Serve Better: Understanding Different Behavioral Styles

If you have ever attended one of my training sessions you might have heard me say that in the workplace, regardless of the diversity you bring, everyone wants four things: to be recognized, appreciated, valued, and have their talents and skills utilized. The challenge is in how to make sure everyone is getting what they want and need. Everyone wants to feel appreciated, but what makes one person feel appreciated can be very different from what makes another feel appreciated. The way one person needs to be recognized could be very different from how someone else wants to be recognized. 

So in this very diverse society how can we make sure everyone is getting what they want and need? The first step is understanding the Platinum Rule: treat people the way they want to be treated; talk to people in a way that makes it easy for them to listen; manage and lead people in a way that internally motivates them to want to follow you; and work with people in a way that makes them feel valued.

Now here’s the hard part―people typically won’t tell you what makes them feel recognized, appreciated, and valued. Some won’t even share all of their talents and skills. However, every day that they show up to work they are dropping signals right in front of you. A leader’s job is to recognize those signals and then manage accordingly. 

When you understand others better, you will serve them better!

Note from CEA President Kim Gusman: If you enjoyed this brief article, we have much more where this came from. CEA is excited to announce that we are expanding our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion services and trainings, by partnering with our sister association in Oregon, Cascade Employers Association. 

Join our virtual Business Over Breakfast Monthly Roundtable on December 15 to meet Daryl and learn more about his fascinating background and experience as an author, speaker and educator. And, check out these two upcoming virtual trainings:

• Understanding Diversity: What Managers & Supervisors Need to Know to Manage Diversity Effectively on December 8: This training is based on the book of the same title, authored by Cascade’s Director of Equity and Inclusion, Daryl Dixon. The workshop will help participants understand how they can help create a more diverse world at work and at home. You will learn to use skills such as active listening to receive messages in a diverse population, employ effective questioning techniques, and communicate with strength.
• Bridges to Understanding on January 6: This workshop goes beyond cultural awareness and valuing diversity. It is a catalyst for building an organization that is free from discrimination, and one that allows everyone to be appreciated and to make a meaningful contribution. Participants will explore real life situations, and build and refine the skills necessary to understand, appreciate and communicate respect for others. They’ll also leave with a sense of responsibility for speaking up when inappropriate or discriminatory remarks are made, and how to become part of a solution. The result is an enhanced workplace, where diversity becomes a strength instead of a weakness, a workplace likely to have fewer instances of bias and discrimination and where everyone can function in an inclusive atmosphere.