3 Things (It Might Surprise You to Know) Your Artisan Boss Does Well
Have you ever had a boss that you just didn't click with? No matter how hard you tried,
it seemed like you were working at cross purposes? Did you sometimes wonder how that person
got to be a manager or supervisor?
Dr. David Keirsey points out in the best-selling book, Please Understand Me II, "People
are different... and it is precisely these variations in behavior and attitude that trigger
in each of us a common response: Seeing others around us differing from us, we conclude that
these differences in individual behavior are but temporary manifestations of madness,
badness, stupidity, or sickness." With the differences between us, we often misunderstand
each others' motivations, assumptions, and objectives - even though each of us is usually acting
in what we believe to be the best interests of the organization. In fact, the strengths of one
type of person, the characteristics that make them effective in doing their jobs, are
often misinterpreted by people of other personality types as character flaws - simply because
those strengths are different than their own. These differences can lead to friction,
poor relationships, lack of respect, and make constructive communication difficult, to say the
least
The key to effectively communicating, especially with your boss, is to understand the
motivations of their personality type. If you better understand what makes them tick - what
they're good at - their behavior may make better sense to you, and rather than bothering you,
you may find you are able to benefit from their strengths and even appreciate them. Hopefully,
this understanding on your part forms the basis of a reciprocal improvement in communication
between you and your boss with friction between the two of you becoming a distant memory.
This article points out 3 key strengths for each of the four Artisan types that you may not
be aware of, and may appreciate once you notice. Is your boss a Guardian, Rational, or Idealist?
To learn more about these bosses, click on the links at the end of this article. If you don't
know the personality type of your boss, click here for a few
things to look for that may point you in the right direction.
Surprise: 3 Things Your Artisan Boss is Good At
You've determined your boss is an Artisan. You're fortunate to have an Artisan boss.
Artisans pride themselves on being unconventional, bold, and spontaneous. Because of
their tactical maneuverability, Artisan leaders are good at responding to crises,
untangling snarls, and negotiating deals.
There are 4 types of Artisans. Each brings their own unique talents to the work place.
Here are 3 things (you might not be aware of) about each of the 4 Artisan bosses that are
worth appreciating.
Promoter Artisans (ESTP) are action-oriented, and enjoy talking. You're likely to
hear Promoters telling jokes around the office. Promoters can be very persuasive in
negotiations and can talk themselves into or out of almost anything. They tend to be
pragmatic, expedient and do whatever it takes get the job done with minimal interference
from any external system. Here are 3 strengths to appreciate about this type of boss:
- Life is never dull around a Promoter. By and large, they're a person of action. As a
result, when they're around, things usually begin to happen: the lights come on,
the music plays, the games begin.
- Promoters are usually superb trouble shooters.
- Bold and daring at heart, they are ever-optimistic that things will go their way.
This courage means Promoters' teams often are involved in exciting and important projects
and get opportunities for visibility in the organization.
Crafter Artisans (ISTP) don't tend to spend a lot of time sitting still at their
desks. They have a high need for action and are likely to drive events with their energy.
They have a certain reserve and may not talk much about their private lives. They also tend
not to want to be too predictable.
- Crafters are the true masters of all types of tools, equipment, machines, computers,
and instruments of all kinds. If you use any type of equipment in your job, this type of
boss is able to demonstrate the best techniques in its use.
- Their communication style is direct; they will usually tell you what they need from
you quickly and without a lot of emotion.
- They have an exceptional ability to see the interrelationship of and interaction
between different components.
Performer Artisans (ESFP) are very socially oriented and like to have fun.
They are happiest when they are excited about something and apply this sense of excitement
to their work. They may change ideas about what they want as new events take place. It is
best to present issues not as problems but as challenges, since this type of boss loves to
pull off miracles. Here are 3 strengths to appreciate about this type of boss:
- They're one of the most generous of all the types, and second only to the Artisan
Composers (ISFPs) in terms of kindness. They will usually foster very good relations
with other teams which should make it easier for you when you need resources from outside
your own group.
- They enjoy public speaking and other opportunities to represent their teams and
company. Your group won't lack for visibility with this type of boss.
- Their own zest for life and fun extends to their work - they will usually do their best
to create a fun working environment for their teams.
Composer Artisans (ISFP) generally have a quiet sense of humor. They often have
a fierce devotion to certain people or ideals. Composers are te most in tune with their
senses of all the Artisan types. As a result, they seem to have a great aesthetic and sense
of balance when it comes to everything from fine art to establishing their own unique
personal style. Here are 3 strengths to appreciate about this type of boss:
- They admire creative initiative in themselves and others and bring it to bear on even
small tasks.
- In their dealings with people, Composers are known for showing a kindness unmatched
by all the other types.
- They have an uncanny ability to spot malfunctions before others - this can save you and
your team from facing problem situations that often seem to pop up with other groups.
Relationships with bosses can be challenging, but as we noted in the introduction to this
series of articles, often times the difficulties arise from the miscommunication caused by
the differences in each of our personality styles. In spite of these differences, as you've
seen above, each of them brings some very admirable qualities to the table. If you can
recognize these traits in your boss, you have taken the first step toward appreciating
the differences about them that can make your relationship stronger and more productive.
You can further explore and understand the strengths and challenges of your entire team
through the Keirsey
Temperament Sorter-II and Team Temperament Report, available through Keirsey.com.
Contact us today for
more information.
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