“SYSTEM ENGINEER”

Back-brain, Conceptual, Inanimate, Left-brain

Methodically classifies imaginations impersonally

applicator of ideas; builder of theoretical systems; self confident; independent, reserved, single minded, conceptual; seeks knowledge; not impressed with authority; determined, analytic, stubborn, skeptical, scientific; logical abstraction skilled.

The sections above are previews of Jon Niednagel’s latest book series on how each area of life relates to each particular Brain Type. For much further detail on a particular subject, be sure to check out Jon’s book on the respective topic, available upon release in the i-Store Learning Center.
The Stereotypical Particulars: Approximately 6 out of 10 sampled of each particular Brain Type will resemble the descriptions below, with approximately 4 out of 10 being atypical due to upbringing, environmental influences, etc.  These generalizations are not intended to be offensive to any particular Type; however, our aim is to equip you, the reader, with the appropriate distinctions necessary in assessing others.
Appearance: generally slender, slow & deliberate speech, often monotone voice, plain clothing (very economical), having straight & orderly hair, often stoic countenance, intelligent speech.

Personality: private, guarded, secretive, VERY independent, conceptually logical, quite intuitive, penny-wise, saver not spender, thrifty, cautious, modest, preferring the background but with high expectations for self, competent, eccentric, unconventional, self-governing, self-sufficient, solitary, often reclusive, inquisitive, probing, curious, philosophical, delving deep, persevering, almost impervious to the criticism of others, enigmatic, scientific, relate well to children or the elderly.

Athletic Characteristics: mechanical & more fine motor than gross motor control, no dominant muscle control, weak with gross motors, gifted cerebrally, strategic, calculating, awkward, lumbering, deliberate, movements with restricted mechanization,  uneven, efficient with little wasted energy, has good endurance & high pain threshold, defensive, wrote the rule book, reinterprets the rules,  & quick to call on others who break the rules.

ABOUT THESE INTERVIEWS

These are two representative examples for this Brain Type. Please note that these interviews are only provided as a sample of what someone with this design might be like. They are not sufficient for training you how to accurately distinguish this Brain Type from others. The ‘Brain Type Trainer’ video training program has a much more in-depth visual perspective and commentary for each Brain Type. The ‘Brain Type Trainer’ is the optimal training tool for learning how to accurately evaluate each of the 16 inborn designs. Visit the i-Store Learning Center for more information on how to order the Brain Type Trainer and other learning aids available from BT Enterprises.

When a Brain Type is mentioned in an i-Blog article, it is filed under the respective category.

Articles – BCIL

3/12/23 – The last days of Jimmy Carter

3/12/23 – The last days of Jimmy Carter

Former President Jimmy Carter (#16 BCIL) has been in the news as of late, having come home from the hospital a few weeks ago to live out his remaining days among family and friends.  The 98-year-old Carter is the oldest living US president in history, having dealt...

read more
9/21/22 – The death of Tom Weiskopf

9/21/22 – The death of Tom Weiskopf

They say he was "always candid," and "often outspoken," and "unfailingly accurate in the television booth."  He also loved designing golf courses nearly as much as playing golf itself, during which he had 16 victories on the PGA tour (though only one Major at the U.S....

read more

BCIL:

Overview

#16 BCILs are one of the rarest Brain Types in the U.S. population.  They make their presence known by inventing, researching, writing, practicing medicine, and doing a variety of highly skilled pursuits well.  Though Back-brain dominant, they can develop a facility for teaching and speaking, working skillfully with language.  As for foreign languages, the BCIL has linguistic capabilities that few can duplicate.  (Naturally, they are Q4 posterior—B, Left-brain dominant Conceptuals.)  BCILs are exceptionally independent.  They often appear cold and aloof unless they purposely develop a warmer method of relating.  They may appear arrogant and “know it all,” even argumentative.  This characteristic may alienate others who are intimidated by the apparent “superiority” of the BCIL.  With skill and confidence, BCILs enter areas of work and interest that require creating, constructing, and applying technology to complex problems.  They like to be originals, coming up with new thoughts, ideas, inventions, and ways of doing things.  The critical minds of BCILs question everything, logically pursuing every avenue of doubt.  Tactfulness may not seem necessary to BCILs as long as they are persuaded in their own minds.  BCILs want to improve and correct everything that comes along.  They research and redesign continuously.  BCILs have much to offer in innovation and theoretical reasoning.  They love to present models for strategies of how things should work.

BCIL:

Education

CIs have insatiable appetites for knowledge and learning, especially BCILs.  Yet this penchant is often unseen in young BCILs.  Their most difficult years, academically, usually come in grade school.  The dominant Conceptual BCILs are often bored by the reams of Empirical data in elementary education.  Also, their Empirical teachers normally communicate in a language that is unappealing to BCILs.  If they persevere and study into college, they will often be near the top of the class.  It may be quite a turnaround from their formative years of education.  BCILs can develop a facility for teaching and speaking, working well with language.  Learning a foreign language, or a number of them, is virtually no problem for this linguistic genius—if they have sufficient motivation.  Their Left-brain dominance loves to work with words.  BCILs can be prolific writers.  They love to express themselves in writing, going to great lengths to expound on their theories, revealing active imaginations.  Adept at dealing with abstract logic, BCILs are drawn to the sciences, law, and engineering.  BCILs search for underlying principles or theories in their areas of interest.  They are inventors, creators of models.  They take ideas and provide frameworks for greater understanding or application, striving to clarify the conceptual.  As BCILs advance in school, they find more students and professors of similar Brain Types.  Considering that BCILs make up only a small percentage of the American populace, they often feel alone in their beliefs and insights.  Entering graduate school in the technical subjects, BCILs often feel for the first time that they are in comfortable surroundings.  BCILs are life-long students, and it’s not unusual to find them taking accredited courses well into adulthood.

BCIL:

Parenting

Independent, creative, imaginative and precocious, BCIL children may not reveal their high intellectual capacities in the elementary classroom, which is rife with rote learning, but just wait.  The emerging intellect, if nurtured properly, will go as far as he or she wants.  They become inventors, entrepreneurs, CEOs, doctors, lawyers—all with precision and vision.  Because BCILs are dominant Conceptuals, they require boundaries, structure, and guidance in dealing with reality.  They need help in learning to pay attention to ordinary matters.  As they make up only a small percentage of the Brain Types found in the U.S. population, BCILs often feel out of step and need assurance that they’re okay and have valuable gifts.  Questioning almost everything, BCIL children can be identified by the continuous use of “why?”  Determined and strong-willed by nature, BCIL children may need help relating to other children.  Developing athletic skills early in life will enable them to compete athletically with the energy-expending Front, Right brained (Q1) children who far outnumber them.  Born highly competent, BCIL children are decisive and theoretical, though they do not have well developed common sense at an early age.  They may not seem to need a lot of affection and praise, but when given sincerely, these can help balance the Inanimate child.  BCILs may need to be encouraged to spend time with people, as well as with animals, inventions, books, or simply their own imaginations.  Self-confident and self-sufficient, they still need to put time and effort into building solid relationships.  The BCIL intellect needs freedom to experiment, go deep, and solve challenging problems.  Social balance is needed, and lots of understanding for this unique and gifted child.

BCIL:

Spirituality

Though not as outgoing and action-oriented as their FCIL counterparts, #16 BCILs are creative Inanimate “thinkers” who articulate their beliefs not as often verbally as in writing.  They go deep into theological issues and take great pains to systematize their thinking.  BCILs are dominant Conceptuals who can theorize spiritual truths like few others.  The challenges of Scriptural mysteries lure these abstract logicians into analytical depths and theological debates.  BCILs need to be careful, however, to balance their penchant for the abstract and mystical with irrefutable, scriptural evidence.  Though highly reflective, they often assume leadership, being independent by nature.  BCILs are drawn to the commandments and obedience to them.  BCILs can be great people of faith, commitment, and sacrifice.  The mission field often appeals to their sense of purpose.  Difficult languages, foreign foods, and hostile environments pose seemingly little threat to their commitment.  Avid readers and scholarly interpreters of Scripture, BCILs often have the gift of teaching.  Some are even found in the pulpit.  Interpersonal relationships may not be the easiest for independent BCILs, who usually prefer to work alone.  They would do well to work on praising others, as well as developing close relationships.  Their cool aloofness may be interpreted by others as self confidence or lack of caring.  BCILs, however, have emotions that run deep and strong; time and encouragement will help them surface.  Their ability to work hard and long for what they believe in is a great asset to any religious group.

BCIL:

Relationships

The highly independent BCILs do things their own way, therefore developing deep relationships slowly.  They live in their imagination, the world of ideas.  Relating to the opposite gender may not come naturally, but BCILs have the gift of creative problem solving, and will figure out a way to win the person’s interest.  The object of their affection will usually be outgoing in order to help the BCIL deal with the unfamiliar outer world.  Though BCIL men are often attracted to #1 FEAR women—their opposites, the differences may be just too great to establish a home, generally speaking.  All combinations are possible, however.  BCILs often create a formula for what they are seeking in a mate.  This academic approach to loving shows they like few surprises, prefer things to happen by schedule, and have solid organizational skills.  Male BCILs are usually the romantic pursuers in the relationship, and they woo with imaginative words, gifts, and dating plans.  Having won the affections of their sweethearts, BCILs need to continue to be the loving companions they personified during the pursuit.  The marriage can easily fail if the BCIL withdraws and moves on to the next intellectual conquest.  BCILs must learn that the reality of a relationship will rarely, if ever, live up to the perfection of the imaginary romance.  We could all learn that lesson, and lower our expectations.

BCIL:

Business

BCILs enjoy assembling, molding, and applying theoretical models.  They are extremely innovative, capable of reorganizing existing systems or jobs for greater effectiveness.  The BCIL demonstrates creativity and imagination, while seeking to implement tactics and strategy.  Unlike the BCIR, the BCIL is considered the supreme pragmatist.  The idea or ideas must work!  BCILs tend to be independent workers since self-sufficiency is extremely important to them.  Their high-tech and scientific minds will apply their conceptual logic in problem solving, which can be very beneficial to big businesses.  BCILs need to occupy positions that allow them to make improvements upon given situations.  Their skills can often mean that they work themselves right out of a job!  Once the maximum number of improvements are made, the BCIL may either seek greener pastures or be moved out.  BCILs work best when they have a continuous flow of challenging assignments.  Routine production is stifling to them.  They tend to enjoy observing a system, tinkering with its mechanisms, and employing their creative talents to “make a better mousetrap.”  They are inventors, often holding many patents.  BCILs are the most autonomous, independent and self-confident of the Brain Types in business.  Naturally, this can work favorably and unfavorably for them, depending upon how their independence is utilized.  For example, they can be very single-minded at times—an asset if a deadline needs to be met, a liability if flexibility is needed to reach an agreeable compromise.  Hardworking, diligent, skeptical, and consistent are words that also describe the BCIL.

Popular Career Choices:
Engineering, inventing, computer science, law, consulting, management, research, medicine, science (life and physical), languages, missionary, entrepreneur, business analyst, and careers involving the management of human resources.

BCIL:

Health

#16 BCILs generally have their weight under control.  They are definitely among the thinnest Brain Types.  Only one letter away from perhaps the ideal Brain Type for weight control (#8 BEIL), BCILs possess most of the mental functions conducive to optimal weight maintenance.  As Back-brainers, they give extra concern to what goes into their bodies.  As Inanimates, they desire to hold fast to their standards and please themselves over others (perhaps feeling guiltless when rejecting a luncheon invitation, for example).  As Left-brainers, BCILs value structure, guidelines, and self-discipline.  BCILs’ strongest function—Conceptual—poses their biggest dilemma.  For example, Conceptual “intuition” isn’t as concerned with the texture and taste of food or masticating it slowly and delightfully.  Fullness is not quickly registered as it is with the Empirical “sensing” function.  BCILs are well served when they slow down, noticing and enjoying what they’re eating.  In addition, Conceptuals are generally not as concerned about their appearance as Empiricals.  Conversely, BCILs’ Left-brained Conceptual “intuition” can also be an asset for weight management.  Unlike the dominant Empirical “sensing” BEIL that often craves sweets, BCILs are not nearly as prone to these temptations; they are much more apt to eat an unorthodox, eclectic diet with unusual tastes.  Proper exercise is important for any smart health regimen, and it is significant for BCILs and ideal weight maintenance.  Exercising keeps BCILs mentally alert and optimistic, as well as keeping the need to diet at a minimum.  Many BCILs prefer hiking and biking to other forms of exercise.  To achieve optimal mental and emotional health, BCILs must not stuff frustrations down inside or take them out on others.  Anything physical like cleaning the garage, taking a bicycle ride, a hike, or engaging in vigorous gardening will lower frustration levels appreciably.

BCIL:

Sports

BCILs are Q4 Back, Left brained CIs.  They are methodical and strategic in their athletic pursuits, just as they are in life.  BCILs feel a need to master their sport of interest in their heads as soon as possible, innately knowing that their minds are their greatest athletic tools.  Any sport or recreational hobby that challenges the mind will be of interest to the BCIL.  Sailing, wind surfing, flying (full-size planes or models), target shooting, and chess are just a few that they enjoy.  BCILs also prize challenging the limits of the body, venturing into hiking, biking, and mountain climbing.  Golf is probably the most popular professional sport suited to BCILs.  While they do not possess the Empirical Types’ inherent motor skills, BCILs can eventually master the swing and body skills in golf.  Many golfers make the swing too complicated, with counterproductive, superfluous movements.  While EAs possess superior gross-motor skills and EIs master the fine-motors, these innate strengths can also be the source of problems (e.g., Fine-motor EIs becoming too “handsy”).  Many obstacles athletes experience in sports are natural strengths gone amok, carried to an excess.  This is not the case with BCILs and their motor skills.  They won’t have the struggles of the Empirical athletes with overemphasizing motor skills.  Encourage BCILs to get involved in athletic activities as children.  They will require more time to develop their motor skills than Empiricals.

BCIL:

Body Skill Bird

The Impersonal Imaginers are well represented by the owl.  This majestic, poised bird seems to sit in reflective silence, pondering the mysteries of the deep woods late into the night.  Similarly, members of this Brain Type group often sit in quiet repose, contemplating deep issues.

Not all Impersonal Imaginers are wise, but they have a high desire to be so—especially to gain book knowledge.  They love, in particular, to sink their sharp claws into any abstract or conceptual form of knowledge.  They not only ask whooo?, but Where? When? Why? and how much?  They are very inquisitive, always gathering more knowledge.  They can actually gain too much of it and lose all sense of pragmatism if they’re not careful.

The owl has been popular for thousands of years—probably due to its unusual, almost human appearance.  With its large head and staring, deep-set eyes, feathered tufts protruding like ears, and a beak that resembles a nose, the owl seems to possess a unique and ominous aura, setting it apart from other birds.  But not all owls look alike.  Over one hundred different species of owls are found the world over, including 18 in North America.  Their size varies greatly, with the largest having wingspans measuring over 5 feet in length compared to the smallest, which are tinier than a robin.

Similarly, the members of this Brain Type group come in the widest variety of personas, and we can’t emphasize this enough. Impersonal Imaginers often become actors, scientists, lawyers, politicians, doctors, college professors, computer whizzes, and so on, but you may also find them driving an 18-wheeler, a school bus, or a bulldozer.  Regardless of profession, however, they are usually highly industrious and will do whatever it takes to get by.  Most enjoy being entrepreneurs in some form.  Like their owl counterparts, who can see things in the night like few other animals, Impersonal Imaginers often burn the midnight oil.  Usually, they get their inspirations and revelations in the quiet hours, when daily distractions are gone.

Owls have amazing hunting accuracy, even in the dark.  Their hearing is off the charts as they hone in on their prey.  So too, Impersonal Imaginers strive for scientific accuracy in their academic or vocational pursuits.  They prize strategizing—calculating how to hit their targets.

Finally, young owls anxiously anticipate leaving the nest.  It seems as though they cannot wait to develop their wings and practice hunting.  They usually escape the nest even before they can fly (unlike most other birds) as they attempt to “conquer the world” as soon as possible.

Young Impersonal Imaginers develop a passion for knowledge very early in life, as well.  Typically very precocious as children, they are anxious to get out of the family “nest” and into the world where they can explore to their hearts’ (and minds’!) content.  Once a person becomes familiar with the differences in these four Brain Type groups, it becomes rather easy to identify the Owl children, whose exceptionally inquisitive minds set them apart from other children.

• Learn to work and play better with others.
• Be patient and open to the ideas and styles of others.
• Show respect for those in authority and those with whom you associate.
• Be generous in sharing.
• Give without strings attached.
• Avoid pedantic speech in social conversation.
• Communicate your thoughts and feelings with loved ones more often than you feel is necessary.
• Demonstrate your love with action (e.g., hugs, conversation, taking walks).
• Realize socialization will be of benefit to you, and try to learn from others.
• Use your computer as a tool . . . and be careful not to let it monopolize your time, or to store inappropriate information.
• Practice spontaneity and flexibility.
• Allow people to get to know what’s inside you.
• Share your ideas and strategies with others.
• Dabble in reality at least part of every day.

——————————————————————————–
“He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor.” Proverbs 22:9

Choose some tasks that require perseverance.

Establish realistic goals.

Prepare a schedule with time frames, and then choose an encouraging friend to help you follow your schedule.

Give extra effort when logical analysis and reasoning are required.

BEAR:

Balance Your Type