In my last blog I talked about those who exhibit the “Directing” style. Now let’s take a look at the next quadrant – The “Presenting” style. A person who displays this style is usually the life of the party. In any group of people, you will be aware of their presence. They know how to have fun, they are always up and they communicate easily. They are motivating and full of ideas. Rather than resist change, they welcome and embrace the new. They are natural promoters, thrive socially, and are open to others. Empathy, flexibility, and good intuition come naturally to the “Presenters”. They love being in the spotlight and enjoy seeing others in the spotlight. Presidents Reagan and Clinton are two examples of this style. I have known individuals who have met both of these men personally and they both talk about how special they felt during the conversation. One said, “I walked away feeling like I was the greatest person in the world”.
That is the good news about the “Presenting” style. Here is what you need to know if working with a person coming from this quadrant: They love to be the center of attention and in the spotlight. Wherever possible make things fun for them. Give them structure and break things down step-by-step so that they don’t get off on a tangent. Establish deadlines and benchmarks and get their commitment – ideally in writing!
If you are of the presenting style, here are some areas for professional development that you might want to consider:
More attention to detail and preparation
Disciplined planning and time management to maximize focus and avoid distractions
Practice listening skills for a more balanced and better dialogue
Be more “task-oriented”, set deadlines, and stay committed to them
Always follow through!
If you are a “presenter” you may have a tendency to want to charm your way forward. Be as charming as you wish, and make sure your charm is backed up excellent preparation and good time management.
