 | Ms. Green takes the sheet from the volunteer and then retires to a bench in the hallway where she carefully scrutinizes the list. She takes a highlighter out of her bag and notes the paintings upon which she expects to concentrate. She then returns to the volunteer and asks where the restrooms are located. She does not use the restroom at this time, but she always likes to be ready for any emergenetics. People are always happy to travel with Ms. Green because they can count on her good planning and readiness. Now that she is prepared, Ms. Green enters the gallery and looks at the first painting on her right. She moves deliberately along, viewing the paintings in the order in which they are placed on the wall. She spends extra time only inspecting those art works she has highlighted on her list. Ms. Green is a highly Structural thinker and she likes to be methodical.
Ms. Red, who is extremely Social, has come to this show because she knows one of the artists in the exhibit and wants to support him. Although she doesn't find the list of titles and prices particularly useful, she still accepts it to acknowledge the presence of the volunteer. Viewing an exhibit, to her, means making an emotional connection to the art. She wanders around the room until painting number 20 calls out to her. Eager to share this moment, she grabs Ms. Green, who is viewing painting number 17. Ms. Red is a little annoyed when Ms. Green says, "Just wait a minute until I get there, and then I'll look at it with you."
Mr. Yellow, the last one through the doorway, takes the sheet from the volunteer and quickly scans it. He then puts the paper in his pocket because he plans to read and digest this information in its entirety someday. When he gets home he will put the paper on the pile on his desk. Chances are he will never see the paper again, but he will always know that it is there. Mr. Yellow then quickly tours the exhibit and is the first one finished. Mr. Yellow, who has a very Conceptual mind, already has grasped the importance of the exhibit and is ready to leave. However, Ms. Green is still looking at painting number 37. He wonders what is taking her so long. She wonders if he fully appreciated the artwork.
Great minds are going through this exhibit. Each thinks differently, and each is correct in its thinking. Each brain, whether highly Analytical, Structural, Social, or Conceptual, is appreciating the show in its own way.
But there's more. Ms. Red, you recall, is very excited about her favorite painting. She tried to interest Ms. Green in a conversation about it, but Ms. Green's ASSERTIVENESS is at such a level that she is unwilling to view the paintings our of order. Because Ms. Red is so EXPRESSIVE, she still wants to share her feelings, so she approaches Mr. Blue. However, Mr. Blue's Flexibility is such that he does not want to stop his analysis of the painting he is currently viewing. Frustrated yet determined, Ms. Red grabs the nearest stranger. While the stranger doesn't really want to talk with Ms. Red, his Assertiveness is such that he will allow himself to be engaged in conversation
Mr. Yellow has FLEXIBILITY and would love to talk to Ms. Red about the painting. However, he is already in the museum coffee show speaking with other patrons about the exhibit's world significance, and how "one of these days" he plans to take up painting again.
These four friends, who have different levels of Expressiveness, Assertiveness, and Flexibility, viewed the same art exhibit in completely different ways, yet all would say they enjoyed the show and found it fascinating. It's easy to accept that there is no one "right" way to see an art exhibit.
But there's more. Now lunch is over, and Ms. Red, Ms. Green, Mr. Blue, and Mr. Yellow all return to work. They work together at a small corporation
Ms. Red immediately gets on the phone. She needs to call several friends at work to tell them about the show, and of course she needs to call her artist friend to let him know how much she enjoyed his painting and how excited she is for him. While she is making her calls, Ms. Red learns four interesting bits of information that could affect future sales, and one rumor about a corporate takeover that could affect her industry
Ms. Green has to put the finishing touches on a report by 4:30. Ordinarily she would have worked through her lunch to be sure to meet her deadline, but this outing had been scheduled a month ago. Because Ms. Green's time management skills are excellent, she has allowed time to go to the exhibit and still finish her report. As she works, it seems to her that Ms. Red should have something better to do than talk on the phone.
Mr. Blue returns to his office, shuts the door, and makes two telephone calls. The first is to an art appraiser to verify the value of the expensive painting he saw in the exhibit. The next call is to his accountant to find out the tax implications of purchasing this painting for his office. When Ms. Red finds out Mr. Blue's intentions, she is upset that he is not buying her friend's work.
Mr. Yellow, inspired by the global significance of the artwork, has a brilliant idea for the company's division overseas. He interrupts Ms. Green to brainstorm about his new idea, knowing she always comes up with good ways to move his ideas forward. But to Ms. Green, Mr. Yellow's idea is coming out of nowhere and doesn't seem especially pressing. Her priority is finishing her report. She snaps tersely and says she's busy. Mr. Yellow makes a face.
Although these co-workers are doing what they do best, they have missed great opportunities to work together and to be happier people by failing to recognize each other's talents. It's not easy to accept that there is more than one "right" way to work.
This book is about using your strengths, whatever they may be, to succeed. It's also about understanding that your colleagues can use their strengths to succeed in their own way, too. You, your team, and your company will have better results. |
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