Encyclopedia of Leadership

SECTION 14 TOOLS FORLEARNING 449

Think of several people you need to work with. Clarify issues and strategies for working

with them effectively.

RELATED LEADERSHIP TOOLS

1.9 Paradigms 8.7 Active Listening 12.8 Difficult People

6.2 Assumption Analysis 8.9 Cross-Cultural 13.6 Attribution Theory

8.5 Metacommunicating 12.7 Dealing with Conflict 14.6 Learning Styles

FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE

Keirsey, David, and Marilyn Bates. Please Understand Me: Character and Temperament Types.Prometheus Nemesis Book
Company, 1984.

Kroeger, Otto, and Janet M. Thuesen. Type Talk at Work: How the 16 Personality Types Determine Your Success on the Job.
Dell Publishing Company, 1993.

Leader

NT

P

NF

Direct

report

ST

J

ST

Issues that might arise

given your differences

in personal preferences

The leader prefers to be innovative and look at

the big picture, while the direct report prefers

to work with the tried and true and may see

the leader as a head-in-the-clouds type.

The leader is okay with ambiguity and is will-

ing to deal with issues as they arise. The direct

report would prefer more clarity and a plan.

The leader may appear to be too idealistic and

subjective, while the direct report is concerned

with the nuts and bolts, or basic issues.

Strategies the leader might pursue

to work with the direct report (the

person reporting to the leader)

Find common ground in the T. Present your

innovative ideas in a logical format. Honor

your limitations and ask for help to ground

your ideas in the real world. Find value in the

direct report’s ability to organize data, facts,

and information logically.

Be aware that raising the level of ambiguity may

be stressful to the direct report. Respond to the

direct report’s need for clarity, before opening

the conversation up to include other issues. The

direct report can help you by documenting and

working toward making a decision.

In a noncondescending way, help the direct

report express his or her thinking and facts—

known as feelings and ideas to you! Remind

yourself of the contribution of ST’s: If they buy

in, they will make your innovative ideas work!

Leader

Other

person

Issues that might arise

given your differences

in personal preferences

Strategies you might employ

to work well with this person