In today’s fast-paced, constantly changing workplaces, doing things the way we’ve always done them doesn’t always lead to better outcomes. Whether it’s a new challenge, a recurring problem, or a situation that feels “stuck,” many of us find ourselves reaching for the same tools and getting the same results. This is why cognitive agility is important.
The truth is, we’re not always using the right kind of thinking for the task at hand.
That’s where thinking differently comes in and it’s not about abandoning your natural strengths. It’s about expanding your thinking, deliberately, adaptably and with awareness, to become more effective, creative, and resilient. And the science says it’s absolutely possible.
What is Whole Brain® Thinking?
Whole Brain® Thinking is a research-based framework developed by Herrmann that helps individuals, teams, and organisations understand and apply the full range of thinking styles available to them.
At its core is the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument® (HBDI®), which maps preferences across four quadrants of thinking:
- A – Analytical: Logical, factual, quantitative
- B – Practical: Organised, detailed, structured
- C – Relational: Emotional, interpersonal, intuitive
- D – Experimental: Imaginative, big-picture, conceptual
Each of us tends to have preferred quadrants, the types of thinking we reach for first. These preferences are powerful, but they can also become default patterns that limit how we approach problems, tasks, and decisions.
Whole Brain® Thinking gives us a map of our own preferences and a method to stretch into other quadrants when the situation demands it, a skill known as thinking agility.
🔄 What is thinking agility and why does it matter?
Thinking agility is the ability to consciously shift your thinking approach based on the demands of a task, situation, or relationship. Rather than relying only on habitual ways of thinking, agile thinkers are able to pause, assess what’s needed, and choose a more effective approach, even if it’s not their comfort zone.
According to research by the Center for Creative Leadership (2013), adaptability, especially cognitive adaptability, is one of the top leadership capabilities required for success in complex and changing environments. Similarly, studies in neuroplasticity and behavioural science (e.g., Dweck, 2006; O’Reilly et al., 2012, HBR, Jan 2022) show that with conscious practice, individuals can change the way they think and respond.
In short: you can learn to think differently. And doing so helps you manage change, work across diverse teams, improve performance, and solve problems more effectively.
Why thinking differently isn’t just a mindset, it’s a method
Sometimes, the thinking you prefer isn’t the thinking that’s needed.
For example:
- A big-picture visionary may overlook essential details needed for execution.
- A highly relational thinker may avoid objective data that could improve their decision.
- A systems-focused planner might miss creative opportunities to innovate.
By learning to match your thinking approach to the task, you improve the quality of your outcomes. Whole Brain® Thinking helps you do this by making your thinking visible, so you can intentionally adjust it based on the situation.
Applying this insight to real work
Thinking differently doesn’t mean changing who you are. It means adding tools to your cognitive toolkit, learning when to use your natural strengths, and when to borrow from other styles.
For example:
- Creative tasks may require more D (Experimental) and C (Relational) thinking.
- Operational tasks may rely more on B (Practical) and A (Analytical) approaches.
- Strategic planning may need a blend of all four quadrants to be effective.
The challenge is that under pressure, we tend to become more oriented towards our preferred quadrants and ignore the others, which is why agility takes awareness and practice. By regularly practising thinking agility, you build mental flexibility and with that comes confidence, creativity, and improved performance.
Backed by research
- Dweck, C. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success — Demonstrates how adopting a growth mindset supports cognitive flexibility.
- O’Reilly, T., et al. (2012). Neuroplasticity in adult learning — Highlights that adult brains can rewire with intention and practice.
- Center for Creative Leadership (2013). Adaptability: The new competitive advantage — Found adaptability to be a critical predictor of leadership success.
- Herrmann International (2018). Whole Brain® Thinking and Agility in Action — Whitepapers link cognitive diversity with faster adaptation, better decision-making, and improved innovation.
- HBR (2022), Finding the right balance and flexibility in your leadership style. Leaders need to adopt ‘a sweet range’ rather than ‘a sweet spot’ to lead.
Disclosure: This article was created using a combination of AI-assisted drafting and human expertise, grounded in research and practical experience. It reflects the Herrmann commitment to Whole Brain® Thinking as a powerful tool for personal and team development.
