Right-brained manager. Left-brained world.

I grew up thinking that being left-brained is better than being right-brained. I don't understand how that happens, but it does. Perhaps it is because scientists have referred to the left side as the "Major Hemisphere" and the right as the "minor hemisphere". Or maybe it is because of the way the left-mode is described.

Words used in describing the left side are analytical, linear, logical, rational and verbal. While the terms non-rational, spatial, intuitive, synthetic and nonverbal are among those used in describing right-brained attributes.

Much of what we know about differences in the brain hemispheres comes from Roger Sperry and his Cal Tech colleagues. They conducted "split-brained" experiments in the 1960s and 1970s. The "split-brained" patients were individuals who suffered from uncontrollable seizures. Severing the cross-connections between brain hemispheres was a radical idea. Up until this time this medical procedure had only been performed on test animals.

Most of my life I thought I was left-brained and tried to act accordingly. But this always seemed forced. About ten years ago I took a drawing class at the University of Utah. That was an enlightening experience. To my surprise, at the time, I discovered that I'm right-brained. And that's not necessarily a bad thing.

The instructor explained the differences between the modes. Left-mode people are verbal and analytical. Preferring to describe issues verbally and in a step-by-step order. That sounded like everyone I know. Then she went on to describe the right-mode.

Right-mode individuals are more visually oriented. They process things non-sequentially. The giveaway for me is when the instructor indicated that freeway driving is a right-brained activity. Especially driving cross-country. That sewed it up for me. I love to go for long drives on the open road.

What does all this mean? Well, it has helped me to know that I'm right-brained. I jump around in my thought processes. Conversations don't flow in a linear fashion. I tend to be tracking on several different subjects at any given time. It must be thoroughly annoying at times to work with me.

That is good for me to know. It helps me to concentrate on linear tracks and make special efforts to stay on task when engaged in important interactions. I can control the extent of my right-brain functions.

But sometimes it's fun just to let myself go and be really right-brained. This is most evident when I am in a group and am involved in several divergent conversations. I tend to frustrate everyone when I get in that mode.

So it's good for me to understand and make sure that I control my crazy right-brain. And it's probably good for you to understand all of us right-brained crazies. We can be excellent contributors in the business world. We just think a bit differently than the rest of you.

By the way. If you are an extreme lefty here is a way to have a right-brained experience. Take a cartoon drawing. I recommend anything by Gary Larson (The Far Side). Turn it upside-down. Take a pencil and a blank sheet of paper. Draw two lines, about 4 inches each, at right angles in the middle of the page.

Now begin. Look at the cartoon. It's upside-down so you will be free to concentrate on the lines and spaces. On your blank sheet begin to replicate the cartoon. Concentrate on the lines and spaces. Don't think about what you are drawing. Continue until you have replicated all of the lines, spaces, shading, etc.

When done, turn your drawing over. Do you see the cartoon. If all goes right it will appear. If you do this correctly this exercise will allow you to have a left to right brain shift. Oh, one more difference between the right and left brain: If you shift into the right-mode while you draw you will lose track of time. It's another aspect of being right-brained. Left-brainers are always thinking about time. And worrying about it too much.

That's all for now.......
9:51:37 PM    comment []