3 Things Your Boss Does Well

by Kip Parent, Keirsey.com

Have you ever had a boss that you just didn't click with? No matter how hard you tried, it seemed like you were working with someone from another planet?

According to David Keirsey, Ph.D., author of the best-selling book, "Please Understand Me," much discord in the workplace is caused by differences in people's personalities. There are variations in behavior and attitude that trigger in each of us a common response: When we see people who are different from us, we conclude that others are "sick, or stupid, or bad, or crazy."

Keirsey's research shows that people fit into four basic personalities, (or what he calls, "The Four Temperaments"), each with their own distinct characteristics, strengths, and foibles. What that means is that there is a pretty good chance (75%) that you are a different temperament than your boss? little wonder then, that you may not always see things the same way they do!

The key to getting along with colleagues, and especially with your boss, is to understand the motivations of their personality type. If you better understand what makes them tick -- what they're good at -- their behavior may make better sense to you. And rather than bothering you, you may find you are able to benefit from their strengths and even appreciate them.

This article presents three strengths for each of the four temperaments -- you might recognize these qualities in your boss, and this recognition may be that critical insight you need to help you better mesh your skills with your boss's -- and therefore, be able to work together more effectively. Keirsey labels the four types the Guardian, the Rational, the Artisan, and the Idealist. Here are brief descriptions of each temperament (see if you can recognize your boss in one of the descriptions), and three strengths to look for.

Guardian Bosses

Is your boss a stickler for following the rules? Does he take pride in being dependable? Does he prefer a structured environment, with well-understood roles, responsibilities, and a clear hierarchy? If so, your boss is likely a Guardian (and he's in good company, as Guardians make up more than 50% of managers in most U.S. corporations). Examples of Guardian leaders include Warren Buffet, President George H.W. Bush, and Suze Orman.

• Guardians have great strength in dealing with and managing logistical matters. With a Guardian boss, meetings will be run on time, schedules will be met, and materials will be in place when and where they are needed.
• Guardian leaders are "traditionalists," for they carefully (and quite sentimentally) preserve and nurture the traditions of the institutions they belong to. They know that strong traditions give a sense of belonging and permanence to employees and clients alike.
• Guardians pride themselves on being dependable, helpful, and hard working. They put effort into bringing stability into the workplace. Your Guardian boss will shoulder his or her share of the load as a matter of conscience.

Rational Bosses

Is your boss more concerned with the "big picture" than the details of your project? Does she tend to be a "hands-off" boss, sometimes even seeming stand-offish? Does she seem to not care about the way things "have always been done," looking for new ways even when the old way doesn't appear broken? If so, you likely have a Rational boss. Although Rationals are rare (less than 10% of the population) they are disproportionately represented in management in companies, especially as you go up the corporate ladder. Examples of Rational leaders include President Barack Obama, Bill Gates, and Hillary Clinton.

• Rationals are the problem solving temperament, particularly if the problem has to do with the many complex systems that make up the world around us. With a Rational boss, you are sure to never lack for a strategic vision of how your group will best help the company meet its objectives.
• They pride themselves on being ingenious, independent, and strong-willed. Known for being skilled thinkers, Rationals are generally even-tempered and goal-oriented. They often make great mentors because they notice, appreciate, and acknowledge skills and talents in employees without regard to social or organizational barriers such as seniority, gender, or job title.
• Ever on the lookout for the most efficient means to achieve their ends, Rationals keep their eyes open to new possibilities. They approach problems with the attitude that whatever exists presently can be changed, if there is a better way. With a Rational boss, your group is highly unlikely to ever stagnate.

Artisan Bosses

Is your boss an eternal optimist? Does he get bored quickly with the details? Does he seem to have a lot of spontaneous ideas or plans of action? If you work in a sales or customer service department, you may be especially likely to have an Artisan boss. Examples of Artisan leaders include Donald Trump, Rosie O'Donnell, and Presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton.

• Artisans pride themselves on being unconventional, bold, and spontaneous. Their combination of realism and risk-taking can make these individuals troubleshooting leaders. When you or your group is faced with an emergency, your boss is one of the best resources you can wish for.
• They are more present to reality than the other temperaments, and this gives them a big advantage when dealing with people. This makes Artisans top negotiators. When you need resources from other groups, your boss can be a great asset in navigating the give-and-take to get you what you need.
• Artisans are great at reading people for what they mean, as opposed to what they are saying. Anytime are going into a situation where people may have hidden agendas or ulterior motives, your Artisan boss can be a great asset in determining what is really going on.

Idealist Bosses

Is your boss most concerned with the well-being of the team and its members? Does she do their best to promote harmony and reduce conflict, eschewing competition amongst team members? Is she less concerned with details, but more interested in how "it all connects"? Idealist bosses are fairly rare in corporate environments, and most often gravitate to roles in employee and organizational development areas. Examples of Idealist leaders include Mikhail Gorbachev, Oprah Winfrey, and Coach John Wooden.

• Idealists pride themselves on being kindhearted and authentic. Their focus on personal journeys and development can make them inspirational leaders. Idealist bosses are gifted at helping others find their way in life, often inspiring them to grow as individuals and to fulfill their potentials.
• Because Idealist bosses abhor conflict, they usually have highly developed skills in de-escalating tense situations. They are a great help when it comes to conflict resolution.
• They encourage democratic participation within their team. When they ask for team members' opinions in a meeting, they really want to know (and care) what you think, as long as you don't express yourself in an overly negative manner.

In spite of these differences, each type of leader brings some very admirable qualities to the table. If you can recognize these traits in your boss, you have taken the first step toward appreciating the differences about them that can make your relationship stronger and more productive.

If you'd like to discover your own personality type, you can take the Keirsey Temperament Sorter-II (free) at keirsey.com.

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