We should always try to be our natural selves and avoid putting on an act just to impress or manipulate others. However, people differ in what they care about and respond to, and trying to accommodate these differences makes collaboration easier. It’s also respectful and considerate. The ability to gauge people’s preferences and accommodate them is especially important when dealing with those who are markedly different from you, such as people from distant cultures or another generation.
This page describes the behaviours that signal a particular personality type. This section explores what you can do to get along well with each type. GETTING IT RIGHT Someone who takes time to it GET IT RIGHT prides themselves on their rigour and diligence. It pays to invite them to provide the checks and balances - for example, by reviewing a project’s feasibility or estimating costs. They may be socially reserved, and if you sense that they are, respect their personal space and don’t rush them into pressurised social situations. GETTING IT DONE If you identify someone itching to GET IT DONE, they probably prefer to be in charge. So, allow them to take the lead if it’s appropriate to do so. If you share this trait with a superior, be careful not to antagonize them by competing for attention and control. People who express this trait like to get on with things and make decisions quickly, so be brief and to the point when dealing with them and keep the chit-chat to a minimum. GETTING SOMEWHERE NEW People who like to GET SOMEWHERE NEW tend to have lots of ideas they want to share and discuss, so let them take centre stage from time to time. Allow them to share their stream of thoughts out loud if they want to; this helps them express their ideas properly. Any promising ideas can be captured and vetted for further development. GETTING ON WELL People who want everyone to GET ON WELL are interested in understanding and catering to individuals’ needs and desires, so give them the opportunity to express their caring side. To collaborate effectively, it’s important to listen to them and establish where they’re coming from so you can build a rapport. The grid shown here illustrates how to develop strong relationships with people, depending on their personalities. |