Problem B: Team Cognition

Problem B is how the group or team is going to solve Problem A. Everyone brings their unique cognitive skill set, capability (or level of expertise) and personality to the problem of strategy.  The challenge is matching the unique "cognitive fingerprint" of the group to the problem at hand and to the contribution of each member of the team.

We use several "cognitive assessment" tools to help in the process.  The Herrmann Brain Dominance Indicator (HBDI) is a four quadrant assessment that measures preference for four cognitive styles: analytic thinking, sequential thinking, inter-person thinking and conceptual thinking.  This helps team members see individual similarities and differences and aids the process of view problems form multiple angles.

A second tool is the Kirton Adaptive-Innovation (KAI) tool which measures cognitive style preferences on a range from "adaptive" (likes to work within the rules) to "innovative" (like to work outside the rules).  The KAI helps team members define the cognitive nature of the problem and explore cognitive differences.

These valid, psychometric tools help illuminate team cognitive dynamics and encourages reframing of the problem.  It strengthens the team when everyone adopts a common cognitive language and feels as if they can contribute from their unique perspective.

Click here to see an example HBDI Team Report.