Target Learning

Trainer and Seminar Leader Profiles

• Stephen Gexler

There are two types of thinking styles:

Linear Thinkers

Linear Thinkers prefer a very structured approach to learning. For example, if a learning process involves progressive steps (such as Step A, Step B, Step C, etc.) linear thinkers will feel more comfortable starting Step B only after Step A has been fully completed. Mathematics, accounting and many sciences are considered linear subjects since they involve a more process-oriented presentation of information.

Global Thinkers

Global thinkers (sometimes called "strategic thinkers") are more comfortable with new information if they can put it into context with the big picture. They also tend to be impatient with linear subjects or linear-oriented instruction since they prefer to be exposed to all the information up front so they can relate it to their overall goals.

Of course, it would be nearly impossible for a person to possess only one thinking style and still be able to function adequately in our complex world. Most of us tend to incorporate a variety of styles to complete a task. For example, when determining how much to tip a waiter or waitress you must use linear skills (to calculate percentages) and global skills (to judge the quality of service and amount of money needed for additional purchases that day).

Think About It

What sport do you like? What part of the game was the easiest for you to learn? As you think about it, you'll begin to recognize that you incorporated your own preferred learning and thinking style into the application of your favorite sport. A golfer with a linear preference, for instance, will likely have a set routine before each swing, and focus intently on the mechanics of the game. A golfer with a global preference, on the other hand, may tend to be more of a "feel" player, and pay less attention to the numerous details of the golf swing. Of course, it doesn't have to be a sport; it can be a hobby or even a household chore. Think of your preferred thinking style as your personal aptitude, something that comes relatively natural to you.

But what about those boring and tedious tasks that you tend to avoid or ignore? The first step is to examine how you usually complete these tasks. You might be using a technique that someone else taught you - a technique that worked for your teacher but may not match your particular way of thinking. If so, consider what you ultimately want to achieve (when completing a particular task), then re-invent the process using your own thinking style. At first it may seem a bit awkward because we're all accustomed to following instructions from others, but if you make small changes in the process as you go, the transition to your own style will feel more natural. Equally important, as you apply your own way of thinking to each task the process becomes less of a chore and even a personal challenge on how to do it better each time.

Make It Easy On Yourself

Despite the known benefits of using your preferred thinking style, adults often neglect using their strongest thinking style in more formal learning situations. In fact, many adults still follow the standardized way of learning they were taught in elementary school.

But our goals as adults have changed, dramatically. Generic learning is no longer feasible in today's fast-paced world. How quickly you learn and process information will determine how valuable you are to your employer, and how successful you will be in managing your time and personal resources well into the future.

Where We Come In

At Target Learning, Inc., we can show you how to master the information age (using the computer in your head, not the one on your desk). But the best part is that we show you how to learn using the method of thinking that is most comfortable and natural to you. In other words, you will not be learning rigid models or formulas that must be followed without deviation. Since life is full of deviations we will show you methods that allow you to adapt your preferred style to any type of new learning situation at work, home or school. After all, if you're not comfortable with a particular learning method you will not continue to use it.

If you have any questions regarding learning styles please feel free to call us at (888) 514-5904

Training available from Target Learning

Target Listening: Do You Hear What I Hear? : In this 4, 6 or 8-hour seminar you will learn how to: * Identify your listening mistakes before they happen * Identify your speaker s true intentions to avoid misinterpretation * Take effective notes during meetings and classroom sessions * Improve your overall concentration skills You will also learn how to listen and respond appropriately during: * Meetings and presentations * Face-to-face conversations * Telephone conversations * Discussions with team members * Confrontations with angry (or hostile) customers

Target Management: Leadership by Design (4, 6, 8 or 12 Hours) : Many managers remain stuck in their "comfort zone" - a thinking style that prevents them from trying new methods. For example, if an employee approaches a linear-oriented manager with a request - and the manager is currently working on another project - his or her "comfort zone" would be to tell the employee, "Come back later, I have to finish this project." (a linear thinker prefers to stay focused on one task at a time). A global-oriented manager (in the same situation) would likely respond to the employee's request, but may procrastinate returning to the initial project (global thinkers like starting new projects, but more...

Target Memory: A Seminar to Remember : Do you forget where you left your keys? Do you have trouble remembering names? Do you read an entire page then immediately forget what you just read? Do some memories seem inaccessible (i.e. "on the tip of your tongue" memories)? If so, join the club. Very few adults can remember everything they see, hear or read. In fact, it's quite common to blame "age" as the culprit for forgetfulness. Although our short-term memory (and concentration) may weaken as we grow older, our long-term memories actually remain intact indefinitely. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to quickly strengthen your short-term memory, as well as recall those "forgotten" long-term memories by using your more...

Target Reading: Overcoming Information Overload : In this 4, 6, 8 or 12-hour seminar you will learn how to use your preferred learning and thinking style to: * Improve your critical reading and thinking skills * Improve your concentration skills while reading * Increase your overall reading speed * Improve your overall comprehension * Ensure better retention and recall of everything you read * Find key information quickly * Decipher complex reading material * Time-manage your reading assignments

Target Study Skills: College Prep for Adults : It's not easy to return to a formal school setting after many years, especially if you weren't particularly fond of long classes, homework and exams the last time you went to school. Because of this, and your concern about juggling school and work responsibilities, we created this seminar to show you flexible (and practical) techniques and strategies to help you become a more efficient and effective student. What will I learn in this seminar? By the end of this seminar, you will be able to excel in the following areas: College-Level Text Readings * Read faster with better comprehension, retention and recall * Improve overall more...

Target Thinking: Inside & Outside the Box : Do you have difficulty thinking creatively under pressure? Do you have difficulty analyzing new information? Do you have blank moments - you mentally phase out during conversations or while reading? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions - relax, you re perfectly normal. In many stressful situations, our high-level thinking skills tend to become less of a priority to our brain (basic survival becomes the main priority). So why do some people consistently excel under pressure? For the most part, they have developed coping mechanisms that take advantage of their personal way of thinking. In other words, they have learned how to use their personal strengths to coordinate more...

Target Writing: Communicating for Results : Poor written communication among staff, vendors and customers will always cost you time and money. For instance, calculate the amount of time required to create a document (i.e. e-mail, letter, memo or report). Now calculate the time it takes to send out clarifications, or answer questions because your readers failed to comprehend a message you thought was clearly stated. The primary reason a written message is misinterpreted is because we tend to write like writers, and not like readers. As a result, your readers may procrastinate reading your document because the formatting or word choice didn t instantly motivate them to action - in other words, they didn t see how taking more...