Discover how different cognitive processing styles shape the way we work, communicate, and collaborate. Understanding brain types is the key to building high-performing teams.
Each brain type represents a different way of processing information and making decisions. There's no "best" type—each brings unique strengths to a team.
Chaotic Processing
The Experimenters
Green Brains thrive in dynamic, ever-changing environments. They process information through experimentation and action, preferring to learn by doing rather than through theory.
Linear Processing
The Organizers
Red Brains process information sequentially and logically. They excel at creating order from chaos and building reliable systems that stand the test of time.
Intuitive Processing
The Connectors
Blue Brains process information through feelings and relationships. They have a natural ability to understand others' emotions and create harmonious team environments.
Relational Processing
The Analysts
Purple Brains process information by finding patterns and connections in data. They excel at seeing the big picture while understanding how all the pieces fit together.
The magic happens when different brain types collaborate. Each combination brings unique synergies and challenges.
Green's experimental nature balanced by Red's systematic approach creates teams that can innovate while maintaining quality and reliability.
Synergy
Green generates ideas rapidly while Red ensures they're properly implemented and documented.
Challenge
Green may feel constrained by Red's processes, while Red may feel overwhelmed by Green's pace of change.
Pro Tip
Establish clear 'sandbox' areas where Green can experiment freely, with defined checkpoints where Red provides structure.
Blue's emotional intelligence combined with Purple's analytical thinking creates teams that make decisions that are both data-informed and human-centered.
Synergy
Blue ensures the human element isn't lost in analysis, while Purple provides objective data to support decisions.
Challenge
Blue may feel Purple is too detached, while Purple may feel Blue's decisions are too subjective.
Pro Tip
Create frameworks that include both quantitative metrics and qualitative human feedback.
Green's drive to act quickly combined with Blue's people-awareness creates teams that move fast while keeping everyone on board.
Synergy
Green pushes for progress while Blue ensures the team stays cohesive and aligned.
Challenge
Green may feel Blue slows things down for consensus, while Blue may feel Green doesn't consider team impact.
Pro Tip
Establish quick check-ins that balance speed with team alignment.
Red's operational excellence combined with Purple's strategic thinking creates teams that can both plan and execute complex initiatives.
Synergy
Purple defines the strategic vision while Red builds the operational framework to achieve it.
Challenge
Both may over-analyze and struggle to move to action without external pressure.
Pro Tip
Set clear decision deadlines and include action-oriented team members in planning sessions.
Green's rapid experimentation combined with Purple's pattern recognition creates teams that can quickly test hypotheses and derive meaningful insights.
Synergy
Green runs experiments while Purple analyzes results and identifies patterns for optimization.
Challenge
Green may move on before Purple finishes analysis, while Purple may want more data before Green's next experiment.
Pro Tip
Create structured experiment cycles with defined analysis periods.
Red's process orientation combined with Blue's people focus creates teams that build sustainable, human-centered systems.
Synergy
Red builds reliable processes while Blue ensures they work for the people using them.
Challenge
Red may prioritize efficiency over experience, while Blue may resist standardization that feels impersonal.
Pro Tip
Co-design processes together, ensuring both efficiency and user experience are considered.
When under pressure, each brain type can fall into unproductive patterns. Recognizing these signs helps us support each other better.
Understanding where conflicts typically arise helps teams navigate differences constructively.
The Friction:
Speed vs. thoroughness. Green wants to move fast and iterate, Red wants to plan carefully and do it right the first time.
Resolution Strategy:
Define clear phases: exploration (Green leads) and implementation (Red leads). Respect each phase's requirements.
The Friction:
Feelings vs. facts. Blue makes decisions based on impact on people, Purple wants data-driven decisions.
Resolution Strategy:
Include both human impact metrics and quantitative data in decision frameworks. Neither is complete alone.
The Friction:
Action vs. analysis. Green wants to try things now, Purple wants to understand the system first.
Resolution Strategy:
Establish 'minimum viable analysis' standards—enough data to act, with planned review points.
The Friction:
Process vs. flexibility. Red wants consistent systems, Blue wants to accommodate individual needs.
Resolution Strategy:
Build processes with built-in flexibility points. Define core standards vs. adaptable elements.