Investment success in corporationsworldwide, Six Thinking Hats is
a simple, effective parallel thinking process that helps people be more productive, focused, and mindfully
involved. A powerful tool set, which once learned can be applied immediately!

You and your team members can learn how to separate thinking into six clear functions and roles. Each thinking
role is identified with a colored symbolic "thinking hat." By mentally wearing and switching "hats," you can
easily focus or redirect thoughts, the conversation, or the meeting.

The White Hat calls for information known or needed. "The facts,just the facts."

The Yellow Hat symbolizes brightness and optimism. Under thishat you explore the positives and
probe for value and benefit.
The Black Hat is judgment - the devil's advocate or why something may not work. Spot the
difficulties and dangers; wherethings might go wrong. Probably the most powerful and useful ofthe
Hats but a problem if overused.
 The Red Hat signifies feelings, hunches and intuition. When usingthis hat you can express emotions
and feelings and share fears, likes, dislikes, loves, and hates.
The Green Hat focuses on creativity; the possibilities, alternatives,and new ideas. It's an opportunity
to express new concepts and new perceptions.
The Blue Hat is used to manage the thinking process. It's thecontrol mechanism that ensures the Six
Thinking Hats® guidelines are observed.

Significant Applications for the Parallel Thinking Process of Six ThinkingHats

 Leadership Development
 Team Productivity, Alignment
 Improves Communication
 Creative and innovative thinking
 Meeting decision making
 Product and Process Improvement, and Project Management
 Critical, Analytical Thinking and Problem-Solving
 Organizational Change/Performance
 Wherever High Performance Thinking and Action is needed
MIND MAPPING
Why is problem solving important? - Problem solving is a key skill which can help you succeed. Problems or obstacles
occur all the time, and it is important that you can provide quick and imaginative solutions to them. Being able to problem
solve is one of the major attributes looked for by universities and employers, as it displays both logical and creative thinking.

What do Mind Maps have to do with it? - Using Mind Maps can help to bypass the usual panic instinct of the
brain when confronted with a problem to solve. When faced with a problem, we automatically panic, with
symptoms of ‘intense fear, a racing heart, breathlessness and trembling’, according to the New Scientist. Not
ideal for getting into a problem solving frame of mind! Instead of ‘forcing’ your mind to come up with a solution,
which can result in stress, Mind Mapping opens up possibilities and calms you. When you Mind Map for problem
solving, you instantly gain more clarity, so you can find answers more easily. You view the problem as a positive
challenge and an opportunity to show off your creative skills!

• The mind map is an expression of radiant thinking and is therefore a function of the human mind.
• It is a powerful graphic technique which provides a universal key to unlocking the potential of the brain.
• The mind map can be applied to every aspect of life where improved learning and clearer thinking will
enhance human performance.

THE MIND MAP HAS FOUR ESSENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• The subject of attention is crystallized in a central image.

• The main themes of the subject radiate from the central image as branches.
• Branches comprise a key image or key word printed on an associated line. Topics of lesser importance
are also represented as branches attached to higher level branches.
• The branches form a connected nodal structure.

Studying with Mind Maps

A mind map can be a wonderful companion when studying. You can summarize your books in a mind map. Often
one book can fit in a single sheet mind map! Or you create a schedule of your papers, exams, assignments, etc.
in a map. What you end up with is a map that will help you in creating overview in what seems to be an
overwhelming amount of data. You will be amazed about how fast you will understand the information. Your
insight is increased and you reduce study time.

How to develop mind maps

• Start with a colored image in the center.

• Use images throughout your mind map.
• Words should be printed.
• All printed words should be on lines, and each line should be connected to other lines.
• Words should be in “units”, i.e. one word per line.
• Use colors throughout the mind map.
• The mind should be left as free as possible to make associations and connections.