3 Things (It Might Surprise You to Know) Your Rational 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 Rational types that you may not
be aware of, and may appreciate once you notice. Is your boss a Guardian, Idealist, or Artisan?
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 Rational Boss is Good At
You've determined your boss is a Rational. You're fortunate to have a Rational boss.
Rationals are the problem solving temperament, particularly if the problem has to do with the
many complex systems that make up the world around us. They pride themselves on being
ingenious, independent, and strong-willed. Known for being strategic leaders and
skilled thinkers, Rationals are generally even-tempered, goal-oriented individuals who yearn
for achievement and accomplishment.
There are 4 types of Rationals. 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 Rational bosses that are
worth appreciating.
Fieldmarshal Rationals (ENTJ) tend to be master-strategists with a long-term focus.
Their vision and optimism are often infectious. They often rise to command positions in
the workplace and enjoy running the show. When in charge of an organization, whether
it's military, business, educational, or government, they seem to have a special talent
for visualizing where an organization is going. Here are 3 strengths to appreciate about
this type of boss:
- They can be a good mentors because they recognize, appreciate and acknowledge talent.
- They're willing to examine assumptions and premises and to re-work plans. If you have
a better idea, they are usually willing to listen.
- They are the most skilled of all the types at mobilizing resources to accomplish
objectives. If you are on a project with this type of boss, they will likely obtain
the resources needed to allow you to do your job well.
Mastermind Rationals (INTJ) are gifted at solving complex problems and finding
solutions that propel long-term success or improvement. They seek to achieve solutions
that reflect penetrating thought and insightful integration of all they have learned.
They seek out challenge. The employees of this type of leader are continually challenged to
think deeply and coherently. Here are 3 strengths to appreciate about this type of boss:
- They have a great ability to organize ideas into structures and create complex,
inventive systems for improvement.
- They are the best contingency planners of all the types. They will almost never set
off on a project without a more than one plan in mind.
- They're more interested in moving things forward than dwelling on mistakes of the
past. Like other Rationals, they are open to new ways of doing things, and will rarely
dismiss a new idea out of hand because it goes against conventional wisdom.
Inventor Rationals (ENTP) thrive on finding ingenious solutions to people and
technical problems. They want to be appreciated for their creativity and their ability to
quickly conceptualize and connect ideas that other people are not likely to connect.
Many of their ideas are way ahead of their time and people who are more reality-oriented
can become confused by them. They can easily debate both sides of an argument just for
the fun of seeing it from differing perspectives. Here are 3 strengths to appreciate
about this type of boss:
- They continually seek new knowledge and competencies, never being satisfied to repeat
what they have done before. Your group is unlikely to become technically obsolete.
- They usually have high emotional intelligence; they rarely take things personally
as they're absorbed in challenges rather than themselves.
- "It can't be done" is a phrase that will rarely escape their lips.
Architect Rationals (INTP) constantly theorize about how things work. While
their exterior world may not be too organized, their interior world is extensively organized,
with all topics being interlinked and categorized. Elegant solutions - simplified and
covering every aspect of a complex situation - are their hallmark. Due to their high
sensitivity to word meanings, they will debate until everyone has agreed upon the
definitions. Here are 3 strengths to appreciate about this type of boss:
- They tend to foster a calm atmosphere where ideas can be debated and newness is
valued.
- They are highly egalitarian when it comes to seeking out new knowledge. They value
people for their ability to contribute ideas and expertise, no matter whether they are
new to the organization or junior in rank.
- Of all the types, they show the greatest precision of thought and speech. They
are highly skilled when it comes to identifying particular distinctions between things
or noticing inconsistencies.
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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