Working well with others

Working well also means working well with others. Therefore, we also provide tips on how to work together with other brain types in your team.

Each step in the Behavioral Cycle has a complementary Natural Brain Preference that differs from your own. Research has demonstrated that the most effective team outcomes arise from cognitively diverse teams, provided that team members can leverage their unique strengths.

This concept operates in two ways. First, it is important to communicate how your brain prefers to operate, so that others can recognize your strengths and needs. The information below can serve as a foundation for that communication. Second, it is critical to recognize how other people’s brains function, so that you can comprehend their needs and rely on their strengths when necessary. Successful teams are composed of complementary brains that collaborate, resulting in increased team productivity and well-being. The team operates as a whole and is more than the sum of its components.

If you observe directively

Working with people who also Observe Directively
Shared strengths are frequently highlighted when working with people who observe the same way as you. In general, effective collaboration is achieved when a task demands full concentration, in a hectic office environment such as an open office space, or when it is crucial to keep the goal in mind.At the same time, challenges may become more apparent. There is a risk of isolating yourselves from the rest of the team, department, or organization. It is also possible that you may spend a significant amount of time switching between different tasks. Make sure to coordinate and plan tasks properly before you begin.

Working with people who Observe Perceptively
People who observe perceptively often possess different strengths and pitfalls than you do. They can assist you by handling smaller tasks that require quick switches, easily getting into the flow when starting a task.In turn, you can support them by taking on larger tasks that demand deep focus. They often find it challenging to concentrate and are easily distracted by their surroundings, whereas you are much less affected by this. With effective task management, you can complement each other beautifully.Be clear about your preferred communication style. Do you prefer questions and information via email, in one-on-one meetings, or is it acceptable to address things informally in passing?

If you observe perceptively

Working with people who also Observe Perceptively
Shared strengths are frequently highlighted when working with people who observe the same way as you. In general, effective collaboration becomes more achievable in a busy work environment, allowing you to pick up on subtle social cues from both your colleagues and each other, and swiftly switch between tasks.At the same time, challenges may become more apparent. There is a risk that you may easily distract each other and others, especially when focusing on a task in a quiet work environment, potentially leading to incomplete work tasks. During meetings, you may rapidly lose focus or consistently shift attention, possibly disrupting the efficiency of the meeting.

Working with people who Observe Directively
People who observe directively often possess different strengths and pitfalls than you do. They can help you with repetitive tasks or when you find yourself easily distracted, as they can immerse themselves entirely in their work, even when dealing with monotonous chores. Keep this in mind when assigning tasks.In turn, you can help them by considering how you deliver information to them. Interrupting with a question often doesn’t work well for them since it takes a significant amount of time for them to refocus on their work afterwards. Alternatively, they may respond but not effectively address the question. It’s preferable to send a clear email or schedule a meeting.

If you think thoroughly

Working with people who also Think Thoroughly
Shared strengths are frequently highlighted when working with people who think the same way as you. In general, you will thoroughly contemplate problems in detail, with a strong emphasis on facts and logic, often leading to thoughtful plans and solutions. At the same time, challenges may become more apparent. There is a risk that you may spend too much time analyzing details and scenarios that occur infrequently. This can lead to time pressure and the accompanying stress, even resulting in decisions being postponed due to incomplete consideration. During meetings, you tend to delve extensively into topics, which can slow down the group process.

Working with people who Think Intuitively
People who think intuitively often possess different strengths and pitfalls than you do. They can help you quickly generate ideas, think on a broader scale, identify similarities with past issues, and speed up brainstorm sessions or meetings. In turn, you can help them refine their ideas. In such cases, offer to develop complex plans, outline the corresponding pros and cons, and create a step-by-step plan. However, be mindful not to overload them with too many details. During meetings, they may tend to move swiftly towards a decision, possibly missing out on important details. You can help by pointing out potential risks, essential details, and emphasizing the importance of a structured approach.

If you think intuitively

Working with people who also Think Intuitively
Shared strengths are frequently highlighted when working with people who think the same way as you. In general, you will be able to think along with each other, quickly generating solutions during brainstorming sessions. At the same time, challenges may become more apparent. There is a risk that you may overlook important information and essential details, prioritizing “moving quickly” over thoroughly contemplating problems and following a clear plan of action. During meetings, you may disengage if discussions go on for too long or delve too deeply into a topic, disrupting the group process.

Working with people who Think Thoroughly
People who think thoroughly often possess different strengths and pitfalls than you do. They can help you tackle complex problems, structure the pros and cons of a solution, and create a step-by-step plan.
In turn, you can support them by consistently sharing information in advance. They may be less comfortable coming up with things on the spot, so allowing them the opportunity to organize their thoughts, such as sending meeting documents a day in advance, can be beneficial. During meetings, they may tend to delve into details and lose track of time. You can help by guiding them on key points and keeping an eye on the time.

If you decide practically

Working with people who also Decide Practically
Shared strengths are frequently highlighted when working with people who make decisions the same way as you. In general, when you collaborate you tend to make quick decisions relying on key information and prefer immediate action. At the same time, challenges may become more apparent. There is a risk that you may make decisions too quickly in situations that could have serious consequences. Try to regularly consider when a hasty decision is too risky. It is also possible that a decision may seem obvious to you, but when the reasons behind it are not shared with others, that can lead to a lack of support for the decision.

Working with people who Decide Considerately
People who decide considerate often possess different strengths and pitfalls than you do. They can help you map out all the various options, considering all the pros and cons involved, which proves especially beneficial in decisions carrying potential risks. They naturally tend to build consensus for a decision, so allow them to support you in that aspect. In turn, you can help them streamline decisions by narrowing down the options and pointing out which choices will help them achieve their goals most efficiently. Additionally, you can assist them in defining situations where they can autonomously make decisions without involving others.

If you decide considerately

Working with people who also Decide Considerately
Shared strengths are frequently highlighted when working with people who make decisions the same way as you. In general, you thoroughly analyze all available options, considering their pros and cons before making a decision. Additionally, you effectively communicate the reasons behind a decision, ensuring widespread support. At the same time, challenges may become more apparent. There is a risk that you may get lost in the multitude of options with all possible pros and cons, leading to delays or postponements in decision-making. It’s also possible that decisions cannot be reached without involving others in the decision-making process.

Working with people who Decide Practically
People who decide practical often possess different strengths and pitfalls than you do. They can help you speed up the decision-making process. If you find yourself stuck in a decision-making process, ask them which decision will lead you to your goal most quickly or effectively. Also, seek their help in defining situations where you can make decisions independently. In turn, you can help them make decisions that involve a certain level of risk. In such cases, offer to map out all the options along with their pros and cons, consistently highlighting the potential risks of each choice. Additionally, you can help create consensus to ensure widespread support, a skill that comes naturally to you.

If you plan in an organized way

Working with people who also Plan in an Organized way
Shared strengths are frequently highlighted when working with people who plan in the same way as you. In general, you will collaborate effectively when there is a clear strategy and well-established agreements. Your strengths shine brightest in situations that require a well-defined path and a long-term vision. At the same time, challenges may become more apparent. There is a risk that you may be too attached to your own plan, leading to challenges in unexpected situations. Your structured approach may at times clash with the more flexible and improvisational style of some colleagues. It is important to strike a balance between well-planned strategies and the ability to adapt flexibly to unforeseen circumstances.

Working with people who Plan in an Improvised way
People who plan in an improvised way often possess different strengths and pitfalls than you do. They can help you by taking on small, ad-hoc tasks, which may not be your strong suit. Even when everything suddenly goes differently than planned, they can help you keep things on track. In turn, you can support them by breaking down large projects into smaller, more manageable tasks and setting priorities. Or consider taking on some of their long-term projects. Be mindful of their need for flexibility and spontaneity. Overly tight schedules and overly detailed goals may constrain them. Try to communicate openly and flexibly, leaving room for unplanned things. Additionally, be aware that your spontaneous organizational style may pose challenges for colleagues who prefer a more structured approach.

If you plan in an improvised way

Working with people who also Plan in an Improvised way
Shared strengths are frequently highlighted when working with people who plan in the same way as you. In general, you collaborate flexibly and adjust your plans because you can easily deviate from pre-established plans. You can rely on each other in unexpected situations and when tackling ad-hoc tasks. At the same time, challenges may become more apparent. There is a risk that you may focus too much on tasks that demand immediate attention, sometimes overlooking more important or urgent tasks.




Working with people who Plan in an Organized way
People who plan in an organized way often possess different strengths and pitfalls than you do. They can help you monitor deadlines and achieve your goals on time. They are often good at breaking down large projects into manageable tasks and skillfully prioritizing them. In turn, you can support them by respecting their need for clarity and structure. Sudden changes and unclear goals can cause stress. If possible, take on ad-hoc tasks so they can focus on long-term, planned projects.
Communicate goals and expectations clearly, utilizing structured methods such as briefings, email templates, or digital planning tools. This ensures clarity and minimizes misunderstandings.

If you act precise

Working with people who also Act Precise
Shared strengths are frequently highlighted when working with people who act the same way as you. In general, you will collaborate well when assessing the quality of others’ work. You are also skilled at precision tasks where errors must be absolutely avoided. At the same time, challenges may become more apparent. There is a risk that you may feel pressured if you have a lot of work to do. Prioritizing delivering quality may hinder speeding up work in high-demand situations. To prevent work-related stress, it’s important to work in time blocks for specific tasks, prioritize, and delegate. Discuss beforehand what the expected output should be and when it is considered adequate.

Working with people who Act Fast
People who act fast often possess different strengths and pitfalls than you do. They can assist you in getting work done quickly and accomplishing a lot in a short time, but they may leave some minor imperfections in their work. Try asking them to handle the preliminary work, after which you can add the finishing touches.
In turn, you can help them with precision work. They may make mistakes on important tasks due to their high work pace. Offer to take over certain precision tasks from them or to check their work. Show understanding that they work quickly but are also prone to errors. This way, you can collectively accomplish the workload of three people.

If you act fast

Working with people who also Act Fast
Shared strengths are frequently highlighted when working with people who act the same way as you. In general, you can handle a high work pace and complete many tasks quickly and efficiently. Especially when there is a large amount of work to be done, you are the driving force to get things done. At the same time, challenges may become more apparent. There is a risk that you may make mistakes on important tasks due to your high work pace. For instance, important emails to clients might not be proofread, causing them to contain errors. Additionally, you are not in your element when precision work is required.

Working with people who Act Precise
People who act precisely often possess different strengths and pitfalls than you do. They can help you by reviewing and improving your work. They are often skilled at precision work and make relatively few mistakes. You can also ask them to take over specific precision tasks. In turn, you can help them by speeding up the work process. They may feel stressed when faced with a heavy workload. They will not work faster when work increases because they want to avoid mistakes. Help them by handling the preliminary work, and let them refine the details afterward. This way, you can collectively accomplish the workload of three people.

If you execute dynamically

Working with people who also Execute Dynamically
Shared strengths are frequently highlighted when working with people who execute the same way as you. In general, you will collaborate well together when faced with a variety of tasks. You quickly tackle assignments and in the moment easily determine who does what. Additionally, a brief question in between is always welcome. At the same time, challenges may become more apparent. There is a risk that you may postpone monotonous, long-lasting tasks. As a result, work can pile up, and you may have to tackle a large amount of monotonous work all at once, which does not contribute to a positive working atmosphere. Moreover, you often find it challenging to sustain your attention for an extended period. Ensure that this does not negatively impact the team process, such as during a meeting, for example.

Working with people who Execute Persistently
People who execute persistently often possess different strengths and pitfalls than you do. They can help you by taking over long-lasting tasks, such as administrative tasks, for example. Those tasks are often less suitable for you. Also, work that requires doing the same thing for hours with full concentration is better suited for them.
In turn, you can help them by taking on small tasks or work that requires frequent and quick switching. Be aware that they often need time to get into the flow when starting a task. Interrupting with a question can harm their productivity, so try to minimize that as much as possible.

If you execute persistently

Working with people who also Execute Persistently
Shared strengths are frequently highlighted when working with people who execute the same way as you. In general, you will work together in a goal-oriented manner with a focus on the long term. When facing challenges, you put your shoulders to the wheel, and even monotonous work is swiftly completed. At the same time, challenges may become more apparent. There is a risk that you may continue to work at all costs to complete the tasks. That perseverance is commendable, but you also need to pay attention to your energy balance and take regular breaks. It may take a while for you to fully focus on a task, so communicate when you do not want to be disturbed.




Working with people who Execute Dynamically
People who execute dynamically often possess different strengths and pitfalls than you do. They can help you by taking over smaller tasks or work that requires frequent and fast switching. They quickly get into the flow when they start something and can switch between tasks rapidly.
In turn, you can help them by taking over long-term and monotonous tasks. They often tend to lose interest quickly, which may result in the work not being completed or done too superficially. Since they enjoy variety and need it, their attention span is often shorter, so keep this in mind.