As you explore your personal strengths and weaknesses, it is important to know what type of thinking style you prefer.

Some enterprising people and entrepreneurs think like “Edisons”, while others think like “Einsteins.”

Thomas Edison ◦ Invented the light bulb by applying a logical step-

by-step process.◦ In his hundreds of attempts, Edison used

incremental problem solving to achieve his goal.

Albert Einstein ◦ Developed the theory of relativity in a completely

different way. ◦ His predictions stemmed from out-of-the box

thinking rather than hands-on experimentations.

If all people in a workplace were Edison’s:◦ Focus would be on making existing systems better.◦ Use existing knowledge to develop inventions, and then

spent a long time gradually improving them through experimentation.

◦ Might not notice the external challenges, and this could lead to the demise of the organization in the face of global competition.

If all people in a workplace were Einstein’s: ◦ There would be plenty of ideas, but no one to carry them

through to completion. ◦ Need to think creatively about entirely new systems. ◦ They are not very interested in the details of

implementation.

For teams to be successful, the members need to have diverse thinking styles that combine both

Edison and Einstein’s methods.

For an entrepreneur to be successful, interpersonal skills, critical- and creative-thinking skills, and practical skills are all essential in varying degrees.

Some of these skills may not come naturally but can still be learned.

LEFT BRAIN RIGHT BRAIN

◦ Sequential◦ Analytical◦ Linear◦ Contains the function

of language and all language-related activities

◦ Creative◦ Imaginative◦ Emotional◦ Intuitive◦ Sudden Insight

Two brain hemispheres work together like teammates, supporting each other and producing results that

neither one could attain on its own.

Word Clustering – is the free association of ideas and words. It helps stimulate the right brain into action.

Mind Mapping - is a more visual way of organizing and relating ideas using pictures and key words.

Brainstorming – Completing a word cluster or a mind mapping exercise with other.

Can generate new and unusual ideas.

Visualization – Closing your eyes and visualizing different scenarios in your mind can help you become more comfortable with new ideas.