Why “Opposites Attract” Also Works At Work

There are times that I just don’t get it. It makes no sense to me when my husband doesn’t think about opening the app to open the garage until we are walking up the driveway. He makes fun of me for suggesting he open it as soon as we turn onto our block.

 

They say opposites attract We definitely approach working and thinking very differently. When I am trying to cajole him to do things my way, he loves to remind me that I teach this stuff. It typically ends with a lot of laughter and both of us coming a little toward the middle.

 

It has worked for us for over 20 years. Thinking differently is hugely beneficial to the outcomes, especially in a work environment. Diverse teams are proven to make better decisions. Bonus, they also result in greater morale and engagement. 

 

By surrounding ourselves with individuals who think and work differently, we can spark innovation, solve complex problems faster, and achieve greater success. 

 

In order to get all those benefits, you have to overcome the natural friction that comes with working with people who think differently than you. It can be challenging.

 

This video delves into the four primary communication styles: The Rational, Experimental, Practical, and Feeling.

 

The Rational: They are all about results; they get things done and are known as natural born leaders.

 

The Experimental: They are driven by purpose; they have the vision and think creatively. 

 

The Practical: They focus on the process to ensure all the details are handled and nothing falls through the cracks.

 

The Feeling: They prioritize the people and bring bottom line impact through increased engagement, morale, and inclusion.

 

Each style has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. By understanding these styles and adapting your approach, you can foster stronger relationships, improve collaboration, increase your influence, and inevitably drive better outcomes together.

 

Watch to learn the specific tweaks you can make to work with any style.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *