Reference Profile Series: The Persuader Manager
The Predictive Index's reference profiles offer valuable insights into workplace behaviors and management styles, and the Persuader profile stands as one of the most dynamic and socially oriented patterns. As explored in the latest Bosshole Chronicles episode with John Broer and Karen Shulman, Persuaders bring unique strengths and challenges to leadership roles that are worth examining in depth.
At their core, Persuaders are characterized by high extroversion and dominance drives, creating a people-focused orientation that shapes everything they do. This combination manifests as a risk-taking, socially poised individual who excels at motivating teams and driving change. Their natural communication style is empathetic, persuasive, and highly engaging – making them exceptional at rallying others around ideas and initiatives. When you encounter a Persuader manager, you'll immediately notice their gregarious nature, their ability to connect with others, and their infectious enthusiasm that can energize an entire organization.
The psychological needs of Persuaders are particularly revealing about what makes them tick in the workplace. They require significant independence, frequent social interaction, variety in their work, and freedom from rigid structures. These needs directly influence their management approach – they prefer delegating both authority and details, making confident decisions (often with input from others), and taking calculated risks without being paralyzed by potential negative outcomes. As the podcast discussion highlighted, Persuaders embody the "damn the torpedoes" mindset, confident that if something goes wrong, they'll simply pivot and find another solution.
One of the most significant strengths Persuaders bring to management is their ability to drive change and challenge the status quo. They're not satisfied with "we've always done it this way" thinking, instead pushing for innovation and improvement. Their motivating communication style serves as a powerful tool for building team cohesion and enthusiasm, while their proactive, results-oriented approach keeps initiatives moving forward. Organizations undergoing transformation particularly benefit from Persuader managers who can help teams embrace change rather than resist it.
However, every reference profile has potential blind spots, and Persuaders are no exception. Their talkative nature can sometimes come across as superficial, particularly to more analytical or formal team members who may misinterpret their optimism as a lack of depth. Their fast-paced approach and comfort with delegation can sometimes result in limited follow-up or attention to detail – requiring intentional adaptation to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Additionally, their naturally informal and uninhibited style might clash with more formal workplace cultures or individuals who prefer to build familiarity more gradually.
For organizations looking to support Persuader managers, several strategies stand out as particularly effective. Giving them independence and autonomy aligns with their high dominance drive, while providing opportunities that involve social interaction and variety plays to their extroverted nature. Recognition should emphasize both their leadership skills and tangible results, with public acknowledgment often being particularly meaningful. When providing feedback, focusing on how changes can help them achieve their goals and connecting feedback to their reputation and impact on others will generally be well-received.
Understanding how to effectively coach Persuaders can dramatically enhance their performance and development. Helping them leverage their interpersonal skills while developing active listening abilities creates a powerful combination. Guidance around when formality is required and how their casual approach might be perceived by others can help them adapt their style to different audiences and situations. Importantly, any coaching must acknowledge their desire for social acceptance, with feedback always coming from a place of genuine care and support.
Do you think you’re a Persuader? Check out the video below and take the free Reference Profile Assessment to find out!