McDonald’s HQ embraces cognitive diversity with Whole Brain® Thinking

Under the guidance of Justin Kiley, an experienced Leadership Coach, Master Facilitator and Managing Director at CreateConsulting, McDonald's leaders embarked on the journey. From the get-go, Justin was struck by their dedication and enthusiasm. He noted their heightened understanding and appreciation of the thinking diversity within the team, a testament to the workshop's impact.

Why the workshop was held

The objective was to boost self-awareness among McDonald's leaders and foster an appreciation for diverse thinking styles. The Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument® (HBDI®) was used to define and describe the team’s thinking preferences across the four quadrants of the Whole Brain® Model. This laid the foundation for the team's multi-day strategy meeting and provided the team with specific insights about how their thinking preferences affect communication, collaboration, trust and problem-solving.

What unfolded

Participants completed HBDI® profiles beforehand. During the workshop, Justin debriefed these profiles, unpacking the principles of Whole Brain® Thinking. The day was structured with a flexible agenda, encouraging rounds of discussions and interactive conversations.

How it happened

Justin’s participatory approach fostered open dialogue and collaboration within the team. By utilizing the common framework of Whole Brain® Thinking, the team achieved a better understanding of each other. This improved their communication and enabled them to strategise more effectively and holistically.

Where it took place

Justin thoroughly enjoyed his time at McDonald's HQ in Chicago, Illinois and was impressed by the high standards of service, attention to detail and operational efficiency. His experience was further enriched by Chicago's vibrant energy.