Mapping the Power of Personality By: Peter Metzner

Free Spirit Types

Our last segment focused on Task types.  In this, our final segment of the four core personality types we will look at the Free Spirit types.  For firms to grow, adapt, innovate and succeed it is helpful to have all of the four personality types represented. In his research, Mike Lillibridge, PhD found that the most successful and effective leaders draw from the strengths of each of the four personality styles. Members of high performing teams accept, appreciate, and bring out the best in each other as they move towards a shared vision. In order to do this, we all need to understand the drives, motivations, strengths and developmental needs each of the four core types. If we look again at each of your firms as a box, Leader types are the ones building the box, Task types are making sure each part of the box is formed to specifications, People types are making sure everyone in the box is getting along with each other and Free Spirits are thinking out of the box!  They are the ones looking for what’s new, cutting edge and innovative. They are the natural change agents.  While those more task oriented thrive on getting things done and done right, Free Spirits bring spontaneity, fun, adventure and big picture thinking.  Guess which type(s) may feel threatened by this?          

Again, most of us are a combination of two of the four types. Free Spirit types typically characterize themselves as people who desire freedom and seem to get energy from new challenges, change and innovative approaches towards work. For example, I am a People / Free Spirit and I named my training company Dynamic Change, Inc. My creativity is in the service of helping others reach their potential (People type). I seek to move and inspire individuals and organizations to embrace exciting opportunities (Free spirit) I feel fortunate that my work has evolved to reflect the drives and natural talents of my personality.  This allows me to do what I do best in the ways that I want which in turn unleashes energy, enthusiasm and creativity in my work. Free Spirits are natural trouble shooters and great team contributors, able to work effectively under pressure, seeing unique solutions to old problems.  They are adaptive and flexible and… when inspired work long and hard.     

 While Leader types are naturally good with the hard skills of assertiveness, problem solving, competing, and telling others what needs to be done, People types do well with the “soft” skill set of listening, praising, giving positive reinforcement, support and encouragement., With their dependability, eye for detail, and ability to thrive in a structured environment, Task types can provide the infrastructure that keeps the office running smoothly.  Life and work, however, often present us with unplanned changes, crises, and problems we never imagined. While the other personality types may struggle, Free Spirits can  jump right in and find adaptive ways to cope.   

As with each of the types, natural strengths when overused or misused become our greatest liability. Ironically, what we want most in life we often drive away by staying in our comfort zone.  The Achilles Heel of the Free Spirit attacks them at their core need for personal freedom. For example, in living for the moment, they may ignore long range planning or the consequences of their actions. Free Spirits may take on projects with gusto, but may become bored after the endeavor loses some of its luster. Alas, they may run the risk of starting many projects and struggle to finish what they need to by doing work at the last minute. One very busy Free Spirit professional I know seems always to be late for appointments. However on the day of her 40^th Birthday party she was the first one there!

Another important aspect of their “Achilles” heel that can get a Free Spirit person in trouble is their independence and resistance to rules and authority.  In many of the offices I have worked with, this characteristic often has the effect of angering or stressing Task types as well as the Leader types. (It’s only a report what is the big deal?)  When a Free Spirit person has too many projects, is rebellious or undisciplined, her quality of work and interpersonal relationships may suffer. This contributes to conflict, hurt feelings and negativity (Why are people so rigid and bossy around here?)  Needed energy is siphoned away from work. Sadly, when Free Spirit types are unaware of their own role in this dynamic, they often label those they have hurt for being too set in their ways. Overwhelmingly, office conflicts revolve around these classic themes of personality styles. Free Spirits commonly say if they have a manager who micromanages them or is too bossy they will have a very difficult time working there.        

To be successful and at the top of their game, "Free Spirit types” can overcome their Achilles heel by:

• Learning long range planning skills.
• Developing structure, organization and self discipline at home as well as work.
• Avoiding knee jerk responses such as sarcastic comments.
• Tempering the desire to only start new and exciting projects with a requirement to finish what they start – honor promises.
• Not rebelling  for the sake of rebelling. 

From research on “Peak” performers, Mike Lillibridge, Ph.D  found that Free Spirit types who reported the most satisfaction in their professional and personal lives as well as success and optimal performance learned these “skills.”  Adopting these behaviors that do not come naturally and incorporating them can truly transform their effectiveness.      

For those who work with Free Spirit types: 

·         Allow yourself to have fun. Don’t be too formal in your communications.

·         Ask them for their ideas and input. Make sure you listen to their point of view and don’t shoot down their ideas when they are first presented. Come back at a later time with a rebuttal if one is needed.       

·         Do not try to control or squelch them. They will rebel.  

·         When giving directives allow options so they have freedom to do it their way.  It helps to tell when a project needs to be completed but not how to do it. 

As we have seen, each of the four personality styles has their own approach, life skills needs and talents towards work and leadership. We simply need to accept and recognize each for their gifts. To create optimal relationships; know your type, be aware of all four and speak in their language.  Try it out and see what happens! 

As we approach the Holiday season, below are some prayers that may help each type.

Free Spirit prayer

Help me take things more seriously especially Parties and Dancing and.. Help me be less independent. But let me do it my way.  

P.S. Also please help me finish what I sta…

Task Prayer

Help me to begin relaxing about little details tomorrow at 11:41 AM

People Prayer

Help me to stand up for my rights! (If you don’t mind my asking)  

Leader Prayer

Help me to not try to run everything. But since you need some help just ask! 

Happy Holidays and wishes for a successful, happy and fulfilling 2006! 

Peter Metzner is Principal of Dynamic Change, Inc. In addition to leadership coaching,

He facilitates team effectiveness programs using Peoplemap concepts. His web site is www.dynamicchangeinc.com  For comments; he can be reached at 919 967-4106 or Pmetzner@aol.com.

Editor: Brian Gedeon (BHGedeon@duanemorris.com) (This publication is the property of the Atlanta Association of Legal Administrators. Reproduction or reprint without prior permission is strictly prohibited. Click here to request reprint permission.)

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