With regard to the size of information or chunk of info that people prefer when thinking, communicating, leading, speaking, teaching or learning, they tend to find themselves at one of two basic positions, global or big picture thinker and detail-oriented thinker. Every individual will find themselves somewhere in a continuum between the smallest detail and the highest and most global perspective. There is a third position too, it’s of less importance. Usually, people will tend to be either more global or more detailed- oriented thinkers.
Some people prefer to start with the small pieces, chunks, specific pieces of information and then to move upward to more general principles. They look for details and feel most comfortable with this approach.
When presenting an idea to a detail-oriented person, we should start with specific information, and let them find some connection and pattern to the entire problem. On the other hand, some people prefer to start with the bigger picture and a more global outlook. Big picture thinkers will want to have the overall frame and then start processing information. After that, they will move downward to the small chunks. When communicating, they prefer to start with a general idea or concept, and once they have the whole picture, they will look for more details if needed.
It is often said that big picture thinkers will see the forest first, not the trees, the puzzle but not the pieces of the puzzle. By contrast, people with an eye for detail will miss the forest in favor of the trees and they will see the pieces of the puzzle but not the entire puzzle. No matter which approach we find ourselves using, it is important to know that there is no good or bad strategy, and there is no right or wrong position. Both of these thinkers are equally valuable. Our main concern should be finding a precise position and directing a natural way of thinking and acting in order to deliver valuable results.
Individuals oriented toward details, start with the pieces of information in everything they do. They need to see and hear about these little chunks as much as possible and they try to find some patterns, connections or relations. By putting it together piece by piece, they are creating a broader view, but still, that view is not something we should compare with the view global thinkers have. After putting together the puzzle they will get a broader view but still, that view is far from the global view. They function best when given details, examples, concrete information, clear rules and procedures. Precision, accuracy, and order are important to them. Providing general information is of less importance and they could feel lost and confused.
Global-oriented thinkers live in a world of opportunities. They see possibilities easily. Often one option comes after another. They tend to be creative, abstract and general in thinking and communicating. Stories, myths, and metaphors can be often heard from them. They will find themselves bored and frustrated if given too many details. Starting with the main idea or concept, they will find a broader meaning and purpose. Later on, if needed, they will ask for more details or they will delegate. They could feel overwhelmed by details and lose track of the big picture. Global thinkers like playing big, going globally, dealing with questions and problems of strategic importance.
Knowing our own patterns of thinking and behavior can help us in choosing the right profession, career development options or exploring opportunities for entrepreneurship.
Knowing other people’s thinking patterns is essential for finding the right individuals and directing their further development. While raising self-awareness of our own patterns and patterns of other people, we can learn to communicate more effectively. We cannot change from big thinkers to detail thinkers or vice versa, but we can learn how to communicate in a language that often differs from our own.
How to learn reading thinking preferences regarding the size of the given information?
Simple. Just listen! And ask the right questions! Here are some examples. Start with a question like “We are starting with a new project. Would you be interested to know more about the main idea or you would need detailed information?” Depending on the answer, you will be able to lead the conversation in the language of a global thinker or detail-oriented thinker. If the person needs details, have everything ready because they will want to see the smallest chunks in different forms and to hear sometimes even the tiniest detail. The Interest for details can vary from person to person, so make sure to follow a pattern as much as you can. If you go too far, meaning you’ve got really into the details, just go back one or more steps.
With global thinkers, use concepts, stories, metaphors and provide general information first. Later on, you can give them the details. First and foremost, global thinkers need to grasp the idea and find the meaning behind any project. Afterward, they can ask for the specifics. This too can vary, some people will need fewer pieces of information than others.
You can try with different questions for example, What is it important to you when looking for a job? When choosing the next destination for your vacation, what is the first thing you need to know? When buying a car, what do you need to know? When picking up a book, what do you pay attention to first? There is no better way to learn about your own and other people’s thinking patterns than by talking to them. Start with a question, listen to the answer and lead the conversation in the right direction to find out more about someone’s thinking patterns.
