Thinking Style Survey

Part I (PLEASE READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY!): The following pairs of statements

describe alternative decision-making styles. For each pair of statements, indicate how frequently
you behave as described, using this scoring key:

3 = very often 1 = occasionally
2 = moderately often 0 = rarely or never

USE ONLY WHOLE NUMBERS, NOT FRACTIONS.
Example:

A. __2___ I prefer to make important decisions on my own.

B. __1___ I prefer to rely on advice from experts when making important decisions.
__


1A. _____ I primarily rely on logic when making career decisions.

1B. _____ I primarily rely on my feelings when making career decisions.


2A. _____ I primarily weigh quantitative factors when making a decision about investing (such as my
age, budget needs, future earnings).

2B. _____ I primarily weigh qualitative factors when making a decision about a large purchase or
investment (such as my gut feelings, or a sense that the decision is right for me).
___

3A. _____ When my analysis and intuition are in conflict, I give precedence to my intuitive insights.

3B. _____ When my analysis and intuition are in conflict, I give precedence to my analytical
reasoning.
___

4A. _____ The most important factor in making a life-altering change (such as a career change) is
feeling it is right for me.

4B. _____ The most important factor in making a life-altering change is knowing that the change is
based on objective, verifiable facts.
___

5A. _____ When making important decisions, I pay close attention when I experience a knowing in
my bones, chills, tingling or other physical sensations.

5B. _____ When making important decisions, I pay close attention when a number of people with
relevant and well-justified expertise give me the same advice.






Part II: The following words or phrases describe alternative decision making input. Indicate how
frequently you behave as described, using the following scoring key:

3 = very strong influence on how I behave 2 = strong influence on how I behave
1 = moderate influence on how I behave 0 = little or no influence on how I behave
Example: A. __0__ Theory

B. __3__ Practice

USE ONLY WHOLE NUMBERS, NOT FRACTIONS.



6A. _____ Instincts 7A. _____ Empathy

6B. _____ Concepts 7B. _____ Rationality


8A. _____ Felt Sense 9A. _____ Inner Knowing

8B. _____ Reason 9B. _____ Logic



10A. _____ Feelings 11A. _____ Heartfelt

10B. _____ Facts 11B. _____ Proof


12A. _____ Hunch 13A. _____ Deduction

12B. _____ Data 13B. _____ Intuition



Thinking Style Survey Scoring & Interpretation

Instructions
First, transfer the numbers you inserted in Parts I and II of the Survey to the columns below. Next,
add the numbers from each column to arrive at your column totals. Finally, interpret your scores
using the key and descriptions provided below.

Column 1 Column 2
1A 1B
2A 2B
3B 3A
4B 4A
5B 5A
6B 6A
7B 7A
8B 8A
9B 9A
10B 10A
11B 11A
12B 12A
13A 13B

Column 1: Column 2:
Preference for Linear Thinking
If your higher score is Column 1 and it is 31 or higher, you definitely prefer to reach decisions
based on reasoned, cognitive, analytical thinking.

If your higher score is Column 1 and it is between 24 and 30, you have a moderate preference to
reach decisions based on reasoned, cognitive, analytical thinking.

Linear Thinking or explicit knowing is rooted in factual evidence, logical inference, and
convergent analysis. It enables ussometimes with the help of technical professionalsto
understand our reality. Linear thinking allows us to draw conclusions (deductively) from a
general theory or framework. The sources of linear thinking include facts, data, logical
inferences, and expertise.

Preference for Nonlinear Thinking
If your higher score is Column 2 and it is 31 or higher, you definitely prefer to reach decisions
based on inner, intuitive, felt-sense thinking.

If your higher score is Column 2 and it is between 24 and 30, you have a moderate preference to
reach decisions based on inner, intuitive, felt-sense thinking.

Nonlinear Thinking is rooted in feelings and body sensations that signal the emergence of insight,
instinct, and intuition. It is a form of understanding that is direct, immediate, and comes into
ones awareness as an integrated whole. Nonlinear thinking guides ones activities without
conscious intervention. The sources of nonlinear thinking include feelings, intuition, a self sense
about people and situations, and instincts.

Balanced Thinking
If your Column 1 and Column 2 scores are both less than 24, you dont have a strong preference
for either linear or nonlinear thinking but rather a balanced thinking profile and the flexibility to
choose between the two based on the situation.

Gaining Balance and Integration of Linear and Nonlinear Thinking
The figure below illustrates how these inner and reasoned knowing processes interact to create
balanced thinking and problem solving.


External
Knowledge
Rational
Decision-
Making
Felt Inner
Experience
Subjective
Decision-
Making
Balanced Thinking & Problem
Solving
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T
H
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N
K
I
N
N
O
N
L
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A
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T
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I
Problem/Opportunity
Gaining Balance & I ntegration
A strong preference for either linear or nonlinear thinking undermines your ability for full clarity
in understanding and decision-making, particularly in contexts where the right decision is very
difficult to determine (e.g., ethical decision-making). For example, when logic is overwhelmed by
emotion, rationality suffers; when feelings are suppressed, discounted, or not acknowledged, you
lose creative energy and may experience mental blocks to understanding and problem solving.
High performing entrepreneurs need to apply both logic and intuition to clarify objectives,
uncover hidden opportunities, resolve stubborn problems, reach difficult decisions, and work with
a variety of stakeholders on cost-effective implementation strategies. The challenge is for you to
develop your less-preferred thinking style and integrate it into your decision-making.

For a balanced, integrated approach to problem solving and decision-making, consider these
suggestions:
Instead of reacting automatically to an issue, pause. Consciously insert a break between
what is presented and your response. Give yourself ample time to reflect.
Look for a pattern in your reactions. For example, do you consistently go along to get
along? Is there some personal history or cultural conditioning that pushes you in the
direction of wanting to please others?
When dealing with important issues, do you take yourself too seriously? Do you tend to
see modest setbacks as catastrophic events? Ask yourself how important the outcome of
any issue facing you will be in ten years.
Several activities inherently develop both linear and nonlinear thinking. Consider
spending time playing a musical instrument, creating art, acting, and/or debating.
When you disagree with someone, walk in that persons shoes or consider that persons
viewpoint long enough to appreciate a different perspective.