Participants at this year’s Executive Diversity Education Session learned that maximizing diverse thinking styles and building cognitively “diverse by design” teams can contribute to faster, more effective problem solving and better overall organizational results.

The 2010 Executive Diversity Education Session was hosted by REI and presented by TRI Partners, Inc., organizers of the NW Diversity Learning Series, on June 17, 2010 in Seattle.

Presenters Ann Herrmann-Nehdi, CEO of Herrmann International, and Fred Keeton, VP Finance/External Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer for Harrah’s Entertainment, led a variety of executives through a half-day journey of experiential exercises and strategic planning for success.

The session focused on the history of the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument® (HBDI®) and Whole Brain® methodology, the link between thinking styles and inclusion efforts, how maximizing thinking styles can help organizations meet and exceed staff and customer demands, and Harrah’s Inclusion Methodology. 

The combination of Ann’s expert background in Whole Brain® Thinking techniques and Fred’s practical use of the approach captured a diverse audience looking for a well-rounded presentation. Throughout the interactive session, participants gained an in-depth understanding of the value of “diverse by design” teams and the tools needed to optimize team communications and outcomes.

“These were entirely new concepts,” one participant said, “and I will work to incorporate them into my D&I approach.”

Noted another, “I will take the theory, tools, and practical applications presented and help move my organization forward with results.”