Motivating:
Specialists have a strong task-orientation and will lead by example.
This approach earns the respect of their staff who will rely on them for
their technical expertise. They are not afraid to roll up their sleeves to get
the job done.
With their analytical nature and low key communication style, it is
unlikely that Specialists will light a fire under their team and they may
struggle in environments where keeping their staff "pumped" is essential.
They
prefer to manage things rather than people, as they often find people too
unpredictable and emotional.
They will be more successful with a disciplined, mature team that can
work under their guidance and utilise their eye for detail and structure to
ensure that projects are completed without error. Although relying on
their
expertise guarantees high quality output, it inhibits them when it comes to
visioning — they often don't see the
forest for the trees.
Delegating:
Due to their analytical nature and desire to have everything 'just so',
Specialists are reluctant to delegate tasks, especially those within their area of expertise. When
they do delegate, however, they will provide very
thorough instructions regarding priorities and methods
— perhaps a little too thorough for more
independent staff members who may feel like they are being micro-managed.
It is unlikely that they will trust someone with a significant project
until they have proven themselves. Their perfectionism ensures that no
corners are cut.
Decision making:
Specialists make rational decisions after careful analysis of the
facts and figures at hand. They will avoid the pitfalls of hasty decisions
based on gut feeling but may suffer from analysis-paralysis at times.
Their
deliberate approach to decision-making, combined with a lack of urgency,
can be frustrating to their more driving colleagues and direct reports who
want it done now.
They don't like to take risks, preferring to rely on methods that are
tried and true. It is unlikely that a Specialist will excel at
out-of-the-box thinking.
Dealing with conflict:
Specialists' naturally laid-back style and desire for harmony will
make for a stable working environment, but they will be reluctant to
challenge the ideas and actions of stronger personalities, especially if
there is no past precedent to back their stance.
Their tendency to keep to themself can result in conflict avoidance, which
can be detrimental in the long run. They enjoy resolving problems that deal
with numbers and systems, but find people problems distasteful.
Developmental recommendations:
To compensate for their generally non-assertive nature and natural
inclination to be a doer rather than a leader, they would be well-served by
courses in...
- assertiveness training
- presentation skills
- delegation
- energising the team
- effective meeting management
- leading change
- conflict resolution.
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