The 4-mat System <Back

Bernice McCarthy's 4-mat system places individual learning and behaviour preferences into one of four categories.

Why? (35% of people)
Learns by seeking meaning. Lives life as it is . . . and then compares with reality and identifies the differences. A "Why?" person will ask "How can I use this?". Typical Leader's Role is Motivator.

What? (22% of people)
Learns by thinking through ideas. Seeks facts and needs to know what the experts think - has an idea then reflects on it. A "What?" person will ask "What are the facts?". Typical Leader's Role is Teacher.

How? (18% of people)
Learns by testing theories. Starts with an ideas and then tests it. Needs to know how things work and seeks usability. A "How?" person will ask "How does this work?". Typical Leader's Role is Coach.

So What? (25% of people)
Learns by trial and error and seeks hidden possibilities. Reflects on it and engages in self discovery. A "So What?" person will ask "Where can I apply it?". Typical Leader's Role is Colleague in Discovery.

The Integral Leadership programme explores successful communication with each of the four types in the context of problem solving, training, presentations and meetings.