Your brain is command central of all you think, feel and do.

The human brain is divided into two halves, or hemispheres. Within each half, particular regions control specific functions. The two sides look very much alike, but there’s a vast difference in how they process information.

The Left Brain

The left brain is more verbal, analytical and orderly than the right brain. It’s better at tasks that require logic, sequencing and linear thinking. Other everyday tasks such as writing, speaking and problem-solving are also associated with this side of the brain. Someone with a stronger left brain is said to be more logical and good at mathematics. They also have advanced objective and analytical skills. Coders and programmers are often said to be left-brained people.

The left brain is the side that handles organisation and logic. Because of this, those that have a dominant left side are also very organised. They prefer schedules and deadlines, and love rules and regulations. They do best in a well-ordered workspace and prefer everything behind closed doors except for the task at hand. Left-brain oriented persons also fare well when everything has a home. They thrive on tools such as divided desk drawer trays, wire step files and labellers. Left-brain people find it harder to think outside the box. Therefore, if you are a left-brained person, work on developing your creative skills.

The Right Brain

The right brain is more visual and intuitive. It has a more creative and less organised way of thinking. Someone with a stronger left brain is said to be ingenious, creative and inventive. They can learn new and inspiring things more easily. Right-brained people are more imaginative. Artists and writers are often said to be right-brained people.

Those with a right-side dominant brain depend more on visual references for understanding and are often visual learners. The right-brain person enjoys a workspace with plenty of colour and options to have work papers visible. They benefit from tools such as paper sorters and project file boxes, to avoid the tendency to create piles instead of files. Other handy options for the right-brained person are attractive and colourful file folders, magazine holders, binders and portfolios. Right-brained people tend to lack time-management skills and struggle to prioritise well. Therefore, if you are a right-brained person, you’ll benefit from developing these skills.

Understanding the right and left sides of the brain is a great way to improve at work. If we can better understand ourselves at this level, we can better understand what our strengths and weaknesses are. Whether you favour the right-brain or the left-brain, making changes to support your dominant style will keep your thinking focused, creative and productive.

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