Planner

Strengths

• Well-organized planners who are able to process large of information effectively.
• Reliable workers with a calming presence.
• Able to perceive possible issues with a plan-of-action.
• Capable at communicating with team members.
• Process and utilize feedback efficiently.
• Good at working independently.

Weaknesses

• Find it challenging to speak up when they feel there is an issue.
• Unlikely to try new methods.
• Struggle with changes in their environment or work processes.
• Don’t like to work on multiple projects.
• Improvising is challenging.

Decision Making

• Very cautious, like to plan ahead before making decisions.
• Find it difficult to implement risky plans.
• Can feel stressed making decisions on the fly.
• Good at planning and decision making with the big picture in mind.

Unhealthy Adaptations

• Can be overly harsh towards ideas they don’t agree with.
• Struggle to share feelings and emotions.
• Stubborn with regards to change and may become stagnant.
• Unwillingness to try new things.
• Avoiding conflict at all costs and not standing up for themselves.

Recommendations for SCs

• Making preparations to address conflict rather than ignore it.
• Learn to accept that there will be situations where the outcome is uncertain.
• Learn to ask for help when struggling.
• Find confidants to share their emotions with.

SCs enjoy making others feel at ease, which can make them likable and kind leaders. They tend to be highly supportive of others, and provide constructive feedback in a gentle, actionable way. As SCs value predictability and consistency, they tend to be consistent in turn, and avoid springing changes on their team members. That said, they can sometimes be too cautious or indecisive in a crisis, as they prefer to take their time before making decisions.

Potential Leadership Strengths

• Excellent at implementing plans to improve the work of those around them.
• Provide constructive feedback effectively.
• Kind and well-liked.
• Very supportive of team members.
• Will not spring changes onto those around them.
• Make expectations clear.

Potential Leadership Weaknesses

• Poor conflict mediators.
• Struggle to break outside of pre-established processes.
• Reluctant to make quick decisions, poor in a crisis.
• Can shut down ideas that are outside the norm.
• Find criticizing others difficult, even when necessary.
• May become frustrated if they feel they aren’t respected.

SCs are modest, diligent workers. When managing SCs, be sure to take the time to build an actual relationship with them, and to give them ample praise for their strong work. SCs work their best when they feel comfortable and trusted, and have clear instructions that they can diligently follow.

Strategies for Influencing SCs

• Providing the SC with affirmation is important as they are unlikely to brag about themselves.
• Give them opportunities to provide for other team members.
• Establish a personal relationship with them.
• Allow them ample time to complete tasks.

Creating the Ideal Environment for SCs

• Establishing a relationship of trust allows the SC to feel more comfortable and work more effectively.
• Be prepared to mediate conflict if there are issues between team members.
• Create a space where they can openly provide feedback.
• Have an organized and planned schedule with clear set goals.

Things to Avoid when Managing SCs

• Using vague terminology to explain expectations.
• Approach them with exclusively negative feedback.
• Pair them with someone who is indecisive.
• Assign them to tasks with a quick turn around.

SCs Communication Style

• Happily contributes and comfortably engages in conversations prompted by others, regardless of the chosen topic.
• Uncomfortable with self promotion or discussing achievements.
• Struggle to address conflict.
• Don’t like to discuss their personal feelings.

Strategies for Communicating With SCs

• If things feel uncomfortable, bring up the issue, as the SC likely will not.
• Remember to give them praise when they have accomplished something.
• Don’t press too hard for information that may be uncomfortable to share.
• Ask questions but allow the SC to choose to answer, or not.
• Speak or write with sincerity.
• Balance criticisms with praise.