Let’s continue our exploration into how each Type shows up as a manager in your office. In the first few weeks, we have already covered how the heart-centered triad – Type 2, Type 3 and Type 4 – are like. Last week, we started delving into the body-centered triad with our focus on the Type 8 managers.
This week, we turn the spotlight on the zen-like and accommodating Type 9 managers.
Type 9 Traits In A Managerial Nutshell
The 9s are relational creatures and even in a role of authority, they subscribe to the “everything will work out if we all just get along” mentality. This makes very good at building a positive work culture and in building a strong team spirit. Their gift in being able to see multiple perspectives and points of views allows them to be effective mediators in the workplace. They do this with such grace and ease that everyone usually leaves their office feeling affirmed and accepted for who they are.
9s do not believe that you need to be aggressive and loud to get things done and they show the way by using very warm and congenial tones, even when they are giving instructions and tasks to their team. The aura of calmness the 9s bring as managers allows their team members to feel safe in opening up to them about their work struggles, as they know the Type 9 manager will be right there beside them fighting the good fight.
Becoming The Best Manager As A Type 9
In order for a Type 9 to upgrade their managerial skills, they would have to learn to be:
More assertive in leading the team.
The Type 9 manager always wants to be fair to their team but as a leader, they often avoid the difficult task of asserting themselves to deal with low performing team members because they do not want to ruin the work relationship.
The 9s would have to learn that engaging in the smaller conflicts – such as calling out the stragglers in the team and dealing with them – would enable them to avoid the bigger conflict of having others in the team being unhappy and leaving anyway. This would help them build a stronger team in the long run.
More comfortable in showing what they are capable of.
9s hate the limelight and their tendency to shy away from it causes them to not show the strengths and abilities that they bring to the table. 9s need to know the difference between showcasing and showing off.
A show off is very much an empty vessel making noise over their very meagre achievements. Showcasing is when the 9s, as managers, allows themselves to show their team what a person who is not only passionateabout what they do, but is sure of the gifts they bring to the table as well. It may even give their team members something to aspire to – to become like them.
An Encouragement to our Type 9 Managers
Your voice and opinions matter. Keeping the peace in the team means that sometimes, it is necessary to engage in conflicts so as to keep the peace within the team in the long run. Learning to assert yourself is good because it then gives you a deeper insight into who you are and greater clarity as to what you bring to the table. When you use your voice to make a stand for yourself and your team, that is when you become the leader you have always wanted to be.
That is your Type 9 manager for you. Always be sure to assure your Type 9 managers that you are willing to fight alongside them and that you would appreciate them, even when they need to give you constructive feedback to grow better as a contributing member in their team.
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