Misunderstanding Talents - "Deliberative"

"Why are you always so negative? You only seem to see the dark side of things. Why must you ask all these difficult questions?"

To someone strong in the Talent Theme of "Deliberative", this feedback will sound all too familiar. Because the "deliberatives" are careful, always counting the cost so to speak, and very diligent in looking at things from all angles, they often see things that others miss.

A team without this Talent Theme in the mix, has some problems. I like to refer to people with this talent theme as the "brakes" on a race car. For any team speed and progress is a good thing, but, just like on a race car, when there is no brakes, the first bend in the road might well be the end of the road. People with the "deliberative" theme can see obstacles when most others miss it. That is the reason why they could be misunderstood as "negative" or "pessimistic". All too often the preciousness of this theme is missed.

The best way to take full advantage of someone with this theme, is to give them two things: time and opportunity. Giving them time to think is essential, because they need time to process through all the dark spots that they see ahead. The also need opportunity to give feedback and to respond.

When I work with teams, here is my advice regarding someone with Deliberative: go through all the strategic planning, the ideas and the vision for the future. But, when you are done, simply ask the "deliberative" in the room this simple question: "Okay, so what did we miss?" Also then allow them time to first think about it - so it might even be a good idea to let them start the next meeting with feedback on this.

Again: like any other Talent Theme, "deliberative" can also be mismanaged. Having brakes on a racing car is essential, but brakes that is stuck and never loosens, is of no use. So a note to "Deliberatives": sometime you will need to "let go" and take the chance.

Take good care of the Deliberatives in your team. And if you are one, do not feel guilty or burdened by what you see and what others miss. That is your gift that you must bring to the party. Or else you might utter the familiar words later: "I told you so..."

Next time: Misunderstanding "Responsibility".

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