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William Edward “Ned” Herrmann (1922 – December 24, 1999) was an American creative researcher and author, known for his research in creative thinking [1] and whole-brain methods. He is considered the “father of brain dominance technology.” [2] [3]
Biography
At Cornell University , Herrmann majored in both physics and music in the Class of 1943. He continued to study at the RPI Graduate Studies, New York University. [1]
After graduation Hermann became manager of General Education for General Electric (GE) in 1970. His primary responsibility was oversee training program design; specifically, maintaining or increasing individual’s productivity , motivation , and creativity .
In 1978, Herrmann created the “Herrmann Participant Survey Form.” He profiled workshop participant’s thinking and learning preferences in agreement with brain dominance theory. This quickly evolved into a theory of stable brain quadrants, independent of brain anatomy facts, with its own characteristic “genius.” He developed the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI), the surveyed participant, and the Applied Creative Thinking. Workshop(ACT), which remains a leader in the field of assessment and workshop.
Herrmann ‘s contributions brought him worldwide recognition. In 1992, he received the Distinguished Contribution to the Human Resource Development Award from the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD). In 1993, he was elected President of the American Creativity Association.
Work
Herrmann was a pioneer in exploring, explaining and expanding understanding of the four-core system. He was one of the first to ascertain, through testing, how to use one or two possible three brain quadrants. His approach to brainwashing is to encourage experiments, use and exercise of weakening quadrants through live, in-person games, and small group processes. This evolved into more and better ideas about whole-brainedness.
He spent 30 years from approximately 1964-1996, exploring and explaining Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument for teaching , learning , increased self-understanding and enhanced creative thinking capabilities, on both an individual and corporate level.
Selected publications
Books:
- Herrmann, Ned. The whole brain business book . Flight. 334. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1996.
- Herrmann, Ned. The Creative Brain, “First Edition, Lake Lure, NC: Brain Books, 1988.
Articles, a selection:
- Herrmann, Ned. “The Creative Brain.” Training and Development Journal 35.10 (1981): 10-16.
- Herrmann, Ned. “The Creative Brain *.” The Journal of Creative Behavior 25.4 (1991): 275-295.
References
- ^ Jump up to:a b Ned Herrmann (1922-1999): Pioneer of creative thinking in the corporate and founder of Whole Brain Technology at the Wayback Machine (archived March 6, 2005). at hbdi.com , 2005.
- Jump up^ Lumsdaine, Edward, and Monika Lumsdaine. “Creative problem solving.” Potentials, IEEE13.5 (1994): 4-9.
- Jump up^ Rick Crandall (1999)Celebrate Customer Service. p. 157