The Five Thinking Styles
Idealists are believers. They ask "How does this align with our mission?" and "How can we make this better for everyone?" They welcome a broad range of views but seek the right solution. Idealists are prudent and strive for consensus, tending to be more emotional and empathic. Idealists are the most commonly found thinking style followed closely by Analyst.
Analysts are architects. They seek the "one best way" and are interested in scientific solutions that follow a predictable process. Analysts will often take longer to come to a solution because they spend more time gathering as much information as possible before approaching the problem.
Realists are operators. They want the facts so they can get the job done. Realists are interested in the "true" solution and rely on expert opinions, but do not want to get bogged down in running a long scientific process. Realists are most closely related to Analysts, can be confused with Pragmatists, and sit on the opposite end of the spectrum from Synthesists.
Pragmatists are adapters. They look for the shortest and easiest route to a solution: "Whatever works." Pragmatists do not believe in predictability nor see the world as having some "grand design."
Synthesists are challengers. They like to explore: "Let's look at this from a different angle." They are big picture and integration thinkers. Synthesists look for new and unique solutions. They see likeness in apparent opposites and are interested in change. Synthesist is the least popular thinking style.
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