Counselor

Strengths

• Supportive of their co-workers.
• Flexible in numerous roles.
• Adaptable to different work styles.
• Highly cooperative.
• Loyal colleagues who will stand by the business and their teams.

Weaknesses

• Work less efficiently when working independently.
• Find it challenging to see issues with their own work.
• Less effective if they feel isolated from the team.
• May not speak up if they are overworked.
• Dislike receiving constructive criticism.

Decision Making

• May overlook facts in favor of intuition.
• Struggle with making decisions quickly.
• Aim to please everyone.
• Consults others before deciding.
• Respects the opinions of others during the decision making process.

Unhealthy Adaptations

• Ignoring facts in favor of emotions.
• Deferring to the opinions of others to avoid conflict.
• Making decisions based on whether or not it will make the most people like them.
• Willing to suffer for the gain of others.
• Becoming withdrawn if there is conflict.

Recommendations for SIs

• Practive asserting your needs and perspectives.
• Take time to think before responding during conflict.
• Realize that not everyone will be pleased with every action taken.
• Establish techniques to set boundaries for themselves.

SI types are great at creating stable environments — as such, they tend to have a calming effect on their teams. They love solving problems and working collaboratively. Their team-oriented nature makes them dedicated leaders. That said, they can have trouble working autonomously or letting others do the same.

Potential Leadership Strengths

• Excellent conflict mediators, so long as they are not involved.
• Act as a calming force.
• Include others in the decision making process.
• Well-liked and kind hearted.
• In tune with team members.
• Trustworthy.
• Team-oriented

Potential Leadership Weaknesses

• Highly emotional thinkers.
• Dislike giving employees space and freedom.
• Struggle to critique or dismiss those who deserve it.
• May not acknowledge ongoing issues.
• Unlikely to take risks.

When managing a SI type, be sure to include them in decision-making and team projects – above all, this type likes to feel involved and included. As SIs are sensitive and emotional, they appreciate knowing when they've done a good job, and prefer not to be rushed during a project.

Strategies for Influencing SIs

• Acknowledge and consider their original ideas.
• Develop a personal relationship with the SI.
• Give praise to their accomplishments and allow them responsibilities in the workplace.
• Make the SI feel included in decision making.

Creating the Ideal Environment for SIs

• Allow time for open, collaborative discussions as part of the decision making process.
• Try to resolve conflict as soon as possible.
• Ensure that there is ample time to finish tasks, and avoid rushing them.
• Focus on creating a cooperative environment.

Things to Avoid When Managing SIs

• Delivering direct and dispassionate critique without positives.
• Assigning them to independent tasks.
• Placing them in time-sensitive positions.
• Asking them to try new ways of operating.

SIs Communication Style

• Struggle to address and resolve conflicts in which they are directly involved.
• Verbalize thoughts based on emotion not objective details.
• Find it difficult to be brief in conversation.
• Enjoy learning about others' personal lives.

Strategies for Communicating With SIs

• Speak sincerely and kindly.
• Be organized when communicating.
• Allow time for off-topic discussion before addressing the main issue.
• Try to include emotional language.
• Balance critiques with praise.
• Ensure the SI gets to explain their thought process.