Unfortunately, this may not be as easy as it sounds. Work styles, like people, are complex and far from absolute. Traits from various work styles often can and will overlap in any given situation. In some cases, a team member may act differently than their usual work style.
Managing different work styles can be difficult. Use these tips to simplify the process.
1. Meet Them Where They Are
There is no such thing as one-size-fits-all leadership, and the same applies when managing work styles. People typically respond better to others whose work style reflects their own. Adapt your approach for each employee to have a better connection with your team members when assigning tasks or checking in. This will build trust and camaraderie.
2. Put the Right People on the Job.
Each of your team members has an environment where they shine. It's essential to place your employees on assignments where their strengths will be valued. While discomfort is necessary from growth, it doesn't have to happen all at once. Instead, work with your team to find ways to stimulate growth, without sacrificing productivity.
3. Build Balanced Teams
It's crucial that as a leader, you build teams that have all of the different work styles represented. Balanced teams allow for healthy conflict, which will offer unique perspectives on projects, expose potential issues, increase commitment, and ultimately lead to better decision making.
4. Let Employees Manage Themselves.
Work with your team to create a more flexible workplace, so employees can manage their own time and activities in a way that best suits their work style. Letting employees set their own hours or deadlines can increase productivity and innovation as they work in settings that allow them to thrive.
5. Set a clear vision
Like anything, there are downsides to each work style. Setting a clear vision will help you as a leader focus everyone's strengths toward a single outcome, and give your team a stable foundation to work upon. Clearly defining everyone's role in the project, and how valuable those roles are to company success will build trust, collaboration, and innovation among your team members.
Contact us to learn more about how Vega Inspired Solutions can help you leverage these tips to better understand your team.