Process People are Passion Killers!

[Marcus Timson]

You know the type don’t you?

I shall paint a scenario. You are inspired by an idea, by something you have seen, heard, thought or felt – this idea has got your energy up to a level were you are excited and your passion begins to flow as you start to visual just how wonderful this idea, innovation, application or thing will be when it is fully realised.

Of course, you have been in business long enough to know that convincing people of this idea is where the real effort goes in.

But the formation of the idea, that ‘light bulb’ moment and the enthusiasm that goes with it is the very fuel of innovation.

And then you float the idea past a process oriented ‘left brainer’. Systematically they pull apart the idea whilst focusing almost entirely on the downside.

Just as your embryonic idea begins to form – a negative knife tears apart the concept and it is left ‘hanging’, bereft of form and function.

Don’t get me wrong, every organisation needs ‘left brainers’ or process people. I have a left brain that comes into play when I need to get things done!

But left brain organisations (I would imagine that accountants, lawyers, insurance companies) are rarely innovative, exciting, dynamic or creative.

The lesson is this. Whatever you do. Don’t expect to be inspired by a ‘left brainer’ when you are trying to visualise a future for your organisation.

Set your goals, do your brainstorming and outline your vision.

Then invite them to get involved when you need to plan.

• Please note that this rant is not intended to offend. I have many friend, colleagues and family members who are left brainers & I admire them. This blog really should be taken at face value. There is most certainly some truth in what I say though!

[Marco Roos]

it would be interesting to see if driving on the wrong side of road has influence on somebody's left or right brain orientation ;-)

[Andrew Thornhill]

Ah the left brainer....,

As a designer and true right brainer these people have, over the years, been the bane of my life! But I think you are right (or are you left? perhaps I should say 'correct' to save confusion), there has to be a place in any organisation for left brainers they are the solid steel core of any company. The bedrock on which our flowery right brain concepts are allowed to hang.

Just lets not wheel them out into the limelight too often eh?