Right Brain Thinking For Organizations

Our left brains perform analysis and set structures, while our right brains work creatively to find new ways of doing things. Regrettably, many organizations squelch right brain thinking. Why? Sometimes managers in organizations are afraid of encouraging too much right-brain thinking because it may take their people off task. They tell themselves: “People will stop executing.” “People might get mired down in discussion.” “People will become distracted, or start focusing on things outside of their control.” Okay, stop! There are NO excuses for squelching right-brain thinking in the workplace.

So, how do you keep such right brain squelching from happening in your organization? Simple encouragement. Ask your people to think about and share ideas around how to make things better, streamline processes, and resolve issues. Looking at an obstacle, barrier, or issue from a number of different perspectives is exactly what’s needed to deconstruct and resolve it. Of course, you always need to analyze the situation, but don’t overanalyze. Inspire your people to use both sides of their brains. Once they believe you’re serious, their suggestions and breakthroughs will increase.

A data-storage company grew from $200 million to almost $10 billion in ten years. It was an astounding success story until the game changed. Premium-priced data-storage was out and less expensive alternatives that emphasized software and solutions over hardware were in. The company’s revenues and profits plummeted because it couldn’t change fast enough. Only through a major turnover in leadership was the company able to find new ways of interfacing with customers, delivering new data-storage solutions, combining systems engineering and services, and re-segmenting the market. Now, the company is growing again and gaining market share, but more importantly, it has learned that new ways become old ways faster than ever before, making it essential to continuously discover and pursue new ways—and that requires right brain thinking from everyone.

To learn more about how to better manage constant change and continuous improvement in your organization by stimulating both left and right brain thinking, join our Accountability Community at www.partnersinleadership.com, where you can review the accounts of actual leaders and organizations.