Collaborative Intelligence by Dawna Markova & Angie McArthur
Collaborative Intelligence explores how understanding individual thinking styles can dramatically improve communication, teamwork, and productivity. Dawna Markova and Angie McArthur argue that our success in today’s interconnected world depends on how well we collaborate, not just compete. This book provides a toolkit to better understand ourselves and others, ultimately helping us work more harmoniously in teams, workplaces, and communities.
Who May Benefit from the Book
- Team leaders, managers, and HR professionals looking to build stronger, more connected teams
- Educators aiming to support diverse learning styles in the classroom
- Professionals seeking to reduce conflict and increase collaboration
- Entrepreneurs and innovators working with multidisciplinary teams
- Anyone curious about how people think, learn, and work together more effectively
Top 3 Key Insights
- People think, learn, and communicate differently due to unique cognitive styles.
- Effective collaboration requires understanding and honoring these differences.
- Meetings and teamwork improve when everyone uses their strengths and adapts to others.
4 More Lessons and Takeaways
- Attention has three modes: Focused (concentrated on one thing), Sorting (weighing options), and Open (free-form thinking). Balancing all three enhances clarity.
- Perceptual channels shape how we process: Visual, auditory, and kinesthetic preferences influence our thinking and memory. Understanding yours boosts productivity.
- Thinking talents matter: Everyone has 5 core thinking talents that energize their mind. Using these increases effectiveness and engagement.
- Great collaboration starts with asking better questions: Strategic, open-ended questions tap into team intelligence, uncover blind spots, and inspire innovation.
The Book in 1 Sentence
A guide to understanding thinking differences to build smarter, more empathetic, and effective collaborations in work and life.
The Book Summary in 1 Minute
Collaborative Intelligence shows how individuals have different cognitive styles, shaped by how they focus attention and process information. The authors introduce six “mind patterns” formed by combining attention modes and sensory channels. These patterns explain why people think and respond differently. Recognizing your own and others’ patterns leads to better communication and fewer misunderstandings. The book also highlights 35 “thinking talents” that define how people best contribute to teams. By understanding your thinking style and adjusting your approach to others, collaboration becomes easier and more productive. Success, the authors argue, is not about doing it all alone—it’s about thinking together.
The Book Summary in 7 Minutes
To thrive in a world where ideas matter more than titles, Collaborative Intelligence argues we must think together—intentionally and effectively.
Two Economies, Two Mindsets
Markova and McArthur introduce two contrasting worldviews: the market-share economy, which values competition and individual achievement, and the mind-share economy, which values cooperation and shared ideas.
- In market-share, success comes from ownership and competition.
- In mind-share, success grows through collaboration and collective thinking.
Balanced individuals and organizations draw from both—competing smartly while building shared understanding.
The Three Forms of Attention
Our minds use three types of attention. Each plays a unique role:
| Type | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Focused | Directs attention to one task or goal | Deep work on a report |
| Sorting | Compares and evaluates possibilities | Debating pros and cons of a decision |
| Open | Welcomes random insights and new thoughts | Brainstorming solutions during a walk |
Most workplaces overvalue focused attention. This ignores the creative power of open attention and the strategic value of sorting attention.
Understanding Perceptual Channels
Everyone processes the world using three main sensory channels:
- Visual – thinks in images or written words
- Auditory – learns best by listening or talking
- Kinesthetic – understands through touch or movement
Combining these with attention styles produces six mind patterns, which influence how people think, feel, and act.
A Look at Mind Patterns
Each mind pattern has strengths and weaknesses. For example:
- A visually-focused person may have great memory for images but may tune out during verbal explanations.
- A kinesthetic sorter may need movement to process ideas clearly.
Recognizing your pattern helps you work more efficiently and helps others understand you better.
Discovering Your Thinking Talents
The authors identify 35 thinking talents—like “Creating Order” or “Taking Charge.” Everyone has about five.
Knowing yours means:
- You can articulate how you think.
- You can choose work that energizes you.
- You can explain your value to teams more clearly.
Instead of asking, “What am I bad at?” the better question is, “What thinking talents do I naturally have?”
Recognize Others’ Styles and Adjust
Miscommunication often stems from mismatched thinking patterns.
Strategies to improve collaboration include:
- Ask teammates how they prefer to communicate or process.
- Allow silence during meetings to help sorting or open attention types.
- Give visual thinkers diagrams; kinesthetic types benefit from movement or hands-on work.
Adapting how you present or discuss ideas shows respect—and gets better results.
Cognitive Styles and Group Dynamics
Drawing from Ned Herrmann’s brain model, the book describes four cognitive styles:
| Style | Focus |
|---|---|
| Analytical | Logic, facts, numbers |
| Procedural | Steps, systems, organization |
| Relational | People, feelings, empathy |
| Innovative | Ideas, strategy, future thinking |
Every person leans toward one or two styles. Successful teams cover all four to ensure balance. Lacking a style creates blind spots—like a visionary team without anyone to manage logistics.
Ask Questions That Guide Thinking
Questions direct attention. Markova and McArthur recommend two types:
- Success-oriented – recall past wins to inspire current solutions
- Intentional – clarify purpose and meaning
These questions reframe challenges. For example:
“What helped us solve a similar issue before?”
“What matters most in this situation?”
Teams can also ask questions from each cognitive quadrant to engage every style and expand perspective.
Foster Group Focus Through Shared Goals
To align team focus:
- Name each member’s strengths.
- Acknowledge past contributions.
- Set a clear shared intention.
- Check in regularly to realign.
This creates psychological safety and helps people feel seen.
About the Author
Dawna Markova
Dawna Markova was a cognitive psychologist and senior affiliate of the Organizational Learning Center at MIT. She dedicated her life to understanding human learning and perception. As a cancer survivor and researcher, she was passionate about using neuroscience and education to help people unlock their potential. Markova authored multiple books on thinking, learning, and leadership.
Angie McArthur
Angie McArthur is the CEO of Professional Thinking Partners and co-creator of the Mind Patterns Profile. With over 20 years of coaching experience, she has worked with global organizations and leaders to enhance their communication and collaboration skills. Her focus lies in helping individuals and teams discover their innate thinking talents and use them effectively.
How to Get the Best of the Book
Read this book slowly, with pauses to reflect on your mind pattern. Take the assessments. Try the exercises with your team or family. Practice observing different thinking styles in action and adjusting how you communicate.
Conclusion
Collaborative Intelligence teaches that great teamwork starts with understanding. It urges us to stop trying to “fix” others and instead appreciate how we all think differently. By honoring these differences, we build stronger, more effective, and more human collaborations.