According to a recent paper in the Harvard Business Review, there are four basic types of people in the office environment. These differences are based on work style – the way we think about, organize, and complete tasks – and are imperative to maintaining a productive workplace.
When I studied the four types, I immediately thought about one of my favorite foursomes and how they’ve used their diverse styles to take over Hollywood. Each member of the Entourage team uses their behavioral patterns to play to their strengths. They are (relatively) self-aware and, no matter how lazy they may come across, are success-oriented.
The four types are as follows:
Logical
Eric Murphy is the analytical member of the group. “E,” as he’s called, is an ambitious business-minded, manager. He is analytical and data-oriented as he tries to corral and focus the team.
When working with the Logical type, there are a few questions you can ask to ensure that they are best aligned to their work.
- What is your goal?
- What are you seeking to achieve?
- Where can you find data that will help you make that decision?
Organized
A struggling actor always trying to gain credibility, Johnny Drama has a plan. Drama will be the first to try a new diet or workout routine. He is regimented and detail-oriented. His plans may not always work out, but Drama will find a new one without much delay.
Questions for the Organized type include:
- How can you make ________ work more effectively?
- How will you decide which step to take next?
- What has worked for you in the past?
Supportive
Holding the team together is Vince Chase, the movie star who lives by the philosophy that “everything will work out fine.” Vince is expressive and emotionally-oriented. He supports the other guys in their endeavors and encourages them to follow whatever wacky goals they may have.
Questions for the Supportive type include:
- How is your behavior impacting others?
- Who can support you in this?
- Who else needs to be involved?
Strategic
Where everyone else is planning and analyzing, Turtle is the big picture, idea man. These dreams have promoted Turtle from Vince’s assistant to the owner of a successful tequila company with Mark Cuban. In addition, Turtle uses his integrative style to unite the team behind his strategies.
Questions for Strategic types include:
- What would the ideal future state look like?
- What ideas do you have for addressing ________?
- If there was something else you could do, what would it be?
I’ve often said that the only bad work style is when everyone on the team has the same work style. Make diversity your competitive advantage when creating your own Entourage. Actively find ambitious people who can bring a new perspective to the team and personalize the way you manage each individual. And don’t forget to hug it out.
