Daniel Pink's latest book was published last year and is called ''A Whole New Mind''. The hardback is 260 pages long with diagrams, pictures and illustrations.

Pink intends to write a fresh look at what it takes for individuals and organisations to excel in the modern post industrial and post information age.

The first part of the book describes the key differences between our brain hemispheres using up to date research including fMRI scans. Briefly he states the main differences as being [left/right]: processing - sequential/simultaneous; specialism - text/context; analysing details/synthesising big picture.

He describes changes in society and economy: how we have moved from the agrarian age of the farm worker, to the industrial age of the factory worker, to the information age of knowledge workers. Now he says we are in the Conceptual age of creators and empathisers, pattern recognisers and meaning makers.

He goes on to argue that ''leading a healthy, happy, successful life depends on both hemispheres of your brain''. He says that the left/right brain distinctions highlight a powerful metaphor for how individuals and organisations navigate their life. Some people are more comfortable with left brain directed activity - logical, sequential (eg lawyers and engineers); and others with right brain directed activity - holistic, intuitive, non-linear (inventors, entertainers, counsellors).

His idea is that, therefore, we need a whole new mind that utilises more effectively both left and right hemispheres. He suggests we need to develop six 'New Senses': design, story, symphony, empathy, play and meaning. In Part 2 of the book he describes what he means by each sense. Each sense has a chapter with examples, stories and metaphors. At the end of each chapter are 'portfolios' which give suggestions, inspiration and places to go to find out more.

The book appears to me to be well researched and annotated with source and argument. His writing style is easy and conversational. I read the book in a couple of sittings and found it a fun and stimulating read. Some of the information and argument will be familiar to many (especially those that have done some of Michael Perez's excellent seminars). There is more too and some interesting different frames of looking at things.

He makes a powerful argument through his analysis of the requirements of the modern world. What I found most valuable in the book was the inspiration in the porfolios which lead me to some places that I found interesting and enlightening. I'll do some other posts based on some of the fun suggestions shortly.

I got the hardback from the library and will be buying the paperback from Amazon
Cheers

Carl