©Arlene R. Taylor PhD

Viewing goal setting as a distinct function, individuals with a brain bent in the Prioritizing division may engage in goal setting and goal achievement most energy efficiently. There may be some gender differences, as well:

  • Males are more likely to set goals and then give it everything they have to achieve those goals, even becoming workaholic, if necessary. They are not particularly interested in the quality of the experience on the way to the goal. The type of goals they set are often based on what is important to them innately (based on brain bent) or what is expected of them by their job, society, sometimes by their family, or by affiliation with a specific religion / club / organization.
     
  • Females do set goals but they may be equally interested in the quality of the experience on the way to goal. Consequently, they may take longer to achieve the goal but will have managed the process more experientially. The type of goals they set are often based on what is important to them innately (based on brain bent) or on what is expected of them by their family, society, job, affiliation with a specific religion / club / organization, and so on.

Prioritizing Division

Envisioning Division

This division is talented in goal setting and discovering ways to achieve them. Innately it wants to make objective and timely decisions about everything, including setting and achieving goals.

Its emphasis on goal-setting is usually related to achieving a positive return on investment (ROI). It tends to speak about “My goal is to...” It is the most likely to set goals in almost every area of work and life:

  • Fiscal issues including budget
  • Physical exercise to attain a stated weight or body sculpture
  • Preparation for competition in order to win
  • Selecting a business or personal partner

It uses inductive/deductive reasoning (logic, the researched view) in setting the goals, preparing the budget, and estimating time of completion so as to reduce the risk as low as possible. It emphasizes research data, functionality, and the cost/benefit ratio in relation to goals. It relies on data to support the likelihood that the goal will be reached and may have a difficult time if the data is erroneous or doesn’t exist.

It single-mindedly and systematically moves toward goal achievement and can become workaholic in the process. If not very centered ethically, it can do whatever it takes to achieve the goal.

Their concern typically is: Was the goal reached and was the ROI equal to or better than expected?

It is diagonal from the Harmonizing Division and tends to have diametrically opposed interests and skills. That is, the Frontal Left is interested in winning, in achieving its goals, whether or not that creates some disharmony among people or in the environment. It will embrace conflict as needed to pursue goal achievement.

This division is talented in exploring the unknown, finding new solutions (inventing or reinventing), visioning, imagining, and inspiring others to embrace the vision (goal).

Its emphasis on goal-setting is usually related to anticipating and making changes, doing something new, and innovating. At times, the process of brainstorming can be a goal in and of itself.

It is the most likely to set goals for entrepreneurial activities, to invent something, or to intuitively find a solution for a problem that hitherto had remained unsolved. It probably would speak about the project more in terms of “I have this great idea,” or “I have a vision for...” rather than talk in terms of setting a specific goal.

A time frame may or may not exist. It tends to emphasize the global picture, cutting-edge, future trends, and speed in relation to goals.

It can and does use data—if data exist. If not, it will intuitively try to problem-solve and come up with a solution. If that doesn’t work it will try something else. It can and will abandon a goal and move on to something else if the details become overwhelming, it becomes bored with the project, or something else more interesting comes along.

If not very centered ethically, it can do whatever it takes to achieve the goal; including taking what others may view as unreasonable risks or even unreasonable chances.

Their concern typically is: Was the problem solved in an innovative and cutting-edge way?

It is diagonal from the Maintaining Division and tends to have diametrically opposed interests and skills. That is, the Visualizing Division is as interested in avoiding rules and regulations and embracing change as the Maintaining Division is in following rules and regulations and avoiding change.

 

Maintaining Division

Harmonizing Division

This division tends to run routines, dependably supply services that are required to meet goals that have been set for it, and to follow established habits needed for maintaining life.

Its engagement in goal-setting is usually related to maintaining something, like the status quo, in following a track record, clear directions, and accurate details. For example:

  • Succeed in meeting assigned quotas
  • Follow assembly-line procedures to achieve consistent quality standard
  • Balance checkbook to the penny
  • Follow budget so there are no financial surprises
  • Sign up for a package vacation so know in advance exactly how much everything will cost
  • Follow rules and procedures and hope they don’t change

Their concern typically is: Was the assigned goal met? They can be very committed to goal achievement as long as they understand how the part they play ties in with achievement of the goal.

It is diagonal from the Harmonizing Division and tends to have diametrically opposed interests and skills. That is, the Maintaining Division is as interested in following rules and regulations, “doing it right” and avoiding change as the Envisioning Division is in embracing change and minimizing or ignoring rules and regulations.

This division tends to be interested in building collaborative trust and connection and experiencing peaceful relationships between people, people and the environment, with nature, and between people and nature.

Its engagement in goal-setting is usually related to connecting or collaborating with others, harmony, and celebration for achieving goals. For example:

  • Birthdays
  • Anniversaries
  • Holidays
  • Fulfilling expectations of others
  • Career promotion
  • Being recognized for an athletic or scholastic achievement
  • Some milestone or improvement in a hobby or special interest (e.g., health concern)

It assesses everything for the presence or absence of harmony and can become very anxious in the presence of conflict. It can over conform and over comply in an effort to avoid, minimize, or resolve conflict

Their concern typically is: Did everyone get along and have a good time? They can be invaluable in building consensus as long as they understand how reaching the goal will be of benefit to everyone.

It is diagonal from the Prioritizing Division and tends to have diametrically opposite interests and skills. That is, the Harmonizing Division is as interested in avoiding conflict as the Prioritizing Division is in embracing conflict as needed to achieve its stated goals.