To determine if you are a linear or global thinker, you must first understand how a thinking style differs from a learning style. In basic terms, a learning style is how to receive new information. The three main learning styles are Visual, Auditory and Tactile.
But a thinking style is how process new information; In other words, your personal thinking style is your most comfortable (and efficient) way of analyzing and acting on the new information you’ve already received. The following thinking style definitions should help:
LINEAR STYLE (or left brain dominant)
Linear thinkers prefer a highly structured approach when processing information. If the instructions use a sequenced format (Step A, Step B, Step C, etc.), strong linear thinkers will feel more comfortable starting “Step B” only after “Step A” has been fully completed. In general, linear thinkers like structure and predictability. Mathematics and Accounting are considered linearly oriented subjects.
OVERALL STYLE (or dominant right brain)
Global thinkers (or “strategic thinkers”) are more comfortable with new information if they can put it into context with the bigger picture. They also tend to be impatient with linear topics and step-by-step instructions: they prefer to access all the information from the beginning so that they can relate it to their overall goals. Philosophy and English Literature are considered globally oriented subjects.
Here are two general examples of how strong linear thinkers and strong global thinkers can approach the same task differently.
Planning a road trip
Strong linear thinkers will plan every detail of the road trip; they will determine, in advance, which roads to travel, the location of restaurants along the way, and the necessary items to take.
Strong Global Thinkers will get in your car and drive.
Assembly of furniture, toys or electronic products
Linear Thinkers will carefully design all parts and read the instructions carefully before beginning assembly.
Global Thinkers will look at a picture of the assembled product and then try to put it together like a puzzle (eg “this piece looks like it fits here, this piece probably goes here…”).
THINK ABOUT IT
Of course, it would be almost impossible for a person to possess only one thinking style and still be able to function adequately in our complex world. Even if he has one dominant style, at some point he will need to incorporate both thinking styles to complete certain tasks. For example, when determining how much to tip a waiter or waitress, you should use linear skills to calculate the percentage of the tip (for those who don’t rely on smartphone apps). But you also need to use global skills to judge the quality of service and the amount of money needed for additional purchases that day.
KEEP THINKING
What games do you like to play? What part of the game was the easiest for you to learn? As you think about it, you’ll begin to recognize that you incorporate your own personal style of thinking into the application of everything you do, including gaming. For example, a golfer with a strong linear thinking style will likely have a routine in place before each golf swing (and will be intensely focused on the mechanics of the game). A golfer with a strong global thinking style may tend to be more of a “feeling” player (and pay less attention to the many details of the golf swing). Of course, it doesn’t have to be a game; it can also be a hobby, or even his job. Think of your personal thinking style as his personal aptitude, something that comes relatively naturally to you.
But what about those boring or challenging tasks that you tend to avoid? The first step is to examine how you usually complete tasks. You may be using a technique that someone else taught you, a technique that worked for your instructor, but may not match your particular way of thinking.
If so, consider what you ultimately want to accomplish by completing a particular task, and then reinvent the process using your own thinking style. At first, it might seem a little awkward because we’re used to following others’ directions, but by making small changes to the process as you go, the transition to your own style will feel more natural.
For example, suppose you are a strong global thinker and need to complete a linearly oriented task, such as accounting. An accounting instructor will have taught you how to make sure numbers are accurate and balanced, but as a global thinker, he must also consider how those numbers can benefit his organization. In other words, while reviewing the numbers, he tries to determine why a specific expense costs a certain amount or why the income he received was not higher. By using a long-term strategic perspective to complete a very linear task, the task will feel less tedious.
However, let’s say you have strong linear thinking and need to complete a globally oriented task, such as developing new marketing ideas. Marketing teams typically have a number of global thinkers who like to present broad, unstructured concepts. But following his approach would frustrate you, since linear thinkers prefer details and structure. Therefore, before you begin, you need to create a worksheet to collect, classify and analyze all the new ideas that will come up. As a linear thinker, this will make you feel more in control of the creative process, as it provides a degree of structure and predictability. Your worksheet will also help your global-thinking teammates stay focused on the goal, though they’re unlikely to admit it.
MAKE IT EASIER
At some point, we all need to perform tasks that are outside of our mental comfort zone. Fortunately, you can use your natural thinking strengths to make those less desirable tasks a little more appealing. Don’t you like the details? Put those details in context with the “big picture” so they are relevant to your overall goal. Don’t like working in an unstructured environment? Create a personal step-by-step process for completing your tasks and feel more in control.
Another option is to partner with someone who has an opposite style of thinking. Global-thinking managers often hire line-oriented assistants to help complement the natural way of thinking of others. Even married couples can benefit from opposing styles of thinking. After all, a marriage to a global thinker and a linear thinker offers a good balance between drive and practicality, although there can be some debate about who possesses which trait.