When coaching a thinking personality, which approach should you use?

• A. Be calm, concise, logical. List pros and cons of alternatives.
• B. Be friendly, and get to know them before getting down to business. Show them how an idea will be of value to them and others.
• C. Set a timetable and stick to it. Give advance warning of changes.
• D. Be flexible, allowing for opinions and changes. Bring in new information and ideas.

Answer: (A)

Thinking personality learners respond best to information that is calm, concise, and logical, with clear reasoning and data to compare options. When coaching someone like this, present the plan succinctly and explain why each technique helps performance. Bring in objective criteria and show the pros and cons of alternatives so they can evaluate what will yield the best results based on evidence, not emotion. Keep explanations brief and focused, using demonstrations and measurable feedback (like balance, edge control, or turn consistency) to illustrate how a choice improves performance. This approach matches their preference for data-driven decisions and cause‑and‑effect thinking. The other styles tend to rely more on social rapport, strict schedules, or flexibility, which aren’t as aligned with a thinking personality’s need for objective analysis.