What Catches Your Attention

As I get to know my team, the next set of personality traits that I look at is what catches someone’s attention and how they solve problems.  Some people are very rooted in facts, where others are looking at the possibilities.  Being a sensing type or intuitive type determines this.

Sensing Types:

• Base decisions on what they can see, hear, feel, and touch. 
• Works from facts to solve problems.  Because of this, a sensing type may miss new possibilities or options.
• Lives in the here and now and adapts quickly to change.
• Are practical and very bottom-line oriented.
• Base decisions on experience not what others tell them.
• Excel in tactical activities.

Intuitive Types:

• Looks at all the different possibilities when problem solving. 
• Very big picture oriented and then thinks about the details.  Because of this, details that are critical for execution may be missed.
• Enjoys doing new things and dislikes routine.
• Trusts their gut.
• Loves to learn new things.

If you have both Sensing and Intuitive types in your team there can be some conflict.  Sensing types may think that intuitive types don’t make decisions and are too focused on possibilities versus decisions.  On the other hand, the intuitive types may believe that the sensing types lack creativity and are “too tactical”.  A way to balance this is to start at a higher conceptual level to engage the intuitive types in your team.  You can then move into facts, a well thought out plan, and examples for the Sensors in the team.  Also, do not expect details immediately after an intuitive type makes a suggestion.  There will be a period of time where the idea evolves or changes altogether.  Encourage that creativity and balance it with a sensor’s ability to be very detailed and you have a perfect balance!

Next up will be Thinkers versus Feelers.  Check back soon!

I interrupt this blog for purely sentimental reasons!

I am taking a detour from Myers Briggs for a purely sentimental reason.  Today I will be saying goodbye to an amazing team and heading into a new opportunity.  While I am excited about what is ahead, I cannot help but reflect on what I have learned from my current boss and the team I have had the privilege to work with every day.

My boss has taught me to dream and to think of what is possible, not just focus on how to get things done.  I hope that I will also be the type of manager that encourages this creativity and idea sharing.  He is quick to listen, recognizes and taps into the skills of each team member, and always takes the time to show his appreciation for the effort we all put forth.  He believes in you even when you don’t believe in yourself!  I hope that the next team I lead sees his influence in my management style.

Now, for the team I leave behind!  There is so much that I can say about them, but a few of the most important lessons I have learned are the following:

·         Scrum is a journey – not a destination.  Each project, and team member, will require a different approach.  Be flexible and if something is not working, try something new.

·         Get rid of the impediments.  If they seem insurmountable, try your hardest to remove them so that the team knows you are behind them.

·         The quiet ones usually have the most to say.  Make sure to create an environment that allows them to speak up.

·         Tap into each person’s strength and let him or her offset your weakness.  The reality is that not everyone is great at everything.  It’s okay to admit that and work as a team to be better as a whole.

·         Some days are just hard.  On those days, the best thing a manager can do is just cheer the team on; and maybe pick up lunch.

·         Find ways to laugh and have fun every day at work.

·         Working with people you genuinely like and care for is a luxury!

I go into my next opportunity a better project manager, scrum master, manager, and person; all due to the things that I learned from my team.  I can only hope that I have had half of the impact on them that they have had on me.  I will miss you all and remember - it is always the “where clause”!