Misunderstanding Talents - "Command"

Do you have one of those colleagues who always bluntly speak their mind? No matter how direct, how insensitive or how confronting, they will simply state their opinion... This is the person who others often refer to as rude, insensitive or even arrogant. Always has something to say on a topic. Opinionated.

Chances are that you then have a colleague with the "Command" talent theme high in their talent mix. This theme makes people speak their mind. Always. Direct. They need to be in control.

Too often we misunderstand this theme's dynamic in action. Of course it could be mismanaged (just like any other theme), and character issues could well cause the person to be rude and arrogant. But all too often we label a person as being arrogant or rude or insensitive when they do not in the least intend to be. They simply say itlike it is, and step up to the challenge.

"Command" is about stepping up and taking control. It is a highly assertive and executing talent theme. Someone with this theme will engage in a conflict situation with ease - often even generating conflict and deriving energy out of it. They need to be in control for a reason - the are very sure that they could add value and lead in the right direction. They are very sure of themselves and would want to "make a mark" in a situation or challenge.

Misunderstanding this theme could remove someone from a team or project who is very needed, simply because they prefer to take on the strong wind directly in their faces. Every team needs such a person.

Your understanding of this theme will assure that you or your team are not offended by their directness or arrogant image. You will not back off when they challenge, but will take them on because you understand that it will bring out the best in them.

Still, you will also build up a trust with such a person that gives you the opportunity and the right to tell them - to their face - when the sometime ARE rude, arrogant or insensitive. They will take it, when it comes with facts and foundation.

With someone in your team having the "command" theme high, you can go to war. But misunderstanding it, will be like constantly declaring war...

Next time: Misunderstanding "Deliberative"

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Misunderstanding Talents - "Adaptability"

So often we completely misunderstand the true dynamics of a certain Talent theme - be it one of our own or that of others. In this next series we will cover some of the most common misunderstood Talent themes - starting with the theme "Adaptability".

"Adaptability" is often simplified to the literal meaning of the word - that you are adaptable. This is true, but there is much more to it. People with "Adaptability" as a talent theme can adapt to sudden changes, but it does not mean that they necessarily prefers adapting. It also does not mean that they cannot stick to a plan or to a structure.

In essence "Adaptability" also means "flexible" - and that is essencial. But one of the major observations of someone with this talent theme, is that they can handle pressure. Often, not only can they handle pressure, and react to it, but they seem to prefer pressure! In some cases they even create their own pressure by procrastinating, simply because they aren't so effective (or energized) when the pressure is not high.

You will observe that someone with the talent theme of "Adaptability" seem to become very calm when the heat gets turned on. They do not panic or get rattled - the simply adapt. Therefor another word to describe "Adaptability" well, is the word "responsiveness". These people can respond to a moment, a challenge, a crisis or a situation - with energy and ease.

This also cause them to prefer being involved in numerous projects, jobs or challenges at once - it turns the pressure on - and they can then respond often!

So, when you come across someone with this theme high in their mix, know that you can trust them to respond and to perform - but in the moment. Not before - not after. They are the "bring it on" types...!

(next time: How we misunderstand the "Command" Talent theme...)

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How to Treat People - 5 Lessons (Continued)

Fifth of 5 Important Lessons - "Giving When It Counts"

Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare and serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year-old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes, I'll do it if it will save her."

As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheeks. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away?".

Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her.

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How to Treat People - 5 Lessons (Continued)

Fourth of 5 Important Lessons - "The Obstacles In Our Path"

In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way.

Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand - "Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition."

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