Author: Alina Aronova, Founder of Almax Executive Advisory and “Go to Executive Coach for High Achievers”
How many of us think of a "perfect boss" and remember a specific person who could always understand us and connect with us on a different level. There are some leaders who you always want to be around. As we progress in our own careers, we aspire to become leaders other people admire and are loyal to. So, what are the secrets of those leaders who are always loved and respected by their employees?
This article will unveil 4 social styles, which you need to understand in order to become a
"great boss". Understanding these styles will allow all leaders to strengthen their leadership styles, develop better relationships with all of their employees independent of their unique personality traits and create a loyal following.
Social Style #1 - The Analytical Style – The Owl
People with an analytical style like order, details, facts, rules, and logic. They will need some space to be able to do their job well. They will require time to research and investigate their choices and solutions. They will not like it if they are put on a spot to give quick answers. However, if they are given time and space to think and prepare their answers they will come up with the most thorough and well-thought-out solutions. They can be reserved and introverted and might need time to recharge when they spend too much time socializing.
How to work well with Owls: · Give them space and time to properly prepare · Do not put them on a spot, especially in a public setting · If needed, time-box their efforts so they do not get into the analysis paralysis stage · Respect their privacy and personal space
Social Style #2 - The Driving Style – The Eagle
People with a driving style like to take charge of situations and initiatives. They get energy from chaos and work in unstructured environments. However, sometimes they can be perceived as controlling and overbearing if they flex too much and ignore what their teams might be telling them. They operate well independently and can make decisions quickly. However, it can be perceived as both their strength and weakness at the same time if they do not take the time to build trust and credibility with their teams. They love getting things done and making progress towards goals. How to work well with Eagles: · Give them some sense of freedom and empowerment · Give them a problem but do not tell them how to solve it · Leverage them in times of crisis or uncertainty · Set clear rules and boundaries for their level of authority
Social Style #3 - The Expressive Style – The Peacock
People with expressive styles like to be social and communicative. They are often a life of a party. They tend to be positive and keep the team’s morale up. They can fit into any environment and add positivity to it. However, they may not favor detail orientation as owls do or like being focused on execution as eagles are. They are very clear extroverts who get energy from engaging with others. How to work well with Peacocks: · Strategically add them into the environments that need a positive influence · Embrace the impact they have on the greater organization · They are great peacemakers, consensus and team builders · Avoid assigning them tasks that do not assume socialization with other people
Social Style #4 - The Amiable Style – The Dove
People with an amiable style like to take care of others. They are most sensitive to the needs of others and willing to accommodate everyone’s needs even over their own. They can favor the greater good more than their own personal agenda. How to work well with Doves: · Do not lose sight of doves’ needs because they forget about their own needs often · Doves want to be in a place where they can make a difference · Doves can be great supporters for the team without pressure of being in charge · You want them to be in an environment where we can be heard and appreciated Please share your own ideas about the application of social styles in your organizations. If you enjoyed this article and would like to learn more about building high functioning teams and flexing between different social styles or other leadership topics go to our website.
Alina Aronova, Founder of Almax Executive Advisory and “ The Go-to Executive Coach for High Achievers”
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