There are four quadrants and four modes in the whole brain model which was created by Ned Herrmann in the late 1970s. The modes represent left/right brain dominance and cerebral/limbic functioning and, along with the quadrant descriptors, give a much more comprehensive picture of thinking preferences than a simplistic left or right brain analysis.

Completion of a 120-question survey form (HBDI) yields a profile of an individual’s distribution of thinking preferences across the model above. As we are all “a coalition” of the quadrants and modes shown, a profile indicates primary preferences (an individual’s preferred thinking style); secondary preferences (thinking styles used as and when needed by an individual); and avoidances (styles which the individual prefers not to use).

The Herrmann whole brain model has to do with personal differences and uniqueness – not with good or bad, right or wrong. An individual’s profile is not a fixed label and it is not static. Most importantly, the whole brain model is about potential and it enables individuals to understand themselves and others without prejudice or fear. It encourages learning by sharing profiles and exploring how they affect behaviour and communications.