Understanding the ‘Gatherer’ Brain

General ‘Gatherer’ Traits

People who have well developed Gatherer Brains generally tend to be pleasant and co-operative team players. Gatherers are unlikely to make any sudden moves or say anything that will anger others. In fact, almost everyone likes them. Friendly and likeable, in public they operate at a steady pace and seldom show emotional extremes. In private this may not be the case however.

More than the other 3 types, Gatherers tend to seek harmony and stability. They are good listeners, always finding time for their family and friends. They are very dependable and care deeply about feelings, yours and theirs, often going out of their way to please others and making sacrifices for the ‘common good’.

Gatherers instinctively have a strong need to belong. This is a survival instinct that probably made sure our physically weaker ancestors could still survive in a world full of dangers. Gatherers utilise the Mammalian Brain’s ability to develop empathy helping them find ways to fit in with others, create a group of like-minded  individuals and avoiding or rejecting others whose behaviour and values don’t match the group/society. To a Gatherer rejection is their biggest fear.

 

We all have access to the Gatherer Brain and can therefore use our emotions and sensitivity to develop high levels of empathy with others.  The key is not to over or under develop this part of your brain. Too much empathy with others can lead to us neglecting our own needs, or compromising our own values in order to satisfy others. During pre-school development some young children learn that they must make a choice between getting their own way, winning (see Hunter Brain) and risk being rejected, or allowing others to get their own way, losing, but stand a better chance of being accepted and loved by others.

Unlike the Hunter who has to win at all costs, Gatherers are happy to be a ‘good’ loser.

Watch this video clip of the ‘Gatherer Brain’ in action.

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