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Working with the “Strategist” style (Melancholic)
Are you the easy going, “don’t worry” type? If so, you probably need to give some credit to those who surround you – particularly those of the strategist style. It is almost painful for me to write about these folks. They demand so much of themselves. They are thorough, painstaking, hard-working tacticians who are very structured and instinctively good at analyzing people and solving problems. They believe in following the rules and are thoughtful and deliberate in their actions. They evaluate everything and everyone. A passion for accuracy is their driving force and they are particularly hard on themselves when they make mistakes. They are usually diplomatic and communicate clearly.
Looking back on my 40 years of coaching and training, I think the strategists quite often get the “bum rap”. They get accused of having a negative attitude. Actually, I have been married to a strategist for 36 years. I love to be creative and innovative and Joyce tends to stay with what is tried and true. As you can imagine, when I come up with an idea Joyce is evaluating it, and I feel like she is poking holes in it. If I restrain myself from becoming defensive, I can almost always benefit from her input, and I make better decisions. Listening and respecting strategies can prevent fewer crises and failures. Have you ever had something go wrong and hear someone say, “We tried to tell you, but you wouldn’t listen”? My advice: Listen to the strategists. (At the very least you will build trust.)
If you are working with a strategist, remember to prepare well, have your facts in order, and be accurate. You will have a more productive and collaborative conversation.
Those of you who are strategists, remember that others do not see and perceive what you do. It may be obvious to you, but not to them. Be patient. Use gentle persistence. Facts will triumph in the end. (Joyce has learned this well)
Summing it up, when you are working with others, make the effort to understand their style and get in step with them. You will prevent communication barriers from forming and you will increase your ability to synergize with others.