Discovering how you lead

Most everyone responds to life’s challenges and choices according to his or her personality.  Therefore, individuals who relate to others must be personality wise.

     For example, High “S” leaders should not engage High “D” followers in small talk.  “D’s” prefer leaders who get-to-the-point.  They want “bottom line” answers.  They respond best to those who are not going to waste their time 

     On the other hand, High “S” followers feel comfortable with leaders who are systematic, slower and steady in their approaches.  “S’s” don’t like fast talking, quick pace responses.  “S’s” respond best to stable and sensitive leaders.

Leader Styles

Follower Styles

“D” Leaders – 

     “D’s” are take control and be in charge types.  They don’t like people telling them what to do.  “D” leaders can be too pushy and forceful.  They need to control their direct and demanding approach to management.  They make better leaders when they learn to slow down, be gentle, and not so demanding of others.

“D” Followers – 

     “D’s” respect strong leaders.  They want to be part of a winning team.  They follow with power and authority in mind.  They wonder, “Will this action make me more respected and / or get the job done?”  “D” followers need choices, rather than “get-in or get-out” ultimatums.  They need opportunities to do their own thing.

“I” Leaders – 

     “I’s” are inspiring and enthusiastic.  They love to lead and influence others.  Naturally great presenters, they tend to talk too much.  “I” leaders need to listen more and not be so sensitive to rejection.  They are the most impressive and positive leaders.  “I’s” love crowds, but need to be interested in individuals.

“I” Followers – 

     “I’s” follow with their hearts.  They tend to be impulsive followers.  They want opportunities that will make them look good.  “I” followers talk a lot.  They make great first impressions.  Their high egos and ability to persuade often turn them into the leaders in order to rise to the top.  Sometimes you don’t know who’s leading whom.

“S” Leaders – 

     “S’s” are the sweet, steady and stable leaders.  They seldom demand anything.  They are friendly and loyal, but tend to be too nice.  They need to be more aggressive and assertive.  Overly sensitive to their shortcomings, “S’s” need to be more confident.  They hate to take risks.  They often miss opportunities because of their caution.  Reliable and relaxed, they are more reserved.

“S” Followers – 

     “S” followers don’t make quick decisions.  They like leaders who are understanding and gentle.  They want to establish a relationship with a leader who will be around for a long time.  “S’s” are concerned about service and stability.  When it comes to sensible and slow judgment, “S” followers feel right at home.  They like familiar and low-key environments.

“C Leaders – 

     “C’s” are competent and compliant.  They go by the book and want to do everything just right.  They are thorough and detail oriented, but tend to be too informative.  “C’s” need to be more positive and enthusiastic.  They answer questions people aren’t asking.  When optimistic, “C’s” are extremely influential.  They should not concentrate on problems, but focus on potentials.

“C” Followers – 

     “C’s” are “Consumer Report” type followers.  They analyze each decision.  They love research and development.  “C’s” are quality oriented followers.  They don’t like quick or costly decisions.  Picky and precise, they follow with their minds, rather than hearts.  “C’s” seldom respond positively at first.  They often want time to think about their decisions.  Once convinced, they follow best.