The Situation:
A team of six has challenges communicating with the Executive Vice President who is responsible for the group. The team consists of six besides the VP including a Director who reports directly to VP and responsible for the team members. Communication becomes strained at their quarterly meetingsa and the VP has a limited amount of time for each member. As a result, each member feels the VP does not care or understand their concerns. The Director, who does not like conflict, is not always able to conduct straight forward conversations with the team. Each of the team members feel that they are not being valued.
The Solution:
Each member took the Platinum Rule assessment. The results were as follows:
– The VP was a Director (results driven and a risk taker)
– The Director was a Socializer (needs to be liked)
– The remaining team members were Relators. (risk adverse).
Now, everyone understood each other’s comfort zone.
The high energy VP needed to slow down. He had to let each person know how much time they would have in their one-on-ones. The Director also had high energy and realized she could help the rest of the team by being direct. This would bring more respect while helping her to avoid being blindsided by a sudden issue. The remaining team members began picking up the pace when speaking with the VP. They brought solutions to their problems. The members also gave the VP and Director the purpose of their meetings a few days in advance.
The Outcome:
The quarterly meetings became more about working toward solutions instead of a venting session. Each member felt more valued because the VP, in adapting to their communications style, gave them a sense of empowerment.
A smile is the universal welcome ~Max Eastman