How to work with mathematical/logical learners

Many of us spent our formative years sitting in math class wondering how the knowledge we were obtaining would apply to our adult lives. Now that we are professionals, with the exception of those who went into math-related fields like engineering, there is some validity to that. However, while some of us may have forgotten the content of our high school math courses, the concepts we were taught — mainly logical thinking — do have merit. This is particularly true for those who are mathematical/logical learners. 

These types of individuals feed off of data. If they can quantify the information they are trying to learn, they have a much better chance of retaining it. By doing so, things make sense. Even abstract concepts can be quantified by a logical learner, who then organizes that data either through the physical development of a chart or graph or by picturing the information in their mind. However they decide to do this, the overarching idea that they need information to reach conclusions is one that managers must be able to work with.

As we continue to look at the Huffington Post's learning styles that managers must know, it's important to understand the methods behind the logical learner.

"Using mathematics to describe a concept allows this audience to effectively learn new information," writes Anne Loehr, the article's author. "Graphs and data can really bring it home for these learners, as they are both visual and applicable."

Executives and senior managers that are cognizant of this will have greater success connecting with their employees as they teach them new policies, procedures or knowledge that will help advance their careers. Working with an executive search firm will help find individuals who understand how to approach these kinds of learners.