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We laugh at the reference to “SQUIRREL” when we talk about the Entertainer personality and it’s not often that this dominant personality preference is promoted to a senior leadership position, but it does happen! Even those you might perceive to be very linear and logical or hard driving and ambitious, often have a hidden Entertainer style that they keep quiet until just such a need or occasion arises. But how do you handle it if your boss is just a wee bit too Entertainer at times and wants to be the buddy at work, instead of your boss? Do you report to a party animal? Or do those that work with you have a high need for attention, appreciation, see a lot of “squirrels!”, or show emotions more often than you like? Either way, here is some insight into that Entertainer mode:
Entertainer dominant preferences need:
- To be popular
- Recognition
- Appreciation
- Friendship
- Freedom from control and detail, including how you give them instructions or request
- To be heard and to express themselves, even in the office environment
And their preferred environments are:
- Flexible, friendly and casual even with employees
- Opportunity for social interaction and development of deeper relationships
- Opportunity to verbalize proposals/ideas
- Group interaction outside of job
- Position of coach or counselor or leader of employee relations
Once you are aware of these needs and preferred environments, you can better understand those you work with on a daily basis who exhibit Entertainer traits. Also, keep in mind that if these needs aren’t met, a person with this dominant preference will experience stress and that might not be a pretty picture. If your boss or an employee you lead is showing you signs of Entertainer like qualities, give them recognition and appreciation before they ask for it, allow them to express their opinions fully before your interrupt, and honor their preference by sharing flexibility and brainstorming time. A proactive approach to meeting the needs of this preference will cut down on their need to enforce their preferences on you and you may find the relationship flourishes because they believe you understand them so well. And in this case, you do!
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I really like the audio!
Is there a way to subscribe to your podcast updates via iTunes?
What a great question and we are investigating. The new website will likely have a subscription base in some shape and that may be included. Thanks so much for asking Matt. You’ve helped me convince our CIO that we sooo need podcasts. It’s been a fun debate in our office 🙂
To me it seems like a bit of the entertainer is a good thing. Doesn’t it map a bit to the “i” in DiSC? I feel the entertainer as you describe it, in moderation, would be a welcome addition to building a functional team (read trust).
In saying this type of person is rarely promoted to senior levels, it seems as if this personality trait is being looked down upon? I would equate a certain level of the entertainer with a person of high emotional intelligence and charisma, probably a leader I would follow. Full disclosure, I’m a Di and always used my enthusiasm, personality and charisma to help lead and manage so maybe that’s why I feel this way?
Your thoughts?
Thanks!
JG
Hello there JG,
What great insight my friend and I agree. Typically in corporate america, you are correct, this type of personality preference is not promoted into management. My supposition and findings are that this is because the Commanders “get it done” and the Organizers “get it right”. The Entertainers “get appreciated” and this is not always recognized as a trait of value for those who are task focused.
I agree with you on the emotional intelligence and the charisma and this preference and it is a highly valuable part that teams need and require. In full disclosure, I am a DI or Commander/Entertainer as well who just embraced that a few years ago. Wow, the freedom of being okay with being accused of having had two mountain dews for breakfast. I am good with that!
How do you find that your enthusiasm is well received at the office? And are you giving yourself permission to really express it?
I look forward to hearing back from you!
Monica