This month we have the StressLess coach, Vikki Pratley, summarising the benefit of Insights Discovery, a system to reveal personality traits and assign them a colour.
“With personality there is no right or wrong, but with leadership there definitely is a right way! Understand this way, and how your personality colours your leadership style, then you begin to make a significant difference” Ali Stewart of Ali Stewart & Co Ltd
We at Skylark believe this couldn’t be a truer statement. And that is why we start all training with the Insights Discovery model which is based on long established psychological theory and modern science. By learning about your personality preferences and how they affect your behaviour it builds self-awareness and gives us language to explain what we experience in the workplace. And the knowledge to learn to adapt and better connect with our peers, clients and contacts. Leading to more effective, profitable and happier workplaces.
Whether you are reading this as a leader or with a leader in mind, I’m sure we can all see the colour energies playing out in the workplace.
A leader with Fiery Red energy can be described as:
– Competitive
– Demanding
– Determined
– Strong willed
– Purposeful.
Their main focus is to move at pace. Their no-nonsense approach can mean team members aren’t bogged down with distractions and the team will drive forward.
But these strengths overstretched or under pressure can lead to behaviours of:
– Aggression
– Controlling
– Driving
– Overbearing
– Intolerant
This can leave team members feeling battered and bruised as the ‘storm’ whirls through.
Whilst the challenge coming from these leaders can drive a team forward, it can create an unsustainable high stress environment for some.
Conversely we have the Earth Green energy, which can be described as:
– Caring
– Encouraging
– Relaxed
– Sharing
– Patient
Harmony and collaboration are top priority for leaders using Earth Green energy so team members are likely to feel valued and protected.
But Earth Green energy can also show up as:
– Docile
– Bland
– Plodding
– Reliant
– Stubborn
Fast decisions might not be forthcoming and the pace can be too slow for some.
Although a supportive environment is lovely, it can inadvertently hinder high performance. Team members might not be challenged to be the best they can be.
A leader with Cool Blue energy could be described as:
– Cautious
– Precise
– Deliberate
– Questioning
– Formal
More detached, these leaders can create an environment of stability where order rules. These leaders can be your rock and guide.
But you can also experience Cool Blue energy as:
– Suspicious
– Reserved
– Rigid
– Indecisive
– Nit-picky
The team’s emotional welfare might not be the top of this leader’s priority!
Giving detailed direction can be useful, but it can also mean team members can be locked into one way of doing things.
Lastly, a leader with Sunshine Yellow energy can display behaviours described as:
– Sociable
– Dynamic
– Demonstrative
– Enthusiastic
– Persuasive
Full of ideas and plans for the future, these leaders can have infectious enthusiasm inspiring a team into flurries of action!
Overstretching these strengths, however, can lead to behaviours seen as:
– Excitable
– Frantic
– Indiscreet
– Flamboyant
– Hasty
Gathering facts before making decisions might bring a fast pace and action but that might not always be the right way forward. Although offering team members many solutions, the ideas might be more about the leader than the team. What have you experienced? Do you recognise yourself or your colleagues?
Vikki works with Senior Executives and professionals of all levels to support and challenge them to create healthy and sustainable high performing environments through leadership and self-management skills. If you’re interested to know more contact her at Vikki@skylark.life or check out the website.
If your current team doesn’t fit your personality, or if you have any other career related questions do get in touch.
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