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Have you ever heard people say that they tend to be more of a right-brain or
left-brain thinkers? From books to television programs, you've probably heard
the phrase mentioned numerous times or perhaps you've even taken an online test
to determine which type best describes you.
What Is
Left
Brain - Right Brain Theory?
According to the theory of left-brain or right-brain dominance, each side of the
brain controls different types of thinking. Additionally, people are said to
prefer one type of thinking over the other. For example, a person who is
"left-brained" is often said to be more logical, analytical and objective, while
a person who is "right-brained" is said to be more intuitive, thoughtful and
subjective.
In psychology, the theory is based on what is known as the lateralization of
brain function. So does one side of the brain really control specific functions?
Are people either left-brained or right-brained? Like many popular psychology
myths, this one has a basis in fact that has been dramatically distorted and
exaggerated.
The right brain-left brain theory grew out of the work of Roger W. Sperry, who
was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1981. While studying the effects of epilepsy,
Sperry discovered that cutting the corpus collosum (the structure that connects
the two hemispheres of the brain) could reduce or eliminate seizures.
However, these patients also experienced other symptoms after the
communication pathway between the two sides of the brain was cut. For example,
many split-brain patients found themselves unable to name objects that were
processed by the right side of the brain, but were able to name objects that
were process by the left-side of the brain. Based on this information, Sperry
suggested that language was controlled by the left-side of the brain.
Right Brain / Left Brain Functions |
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Left Brain works with: |
Right Brain works with: |
| The left-side of the brain is
considered to be adept at tasks that involve logic, language and
analytical thinking. The left-brain is often described as being better |
According to the left-brain,
right-brain dominance theory, the right side of the brain is best at
expressive and creative tasks. Some of the abilities that are popularly
associated with the right side of the brain include |
| Logic |
Emotions |
| Words |
Pictures |
| Parts and specifics |
Wholes and relationships among the
parts |
| Analysis (breaking apart) |
Synthesis (putting together) |
| Sequential thinking |
Simultaneous and holistic thinking |
| Text and numbers |
Graphics |
| Facts |
Imagination |
| Safety |
Risk taking |
| Sequential order |
Simultaneous intake |
| Is time-bound, has a sense of time
and goals and your position in relation to those goals |
Is time free, might lose a sense of
time altogether |
| Governs the right side of your body |
Governs the left side of your body |
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The Tasks Specific To Left and Right Brain |
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Left Brain |
Right Brain |
| Logical |
Random |
| Sequential |
Intuitive |
| Analytical |
Colors |
| Objective |
Rhythm |
| Focus and Details |
Big Picture |
| Numbers |
Pictures |
Strategies for Leveraging Your Functional Differences
If you discover that you and your mentoring partner have functional differences,
these suggestions can serve as a guide for making the most out of it.
- Measure the Gap – Take a few minutes to discuss with your mentoring
partner the left and right brain activities that make up your job. During
this discussion, pay particular attention to the differences between you.
These differences hold much future learning potential for you. They will
also give you insight into how you can avoid needless conflict and
misunderstanding as your mentoring relationship progresses.
- Practice Empathy – As your relationship moves forward and you see novel
approaches or methodologies being applied by your mentoring partner, seek to
understand them instead of reacting to them. Be curious and inquisitive
about those things that you are unfamiliar with. Consider the value of your
mentoring partner’s approach before dismissing it.
- Explore New Ideas – Take the time and effort to try new practices and
approaches. Often those things that do not make much sense in thought
actually work wonderfully in practice. Mentoring is all about gaining new
perceptions, insights, and behaviors. Take some risks and be willing to
fail, because often that is the price of learning. As the old saying goes,
“Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”
Practice Exercise
The following exercise can help you discuss with your mentoring partner how to
best work with your functional differences.
1. Use the following self-evaluation to assess your functional differences.
Self-Evaluation
Think of the core functional responsibilities associated
with your current job. Do you use more left brain or right brain activities in
your work? For each of the categories listed below, rate the amount of left
brain or right brain activity you use. Circle L if you use more of the left
brain, R if you use more of the right brain, and E if you use equal amounts of
the left and right brain.
Summarize your results by looking for any patterns that emerged in your
evaluation. Overall, are you left brain, right brain, or equal parts of both?
2. Discuss your self-evaluation results with your mentoring partner and
solicit his/her perspective of your results.
3. Determine how you can use these tendencies in your mentoring relationship and
where there is room for growth in your non-dominant side.
4. Set up a time to review your progress with your mentoring partner.
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