Are you a divergent or convergent thinker?

…or maybe a little of each? Divergent thinkers are primarily intuitive. A word will unleash a wide variety of remote and original associations. Most creative people and people with Attention Deficit Disorder are divergent thinkers.

Convergent thinking is analytical and linear. STEP is a useful way to think about how convergent thinker’s function. S-strategies, T-time, E-energy, P-perseverance. Instead of being blocked by a new project or assignment, a convergent thinker will come up with a strategy. They will imagine how much time will be needed for the whole and for each part. By doing so they’ll know how much energy is required, and commit to persevering.

Divergent thinkers often find convergent thinking challenging. On the other hand, convergent thinkers tend to find divergent thinkers a bit insane.

Alas, at some point we all need to have some convergent thoughts. By thinking of the STEPs and applying them, we can take on a new task or project without a big confrontation going on in our heads.

– Sydney Metrick