Last week I delivered the final of three Masterclass sessions on Interaction Styles with a great group of people who want to share this wonderful tool for #emotionalintelligence with their clients. Here are some of their insights from their own experience of the four styles – and some things to watch out for:
Mobilisers:
They are task orientated and fast-paced.
• They may egg each other on and compete to get their idea accepted.
• Their need to get things done means they might drive their coaching clients too hard to do their actions.
• They may fail to read the emotions in the room and ignore what others want.
TOP TIP – Slow down!
Synthesisers:
They clarify the end result and work back from it to identify how to get there.
• They may feel some dread when having to interact with Mobilisers – they need to summon the resolve to stand their ground.
• It may take them too long to work out how to get to the end result.
• Other people may not appreciate their process and find it too slow.
TOP TIP – speak up and get it done!
Energisers:
They bring energy to a group.
• Writing things down helps them calm down
• They may get bored when there is an apparent lack of emotion from the others
• They want to please and may “take it personally” when others are not engaged.
TOP TIP – calm down and listen!
Navigators:
They like to work out what could go wrong and how to avert it.
• They may tend to withdraw rather than being assertive.
• They don’t always share their thoughts, which can be a missed opportunity.
• They can feel anxious when the goal or plan changes.
TOP TIP – relax and smile!
The major learning point for everyone was that when you work with other people, you can flex and use all the styles when appropriate – the key is reading the situation and recognising what is required for that moment.
Which interaction style do you naturally adopt? Which of these statements resonate with you?
For a handy reference guide to working and living with others, check out my cards or buy my book.