My HBDI Profile
The Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI®) is a system to measure and describe thinking preferences in people, developed by William "Ned" Herrmann.
The Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI®) is a system to measure and describe thinking preferences in people, developed by William “Ned” Herrmann. It is a type of cognitive style measurement and model and is often compared to psychological assessments such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI®), Learning Orientation Questionnaire (LOQ 25), DISC Assessment and others.
Brain Dominance Model
In his brain dominance model, Herrmann identifies four different modes of thinking:
- Analytical thinking -> Key words: logical, factual, critical, technical, quantitative.Preferred activities: collecting data, analysis, understanding how things work, judging ideas based on facts, criteria and logical reasoning.
- Sequential thinking -> Key words: safekeeping, structured, organized, complexity or detailed, planned.Preferred activities: following directions, detail-oriented work, step-by-step problem solving, organization, implementation.
- Interpersonal thinking -> Key words: kinesthetic, emotional, spiritual, sensory, feeling.Preferred activities: listening to and expressing ideas, looking for personal meaning, sensory input, group interaction.
- Imaginative thinking -> Key words: visual, holistic, intuitive, innovative, conceptual.Preferred activities: looking at the big picture, taking initiative, challenging assumptions, visuals, metaphoric thinking, creative problem solving, long-term thinking.
The format of the instrument is a 116-question online assessment, which determines the degree of preference for each of the model’s four styles of thinking. More than one style may be dominant (or a primary preference) at once in this model. For example, in Herrmann’s presentation a person may have strong preferences in both analytical and sequential styles of thinking but lesser preferences in interpersonal or imaginative modes, though he asserts all people use all styles to varying degrees.
Whole Brain® Model
The Whole Brain® Model is a metaphorical model that describes one’s thinking preferences. There are four quadrants of thinking – (A) Analytical, (B) Practical, (C) Relational, and (D) Experimental. Each of us has the ability to use all four quadrants, but we clearly have preferences for some over others. Those preferences, based on the dominance of specialized thinking processes, form the basis of the Whole Brain® model, which in turn serves as the foundation of the HBDI®.
The left brain is associated with logic, analytical thinking, and language processing, while the right brain is linked with creativity, intuition, and holistic thinking.
Eric’s HBDI® Profile
This explanation page will describe each of the four quadrants in the descending order of Eric’s preferences and will point out his choices of Key Descriptors which represent a general overview of his mental preferences in day-to-day life, and the Work Elements he strongly relates to. The Work Elements reflect Eric’s mental preferences at work. Work preferences may align completely with general preferences, or they may stem from situations unique to one’s working environment. This report will also review Eric’s forced choices from the Adjective Pairs section of the HBDI®. Eric’s forced choices in this section will often represent how his thinking is impacted in “Under Pressure” situations.
Modes
Left vs Right Modes • Upper vs Lower Modes
Eric’s Right Mode
Thought Processes: The right mode includes intuitive (C) and perceptive (D) thinking, as well as idealistic (D), expressive (C) and open (D) approaches.
Key Phrases: Typical phrases you might hear from a person with preferences for this mode might be:
“I just like to go with the flow, learn new concepts and get engaged with interesting people. I enjoy exploring the future with others and coming up with something we would have never expected.”
– HBDI®
Eric’s Upper Mode
Thought Processes: The Upper Mode is more cognitive (A) and intellectual (A), preferring abstract (D) and conceptual (D) thinking.
Key Phrases: Typical phrases you might hear from a person with preferences for this mode might be:
“I am always interested in well thought through ideas, concepts and research. Experimentation is a great way to explore those ideas and put them to the test.”
– HBDI®
Dashboard
Basic Profile • Under Pressure Profile • Most / Least Preferred
How I See Myself • At Work • Energy Level • Intro / Extroversion
Traits Conclusion
Eric is a clearly contoured individual who consistently exhibits a homogeneous behavior across various situations, driven by a total challenge mindset. He thrives in competitive environments, motivating others and achieving goals, while maintaining security and stability. His strong inner motivation influences people and circumstances, with a resilience that ensures his effectiveness under pressure. His intuitive, creative, and holistic approach to work emphasizes innovation and integration, complemented by a logical and analytical mindset for problem-solving. Eric’s ability to express ideas and teach, alongside his organizational skills, positions him as a thinking, organized creator and commercial entrepreneurial communicator who persuades doers. Gifted according to Stanford-Binet, highly intelligent per Cattell, and very superior per Wechsler, Eric is open to experience, conscientious, agreeable, and relaxed under stress. He achieves targets through determination and analytical focus, often perceived as pragmatic and objective. His top personality talents include implementation, creation, and analysis, with a work environment preference for detail orientation, risk appetite, and factual orientation. Autonomous and influential, Eric enjoys advanced working conditions, balances work-life effectively, seeks prestigious and financial rewards, values security, and consistently delivers performance while favoring self-development and occasionally underestimating work relationships.
