Just be Nice...

As I closed the last post, I referenced one primary difference between the folks with either of the last two styles we looked at and these final two styles we’ll be working through; the need to tone it down a bit as we work to exceed their expectations…

Before going too far with the style we’ll focus on today, let me stress that there’s not one right or wrong primary style. Well, I suppose that’s not completely accurate. There’s definitely a right style for me and a right style for you, and that’s the unique style blend we have. This should never be about making someone feel like they need to change into something they’re not; it’s about gaining an understanding of who we are and how we’re wired AND being able to recognize the behavioral styles of the people we interact with so we can serve them at an even deeper level.

Now let’s get to how just being nice can help us exceed expectations when we’re serving some of the most STEADY folks we’ll ever deal with…

More people have this Reserved and People-Oriented primary style than any other; around 35% of the population. Their SUPPORTIVE approach is typically geared at how they can do things for the team around them that they likely wouldn’t even do for themselves. Unlike those of us who may have one of the last two primary styles and take on life full speed ahead, they will typically appear very STABLE in everything they do. Their appreciation for STATUS QUO will often keep them from pushing for change.

Now where the more Outgoing groups we’ve looked at to this point will often be very vocal about their expectations, these folks are usually somewhat SHY and will do what they can to avoid anything they believe could be confrontational. With that in mind, we’ll need to be very intentional about asking the right questions in order to truly understand what they desire. Their SWEET demeanor will rarely draw much attention to anything centered around them…

Once we’re clear on what they expect, delivering it with a smile and without a lot of fanfare will likely be just what they’d hoped for. They enjoy seeing a team work together in a spirit of peace and harmony, without much attention being called to them in the process. And when it’s time to thank them for the opportunity to serve them, doing so one on one will show them we genuinely appreciate them without putting them in an unwanted spotlight… All said, just being nice can go a really long way.

We’ll close the loop with a focus on precision and accuracy in the next post. For now though, I’ll share a quick reminder that Cindy and I will be hosting a complimentary webinar next Friday at 2:30p EST on How Top Leaders Set the Tone for Recruitment & Retention in our Intentional Action for Ongoing Growth series. It’s been approved for continuing education credit through SHRM and HRCI as well!