| Default Cognitive Mode |
Exploratory, meaning-first, generative |
VS |
Action-oriented, decision-first |
🟡 |
| Communication Under Stress |
Thinks out loud, expands context |
VS |
Compresses language, prioritizes action |
🔴 |
| Tolerance for Ambiguity |
High (ambiguity is productive) |
VS |
Low–moderate (ambiguity is risk) |
🔴 |
| Decision Timing Preference |
Understand → decide |
VS |
Decide → adjust |
🟡 |
| Language Function |
Sense-making, discovery |
VS |
Command, coordination |
🔴 |
| BLUF Discipline |
Context before conclusion |
VS |
Conclusion first, always |
🔴 |
| Response to Unstructured Talk |
Energized, engaged |
VS |
Frustrated, scanning for relevance |
🔴 |
| Emotional Processing Style |
Verbal, reflective |
VS |
Internal, pragmatic |
🟡 |
| Authority Orientation |
Lateral, dialogic |
VS |
Hierarchical when stakes are high |
🟡 |
| Relationship to Protocols |
Flexible, adaptive |
VS |
Comforted by protocols |
🟡 |
| Information Density Preference |
Rich, layered |
VS |
Sparse, salient |
🔴 |
| Conflict Navigation |
Talk it through |
VS |
Solve it or contain it |
🟡 |
| Speed vs Accuracy Bias |
Accuracy of meaning |
VS |
Speed of action |
🔴 |
| Context Switching Cost |
Low (can roam) |
VS |
High (needs mode clarity) |
🟡 |
| Strength Under Pressure |
Big-picture coherence |
VS |
Precise execution |
🟢 |
| Primary Failure Mode |
Over-expansion, delayed action |
VS |
Premature compression |
🟢 |