The Friday Brain Upgrade

How to eliminate mental fatigue, amplify cognitive performance, and become an unstoppable learner

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4 learning styles, 1 team .. tap into their full learning power

Dear Knowledge Explorers,

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to grasp new concepts effortlessly while others struggle? The secret might lie in understanding learning styles.

Today, I’m excited to share insights from our recent Cohort #1 of Learning Ecosystem Mastery.

Imagine walking into a room filled with brilliant minds, each with their unique way of absorbing and processing information. It’s like watching different artists approach the same canvas - some sketch the big picture first, others focus on details, some experiment with techniques, while others imagine possibilities beyond the obvious.

Our groups 4MAT assessment revealed exactly this diversity. We’re not just different personalities - we’re different learners at our core!

Some of us need to know “WHY” something matters before diving in. Others immediately want the “WHAT” - just give them the facts! Then there are those who can’t wait to get to “HOW” it works, while a creative few immediately jump to “WHAT IF” possibilities.

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Quadrant 2 (What) led the pack with 5 team members scoring highest here.

These are our analytical thinkers who:

• Build trust through facts and systematic presentation
• Process information through careful examination
• Excel in traditional learning environments
• Tackle problems with logic and analysis
• Ask “What do the experts know?”

With most members preferring Quadrant 2, we have a strong foundation in analytical thinking. ### Quadrant 3 (How) had 2 team members. These practical doers: - Focus on what can be done with knowledge - Excel at problem-solving and application - Get to the heart of things quickly - Ask “How does this work?” - Learn by doing

I think it is my task to get us all into action and even strengthen our HOW learning styles.

What this might mean for you and your team

Think about your own team for a moment. Do you recognize:

• The colleague who always asks about purpose and meaning?
• The detail-oriented person who wants all the facts first?
• The practical implementer who just wants to get started?
• The creative thinker who’s always suggesting new approaches?

They’re not being difficult - they’re processing information in their natural style!

I’ve found learning style assessments create a powerful dual benefit: teams bond while gaining practical insights about how each person processes information. The moment when colleagues suddenly understand why they communicate differently is transformative—turning “difficult personalities” into appreciated learning differences.

These insights help everyone tailor their approach, making team interactions more effective.

Since I learned about 4MAT I follow a new approach

I’ve completely transformed how I design learning experiences:

1. Connect - Start with meaningful personal connections to the material
2. Attend - Create space for reflection and dialogue
3. Image - Help learners visualize concepts before formal instruction
4. Inform - Provide expert knowledge and frameworks
5. Practice - Create hands-on application opportunities
6. Extend - Guide learners to apply skills to their own situations
7. Refine - Encourage analysis and improvement
8. Perform - Support sharing and integration of learning

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To support this approach, I’ve created an AI assistant that understands 4MAT principles and helps each participant navigate the learning cycle in ways that work for their style. It’s great to watch how different learners interact with the same material through their preferred lens!

The Ripple Effect

What I find most exciting is how this understanding ripples outward. Just as parents pass learning strategies to their children, team leaders can nurture these skills throughout their organizations.

When we understand how we learn, we can approach any challenge with confidence. When we understand how others learn, we can communicate in ways that actually connect.

The beauty of this awareness isn’t about labeling people - it’s about recognizing that complete learning requires all perspectives. When we honor each style, we create a more inclusive and effective learning environment for everyone.

One cohort member discovered why learning Italian suddenly felt more meaningful when we connected it to their “Why” learning preference. Another found blind spots in their approach by walking through each of the 8 4MAT learning cycle steps.

I’d love to hear which learning style resonates most with you! Are you a Why, What, How, or What If learner?
( You can do a free mini test here )

In my Learning Ecosystem Mastery program, all participants take a comprehensive learning style assessment, and I guide them through the results in dedicated coaching sessions. The insights often extend far beyond professional development into personal growth and relationships.

Here’s to discovering your unique learning superpower!

Learn Smart, Basti

P.S. If you’re curious about how I created the 4MAT AI assistant or my “From Book to Insight” pipeline, stay tuned for upcoming posts where I’ll share the details!

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I will publish my newsletter every Friday at about 13:00 o’clock CET. See you next Friday.

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