The journey to growing in self-awareness requires discovering, developing and leveraging the raw material and talent within.
-Steve Knox, Coach and author

We all benefit from increasing our self-awareness levels and by leveraging our “magic dust”. (What we do well, living our passion, and using our strengths to add value and improve the bottom line).

We encourage continual learning, and we often use assessments and tools such as DiSC and Myers-Briggs to validate individual (and team) strengths and to obtain suggestions for leadership development areas.

Mr. Knox shares our belief that everyone is a leader since we all have the capacity to impact
and influence others.

He also says that knowing your leadership style can be determined by answering two simple questions:

1. How do you prefer to plan?
2. How do you prefer to implement that plan?

We don’t feel it’s quite that simple, but it’s a great start for increasing self-awareness. He adds:
Some people like to start planning by first considering the details of the project, task or new idea. Others like to start planning by first considering the possibilities of the project, task or new idea.

When it comes time to implement the plan, some people prefer to think through the process of accomplishing the project first. Others prefer to begin implementing by first considering the people involved in the project
.
So what kind of leader are you? Mr. Knox provides the four possibilities:

1. Details + Process = DRIVERS
Drivers are logistical leaders focused on efficiency, precision and getting the job done on time. They literally drive behavior by focusing on the details of the process and striving for the most efficient way to operate.

  • Drivers make up an estimated 35 percent of the U.S. population.
  • Key characteristics: realistic, logical, pragmatic and systematic

2. Details + People = DOERS
Doers are tactical leaders focused on support, encouragement and getting the job done together and are motivated by the needs of others. They work diligently with a mental checklist of what needs to be accomplished in order to fulfill the commitments they have made.

  • Doers make up an estimated 35 percent of the U.S. population.
  • Key characteristics: responsible, cooperative, tolerant and loyal

3. Possibilities + Process = DESIGNERS
Designers are strategic leaders focused on ingenuity, innovation and creating a better way to get the job done and are fascinated with what could be. They are motivated by the latest theory or strategy for getting work done. They desire competence in those they lead and those they are being led by. They literally design long-range solutions driven by curiosity and effective outcomes.

  • Designers make up an estimated 15 percent of the U.S. population.
  • Key characteristics: analytical, autonomous, clever and theoretical

4. Possibilities + People = DEVELOPERS
Developers are ideological leaders focused on engagement, development and adding value to the job and strive to live an integrated life. They are motivated by a deep sense of compassion and their own personal values. They literally develop people, programs and products that will add-value to the world today.

  • Developers make up an estimated 15 percent of the U.S. population.
  • Key characteristics: flexible, empathetic, original and enthusiastic

Any insights as to what kind of leader you are? Does one definition or the list of key characteristics help? You may not be 100% clear, but we hope this provided some insight into leadership styles and why they ALL add value!

A multitude of tools/assessments are available if you’re willing to take your awareness to a deeper level; let us know!