by Raquel Hubbard
When you picture your team, can you envision someone who seems to attract and connect others? Maybe you have an employee who’s never happier than when working in a group, doesn’t mind being the “face” of the organization, and can charm almost anyone. These individuals are often the ones who cheerlead, who wave the flag, and who can communicate easily with others. I like to call these people, “sticky” people. Wherever they go, no matter the situation they are in, people just “stick” to them.
I’ve just described the “I,” or “Influencing” style from the DISC personality assessment. “I” types are often very well liked, and they are an asset to any leader – if they aren’t leading the team themselves already! The DISC personality assessment divides individuals into four types – the Dominant, Influencing, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. Each brings unique strengths to a team, and as a leader, it’s in your best interest to understand exactly what makes each one tick. Today, we’re diving into the “I.” With some insight, you can effectively maximize this type’s positive qualities and encourage growth in weak areas.
Foster a Positive and Social Environment
When it comes to remote work, “I” types will be the ones working at a co-working space or coffee shop. They thrive off the energy of others. In order to fully tap into the strengths of the “I” types on your team, create a work environment that encourages positivity and collaboration. Encourage team-building activities, such as team lunches or after-work gatherings, to provide ample opportunities for socializing. Encourage an open-door policy and establish regular communication channels to allow for ongoing interaction. By fostering a positive and social environment, you will enhance the engagement and motivation of your “I” personality team members. If you’re not an “I” type yourself, it can be easy to downplay the importance of these elements – but to this personality, they’re the fuel in their engine. And when they feel seen and cared for, you’ll have no better galvanizer on your team than your “I’s.”
Provide Opportunities for Creativity and Expression
If you can funnel their energies, “I” personalities will light up the organization. Give them opportunities to shine, and encourage and provide opportunities for them to showcase their talents and ideas. Allow them to take the lead on creative projects or brainstorming sessions – they thrive off the focus. Provide them with platforms to share their insights, such as team meetings or presentations. Offering outlets for their creative expression will not only satisfy their need for recognition but also harness their unique abilities, leading to innovative solutions and increased job satisfaction. As a leader, it’s important to set your own ego aside when working with “I” types. If they have a great idea, let them take the credit. You’ll reap the benefits in the long run!
Maintain Flexibility and Variety
“I” personalities thrive on diversity and change. To effectively manage them, provide a dynamic work environment that offers flexibility and variety. Avoid monotony and repetitive tasks – these types will quickly burn out if that’s all that’s on their to-do list. Assign them projects that require interaction with others or offer opportunities to attend conferences, seminars, or networking events. Providing a variety of tasks and challenges will keep them engaged and prevent boredom. Embrace their spontaneity and adaptability, as they often excel in roles that involve multitasking or require quick thinking and decision-making. They will provide fresh vigor and insight to the whole organization.
Encourage Growth In Weak Areas
While “I” personalities are typically outgoing and charismatic, their love for the limelight can get in the way of the whole organization’s success. Encourage your “I” types to own the success of the entire team. Give them an opportunity to lead and encourage others, and make sure that they give credit where credit is due. Assign them tasks that require coordination with different team members and emphasize the importance of collective success. Foster a culture of mutual respect and recognition, emphasizing the importance of teamwork over individual achievements. By promoting collaboration, you can leverage their social skills while maintaining a cohesive and harmonious work environment. When necessary, don’t shy away from hard conversations to help your “I” types understand what needs to happen.
Take the Time to Assess
At The Intention Collective, we believe that information is power. When you take the time to understand each of your team members on a deep level, you can effectively use their strengths while helping them grow through their challenges. If you’re looking for some support, we’re here to help. Book a consultation to see how we can partner with you.
