Being able to talk to acquaintances in private rather than in virtual meetings and finding out what’s happened in their lives over the time apart. Everyone looking smarter than we’ve seen them in months, maybe packing new stationery into new bags and shining our shoes (or at least wiping down our sneakers) in anticipation of seeing our colleagues in real life again. But one thing we’d like leaders to prepare for is tension in the workplace.Īfter over a year of limited resources, endless virtual meetings, and feelings of isolation, the first day back at the office may feel like the first day back at school. One report tells us that everyone is desperate to get back to the office, and another survey tells us that actually…no we aren’t – it’s no surprise that businesses are struggling to plan for their people’s futures when they have no idea what lies in store. Whilst I will never really love a spreadsheet, I will always love working collaboratively with those that can create one for me. I have an appreciation of others’ styles more than ever. That by really being empathetic and self-aware, we can have great working relationships even with those who have opposite styles and approaches to ourselves. Its about intention and understanding and sharing a purpose to do not just a great job, but the best job. What have I learned most? That it is not only about labels and opposites. I can see where this helps and why it works, with flexibility built in. I have also learned to embrace the structured approach. Though the difference is we can say this, and both understand why. Sometimes we have not had that luxury, and that is ok. Put my earth green hat on and say, let us work together on this. But sometimes it is best to get someone else’s opinion and input. This can be great when decisions need to me made and things just need to happen. He wants to understand to get it right and be prepared. It is because, to do the best job he wants to understand. It is not to drain my very excitable sunshine yellow energy. What did I learn? Whilst using cool blue energy does not come easily to me, I know and understand why David asks questions. We were designing and delivering programmes, having client meetings, project meetings, team meetings, all online. David and I were still working together – remotely. We talked, set expectations, and shared our excitement at the opportunity to work together on these brilliant projects. Pre COVID we did not know what was coming and agreed to meet for lunch. What did we do? To work well together we knew we had to communicate. I also get bored easily and distracted far too easily. I am energetic, flexible (David fed this back to me), I am honest, direct (sometimes harsh) and say it like it is. I am not all those things, particularly the methodical and detailed part. He is fun and witty, can be serious when needed. He also cares a lot about what he does and the people he works with. David is methodical and detailed and works really well collaboratively. He is Blue / Green, and I am Red / Yellow. What did I know? David and I, according to Insights, are opposite types. We have been doing lots of work for Connect Three behind the scenes as a team, and also working closely on projects and delivery with our partner Scottish Enterprise, creating bespoke support for the Seafood Industry in Scotland as well as a large project for NHS Lanarkshire doing Management Development. I have been working a lot with my brilliant colleague David. Over the past 12 months, I have had the chance to really put myself to the test with my own work and team. Why they think the way they do why they react the way they do why they communicate (or not!) the way they do and how this can build brilliant working relationships. I love this! It thrills me to work with people and really help them understand themselves and others. I don’t view the world like this to label or define, but to recognise and understand the person. As an Insights Practitioner, I see the world and people as colours – Red, Blue, Yellow and Green.
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