"The mind is everything; what you think, you become."

- Buddha

Unlocking Your Thinking: A Guide to Mental Models and Personal Growth

Introducing the world of mental models and the preferences of your mind. With the help of models such as the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI) or the Hexaco Personality Inventory, individuals can gain insight into their own thinking, communication, and decision-making preferences. This understanding can improve communication with your fellow humans. In this chapter, we will explore the different types of mental models available, both paid and free, and the benefits of understanding and utilizing these models in our daily lives.

You will discover:

1. Key free models such as Hexaco Personality Inventory, 16 Personalities Test, Big Five Personality Test, Enneagram Test, and the DiSC Personality Test.

2. An in-depth look at the HBDI model, including how to use it and alternative ways to understand your own thinking style.

3. How to apply mental models to improve communication and teamwork in organizations.

4. The importance of understanding that individuals are dynamic and not static, and that the models are not definitive.

1. Mind Over Matter: Understanding and Improving Your Decision-Making Process

There are several free online personality tests that individuals can take to learn more about their personality and preferences. Some examples include the following:

• The Hexaco Personality Inventory: This test assesses an individual's personality based on six dimensions: honesty-humility, emotionality, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience. https://hexaco.org/hexaco-online/

• The 16 Personalities Test: This test is based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and assesses an individual's personality based on four dimensions: introversion vs. extraversion, sensing vs. intuition, thinking vs. feeling, and judging vs. perceiving. https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test

• The Big Five Personality Test: This test assesses an individual's personality based on the "Big Five" dimensions of personality: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. https://www.truity.com/test/big-five-personality-test

• The Enneagram Test: This test assesses an individual's personality based on nine different types, each with its own unique characteristics and traits. https://www.truity.com/test/enneagram-personality-test

• The DiSC Personality Test, which is a behavioral assessment that identifies an individual's dominant personality traits and communication styles. Freemium model, made possible via the Tony Robbins website (11-page report is free, extensive analysis costs 98$)

https://www.tonyrobbins.com/disc/

2. An example: HBDI

This model is used to understand that each person has four quadrants when it comes to the process of thinking, communicating, and decision-making. Unfortunately, there are no free HBDI tests. However, no worries, an image of the model can still provide valuable insights into your own thinking style (and those around you!).

These mental models are commonly used in organizational psychology and can be helpful in understanding individual differences and promoting effective communication and teamwork.

The four main categories of glasses people put on to view the world:

1. Analytical

2. Practical

3. Experimental

4. Emotional

As you mix these elements, you mix the color of your glasses. 'Rose-colored glasses' might hint towards a mix of yellow and red. 'Cold as ice' might hint towards the blue. Each color has benefits and downsides, and each has preferences for other colors (try to mix the creativity of yellow with the structure of green: not an easy task). There is no right or wrong; look at the task at hand and decide the color of your glasses. Same-same for working in teams. Mix it up! Don't limit your mind and vision; a decent painter has their preferences but knows how to use all colors.

⚡️ FLASHCARD Q: What are some potential limitations of mental models, and why is it important to approach them with an open mind? A: Some potential limitations of mental models include the fact that individuals are dynamic and not static, and that the models are not definitive. It is important to approach mental models with an open mind and recognize that they can be useful tools, but they should not be taken as absolute truth.

How to use it

1. You can purchase a test for $150; based on your answers, they will portray your preferences.

2. Don't want to spend $150? Try this yourself: divide 100% over the X-as (between rational and intuitive) and 100% over the Y-as (intellectual and instinctive). For example 65% rational, means 35% intuitive & 80% instinctive means 20% intellectual. How much would you say you are analytical, emotional, experimental, practical, or relational?

   If you are not sure: how do you prepare for your holiday? Fully booked all in advance (blue/green), or you'll see how you end up (yellow/red)? Ask others around you. Pay attention: you might act differently in work (learned behavior) than in your private life when nobody is looking.

   The key takeaway to take home from all of this: you see the world through a particular perspective, a specific type of color. Find your color. Other people might wear different sets of glasses. Know how to adjust your communication based on their glasses and where they come from. It might help you understand them a bit more. It will make your life much easier!

3. Want to learn more? Start your exploration here: https://www.makingbusinessmatter.co.uk/hbdi-ultimate-guide/

⚡️ FLASHCARD

Q: What are mental models and how can they be used to improve communication and teamwork within organizations? A: Mental models are frameworks or concepts that help individuals understand and interpret the world around them. They can be used to understand an individual's own thinking, communication, and decision-making preferences, as well as those of others. This understanding can improve communication and teamwork within organizations by helping individuals to adapt their communication styles and approach to tasks in a way that takes into account the preferences of their colleagues. Mental models can also provide insight into the strengths and weaknesses of different thinking styles, allowing individuals to build on their own strengths and compensate for their weaknesses in order to work more effectively as a team. Some examples of mental models include the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI), the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), the Belbin Team Role Inventory, and the DISC assessment. It is important to remember that individuals are dynamic and not static, and that mental models are not definitive, so it is important to approach them with an open mind and recognize their limitations.

⚡️ FLASHCARD: Name and describe the four dimensions of the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI) model. A: The four dimensions of the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI) model are analytical, practical, experimental, and emotional. These categories represent different ways of thinking, communicating, and decision-making, and are often represented by different colors.

3. Other paid examples

Some examples of mental models similar to the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI) are:

• The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI / paid), which is a psychological assessment that determines an individual's psychological type based on their preferences for how they perceive the world and make decisions. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a psychological assessment that determines an individual's psychological type based on their preferences for how they perceive the world and make decisions. The MBTI was developed by Isabel Briggs Myers and her mother, Katharine Briggs, based on the theories of psychiatrist Carl Jung.

  The MBTI is often used in the fields of organizational psychology and career counseling to help individuals understand their own strengths and preferences, and to improve communication and teamwork in organizations. The assessment is based on four dimensions of personality:

  1. Extraversion vs. Introversion: This dimension describes how an individual tends to focus their attention and get their energy. Extraverts are more outwardly focused and get their energy from social interactions, while introverts are more inwardly focused and tend to recharge by spending time alone.

  2. Sensing vs. Intuition: This dimension describes how an individual tends to process information. Sensors rely on their five senses and are more detail-oriented, while intuitives tend to focus on the big picture and are more abstract in their thinking.

  3. Thinking vs. Feeling: This dimension describes how an individual makes decisions. Thinkers tend to base their decisions on logic and objective analysis, while feelers tend to be more influenced by their values and personal relationships.

  4. Judging vs. Perceiving: This dimension describes how an individual approaches the outside world. Judgers tend to be organized and planful, while perceivers tend to be more flexible and spontaneous.

  Based on an individual's scores on these dimensions, they are assigned a four-letter personality type, such as ENFJ or ISTP. These personality types can provide insight into an individual's strengths, challenges, and communication style, and can be helpful in understanding how they might fit into a team or organization.

• The Belbin Team Role Inventory, which is a tool that assesses an individual's behavior in a team environment and identifies their dominant behavioral strengths and areas for development. The Belbin Team Role Inventory is a tool that assesses an individual's behavior in a team environment and identifies their dominant behavioral strengths and areas for development. The inventory was developed by Dr. Meredith Belbin, who studied team behavior and identified nine different roles that individuals tend to take on in teams. These roles are:

  1. Plant: Creative and innovative individuals who generate new ideas and solve complex problems.

  2. Resource Investigator: Outgoing and enthusiastic individuals who explore new opportunities and build networks.

  3. Coordinator: Logical and decisive individuals who bring structure and clarity to the team.

  4. Shaper: Challenging and dynamic individuals who drive the team forward and take on difficult tasks.

  5. Monitor Evaluator: Objective and critical individuals who analyze information and make sound judgments.

  6. Team Worker: Supportive and cooperative individuals who build team cohesion and facilitate communication.

  7. Implementer: Practical and organized individuals who turn ideas into action and deliver results.

  8. Completer Finisher: Meticulous and thorough individuals who ensure that projects are completed to a high standard.

  9. Specialist: Knowledgeable and expert individuals who provide unique insights and expertise to the team.

  The Belbin Team Role Inventory can be helpful in understanding an individual's dominant team roles and how they can contribute to the success of a team. It can also be useful in identifying any gaps in the team's composition and in balancing the roles within the team to maximize its effectiveness.

• The Enneagram of Personality, which is a model that describes nine different personality types and their unique patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving.

⚡️ FLASHCARD Q: Explain the differences between the HBDI, MBTI, Belbin, and DISC models. A: The HBDI model assesses an individual's thinking, communication, and decision-making preferences based on four dimensions, while the MBTI assesses personality based on four dimensions of introversion vs. extraversion, sensing vs. intuition, thinking vs. feeling, and judging vs. perceiving. The Belbin Team Role Inventory assesses an individual's preferred role in a team, and the DISC assessment assesses an individual's dominant personality traits and communication styles.

⚡️ FLASHCARD Q: Provide examples of how the results of a mental model assessment can be used to understand an individual's preferences and improve communication and teamwork within an organization. A: The results of a mental model assessment can be used to understand an individual's preferences and improve communication and teamwork within an organization by helping individuals to understand their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of their colleagues. This understanding can facilitate more effective communication and teamwork by allowing individuals to adapt their communication styles and approach to tasks in a way that takes into account the preferences of others.

Conclusion

Understanding your own thinking, communication, and decision-making preferences through mental models like HBDI and Hexaco can greatly improve communication. However, it's important to remember that individuals are dynamic and not static, and that these models are not definitive. As Bruce Lee said, "Be water, my friend." Embrace the fluidity of your mind and continue to grow and evolve.

As we move on to the next chapter, we will delve deeper into the principles that can help us thrive in life, not just survive. We will explore the ground rules for a happy and fulfilling life and provide guidance along the way to help you live your best life. So, stay curious and open-minded, and let's take this journey together.

Quiz

1. What are the four main categories of thinking styles identified in the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI)?

   A) Analytical, Practical, Experimental, Emotional

   B) Rational, Intuitive, Intellectual, Instinctive

   C) Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness

   D) Honesty-Humility, Emotionality, Extraversion, Conscientiousness

   Explanation: The correct answer is A) Analytical, Practical, Experimental, Emotional. These four categories are used to understand how individuals process information, make decisions, and communicate.

2. Which of the following is not a free online personality test?

   A) Hexaco Personality Inventory

   B) Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI)

   C) 16 Personalities Test

   D) Big Five Personality Test

   Explanation: The correct answer is B) Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI). This model is used to understand thinking, communication, and decision-making preferences, but there are no free HBDI tests available. The other options are free online personality tests.

3. Which mental model is based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)?

   A) Hexaco Personality Inventory

   B) Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI)

   C) 16 Personalities Test

   D) Big Five Personality
   Test Explanation: The correct answer is C) 16 Personalities Test. This test is based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and assesses an individual's personality based on four dimensions: introversion vs. extraversion, sensing vs. intuition, thinking vs. feeling, and judging vs. perceiving.

4. Which mental model assesses an individual's personality based on six dimensions?

   A) Hexaco Personality Inventory

   B) Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI)

   C) 16 Personalities Test

   D) Big Five Personality Test

   Explanation: The correct answer is A) Hexaco Personality Inventory. This test assesses an individual's personality based on six dimensions: honesty-humility, emotionality, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience.

How to apply this in your life today?

That’s easy, do the tests 🙂

Food for Thought

1. How do you think mental models like HBDI and Hexaco can be used in your personal life to improve communication and relationships?

2. How do you think understanding your own thinking and decision-making preferences can help you in your career or professional life?

3. In what ways do you think it is important to be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of your own thinking and that of others?

Expand Your Understanding

1. "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman - This book delves into the different ways our mind processes information and decision making.

2. "Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us" by Daniel H. Pink - This book explores the concept of intrinsic motivation and how it can be used to improve performance and satisfaction in the workplace.

3. "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion" by Robert Cialdini - This book examines the psychological principles behind persuasion and how they can be used in both personal and professional settings.