What’s your position? Six drivers that influence everything!

You’ve taken a personality test before. We all have. And after it’s over, after the excitement that comes from gaining insight wears off, you start to chafe at the restrictions. The truth is: you can’t be defined by a personality or a type. Depending on the circumstance, you access different parts of your personality. I call them positions and you have six of them. Imagine a dial, and each position on the deal is a driver—the one most important thing that drives the way you respond. Let’s dig in. What is behind each driver? Each person uses a primary driver in their personal and professional life. As you turn your dial, you will exhibit the following traits:

• BOUNDARIES

Those who are driven by boundaries, prefer to work alone. Doesn’t enjoy group work, particularly mandated group work. Gets to the point quickly. Doesn’t care about knowing the people they work with. Keeps personal and professional life separate. Quick to protect time, preferences and personal space.

Advice for dealing with someone driven by boundaries.

Don’t expect them to enjoy working with people in groups. Respect the boundaries they express and don’t try to soften them up immediately. Build trust first. Don’t take their brusqueness personally. Appreciate their candor.

• PRINCIPLES

Likes to do things well. Processes tend to me more important than people. Has theories for everything they do. Judges people who cut corners or are dishonest. Very polite.

Advice for dealing with someone driven by principles.

Be very open and honest with anything difficult. Allow them to lead you in excellence and focus. Understand they aren’t “cold,” but they do express their concern by focusing on solving the problem.

• ROUTINE

Those driven by routine need clear expectations and communication. Doesn’t enjoy uncontrolled environments. Very respectful and is offended easily but may not show it. Doesn’t interrupt. Values being on time and within guidelines.

Advice for dealing with someone driven by routine: 

Speak to them with respect. Make expectations as clear as possible. Make sure their voice is heard. Understand their routine provide them security and communicate clearly when circumstances are changing.

• RELATIONSHIPS

Those driven by relationships thrives in group situations. Cares about the feelings and needs of those around them. People often confide in them. Very good and reading the temperature of a group and managing diverse personalities. At times, may not depend on others and become overwhelmed.

Advice for dealing with someone driven by relationships:

Make an effort to know and understand them. Show appreciation for their people skills. Make sure you check in to make sure they don’t need help.

• CREATIVITY

Those driven by creativity like to try new things. Loves to be around big groups and new challenges. Struggles with mandated routine. Often forgets requirements, such as turning in agenda items prior to a meeting. Strong energy which influences individuals and groups.

Advice for dealing with someone driven by creativity:

Do your best to keep them challenged. Try not to be possessive. They need variety in their life. Do what you can to help them create a routine that works. Enjoy their energy but don’t depend on them to always be in a good mood.

• PASSION

Feels strongly about positions and preferences and likes to sell the idea to people around them and influence them to change their position. Fully immerses themselves into whatever they are “into.” Can be a big advocate or an adversary, depending on where they fall in a situation or question.

Advice for dealing with someone driven by passion:

Enjoy their enthusiasm for what they are “into,” and learn from them. Understand their forceful communication is not meant to be argumentative. Confrontations should happen one-on-one.

 As you face the moments in your day, you will twist the dial in the direction you need, using the drivers that feel most comfortable for you to balance the need to protect your personal space and your need to be with people and build relationships. Those driven by boundaries are primarily concerned with claiming their space. On the other side of the dial are those primarily driven by relationships. The other four position fall in between.

Of course human beings are far more complicated than six simple drivers or any personality test. But hopefully these drivers can both help you understand the way you react but how others respond to you!

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Bring Liz in to speak about the Nead Inspiration Driver Dial. Click to find out more!