The “Best” Best Practice for Teamwork: Personality Profiling

by Dr. John P. Hayes, CFE

Teamwork is back!

It was never really gone, but when all the team members individually moved home to work alone starting in early 2020, many adjustments were necessary. Suddenly, people realized the importance of teams and how much businesses rely on them to get things done.

Imagine being a team leader but now home alone and without team members to manage. Or, a team leader who’s still working from the office, but without team members within shouting distance. Along with illness, death, worry, closures and chaos at all levels, Covid-19 also created the necessity for learning how to cope as a team while working remotely.

Fortunately, with technology, most team members scrambled initially (many, for example, needed to strengthen their internet signals at home), but almost overnight people were spouting “best practices” for working as a team from home.

Establish a Routine led the list. Just because people were at home didn’t mean the team wouldn’t meet daily at 8 a.m. with everyone present (video required) via Zoom. However, the regimented expectations also had to consider that some team members had kids at home themselves needing to get on Zoom first thing in the morning for math or science class. Flexibility became another best practice.

For months everyone mentioned how “amazing” it was that we adapted so quickly, and in spite of “the new normal,” businesses not only functioned, but flourished. Many businesses not only didn’t miss a beat, they increased sales and profitability. Almost a year later, countless businesses were, in fact, giving up “the office” and keeping everyone working from home or shared office space.

It’s all well and good unless you missed the “soft skills” portion of best practices for teams working remotely. And it’s a good bet most businesses overlooked that portion because they did even when teams worked shoulder-to-shoulder at the office.

Teamwork is more effective when team members understand each other’s personality. We’re not all cut from the same cloth. We may be smart, educated, motivated and eager to perform and to get promoted, etc., but as individuals we’re each wired differently. Untangling and reconnecting the wires is a

“Teamwork is back! prerequisite for getting team mem- when he introduced the DiSC bers to work together effectively. Model of Behavior in 1928. More Have you ever asked these questions? “Why does he always do that?” “Why does she always take that tone?” “When will they learn how to work together effectively?” DiSC Personality Profiling instruments, which can be quickly implemented to help bolster teamwork. One such company in the franchise space is Zorakle Profiles. “What’s wrong with them?” Given that they’re educated, motivated, eager-to-please employees, there’s nothing wrong with them! They’re simply doing what they do because it’s who they are. If every team member understood the personality characteristics of the other team members, teamwork would become more effective and even joyful. It was Theodore teammate always cuts you off at the pass, or seems to, it’s because she’s a D (Dominant) personality. She’s motivated to accomplish goals (with or without you) and win respect and rewards. She can be very effective, especially when the team needs a risk taker. But the team has to first realize her strengths and weaknesses. Roosevelt who told us, “People don’t care how much you know As for your other teammate, why until they know how much you does he seem overly friendly? Why care.” And people know you care does he ask so many questions? when you take the time to under- It’s because he’s an I (Influencer) stand what makes them tick! It’s yet personality and he’s motivated by another best practice for effective your approval and acceptance. Your teamwork. team can get the best out of him Harvard psychologist William Moulton Marston gave us an easy He’ll create a positive, even fun, environment. way to learn about other people recently, numerous companies offer So, if you’re wondering why your by letting him use his influence. The woman on the team who’s even-tempered but stand-offish, what’s her problem? She’s an S (Steady) personality and she’s always listening! She’s motivated by understanding what the team needs to do and wants to do. If you understand how she ticks, she’s great at multitasking and getting work completed. But if you continue to treat her like a freak, she can’t help the team.

And the teammate who seems to be the consistent naysayer, what’s with her? She a C (Conscientious) personality. She holds very high standards, she’s a realist, she’s focused on details and she won’t say “yes” until she sees proof of the results. Meanwhile, she’s probably the most creative member of your team, and she knows how to solve problems if you treat her the way she needs to be treated.

Teamwork is back, and whether it’s working remotely or under the same roof, the most effective teams adapt a model of behavior to get the most productivity, and enjoyment, out of each team member.

Dr. John P. Hayes, CFE, is Titus Professor of Franchise Leadership at Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida, and director of the Titus Center for Franchising. He’s the author of Franchising: The Inside Story and numerous other books about franchising. There are currently more than 30 PBA undergraduate students earning a Concentration in Franchising along with a business degree. Dr. Hayes has organized a 40-plus member Advisory Board of franchisors, franchisees and suppliers to provide guidance for the Titus Center, which was endowed in 2016 with a $1.5 million donation from Ray Titus, founder and CEO of United Franchise Group. Titus endowed the center to prepare graduates for a career in franchising. To date, graduates have become franchisees and employees of franchise companies, and after proposing an idea to Titus, one student is now a franchisor under the UFG banner. More than 95% of students in the Concentration hope to eventually buy a franchise. For more information visit TitusCenterforFranchising.com.