Reference Profile Series: The Strategist Manager
In the latest episode of the Bosshole Chronicles, Karen Shulman of Real Good Ventures offers a deep dive into the unique Strategist reference profile, part of the ongoing Reference Profile series. This episode provides invaluable insights into the attributes, challenges, and effective management strategies for those wired with a strategist mindset. As Karen illustrates, strategists are driven by a high dominance drive, which is paired with lower extroversion and patience, resulting in a fast-paced, task-focused work style. Understanding these unique traits can help leaders harness the potential of strategists within their teams, driving innovation and results.
Strategists are characterized by their results-oriented, innovative, and analytical nature, coupled with a relentless drive for change. Their natural inclination toward big-picture thinking, combined with a need for working with facts, variety, flexibility, and time to develop expertise, makes them unique assets in any organization. In this episode, Karen provides insights into what it's like to be a strategist manager or to work alongside one. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the strategist's perspective, which is often focused on calculated risk-taking and creativity, as exemplified through the metaphor of pickleball. Effective delegation is crucial for strategists, as it shifts the mindset from control to growth, ultimately empowering teams to thrive.
Managing strategists within a team requires a keen understanding of their behavioral patterns and needs. Karen emphasizes the importance of aligning tasks with a strategist's strengths in analysis and attention to detail. This approach fosters an environment where strategists can excel, allowing their analytical prowess to shine. However, it's essential to recognize the potential pitfalls of a control mindset, which can hinder team development. By maintaining clear communication and providing the necessary guidance and check-ins, managers can create a workspace that values the strategist's analytical process, leading to collective team success.
Karen also delves into the intricacies of delegating tasks and working effectively with different personality profiles. The strategist's authoritative communication style can sometimes be misinterpreted, making it crucial to define tasks clearly and allow strategists the freedom to execute without micromanagement. Understanding the emotional investment strategists place in their work is key to fostering a productive environment. When their efforts are undervalued or unused, it can lead to frustration, underscoring the importance of clear expectations and independence in working relationships.
In managing strategists, behavioral analytics play a significant role in understanding their needs for guidance and check-ins. It's vital to delegate tasks that align with their strengths in analysis and detail, while avoiding office politics in coaching conversations. Strategists may require time to acquire new skills and knowledge, and patience is essential in allowing them to feel confident in sharing their expertise. By recognizing the balance needed between task-focused strategists and those with a teamwork focus, managers can avoid falling into the Bosshole zone, creating a harmonious team environment.
This episode of the Bosshole Chronicles provides a comprehensive exploration of the strategist profile, offering practical insights for managing and working with strategists effectively. By embracing the unique strengths and challenges of strategists, leaders can unlock their potential and drive team success through strategic precision and innovative thinking.
Do you think you’re a Strategist? Check out the video below and take the free Reference Profile Assessment to find out!