There are many ways to be effective with your S-Style Boss or Manager. I propose three sure-fire ways that are winning strategies for you to try.

Photo Credit: Creative Fonts

Before you begin, remember this about the S-Style:

S-styles are people-oriented. They derive great satisfaction and energy from collaborating with others. Those with a dominant S-style are typically laid-back and reflective, and they are often described as easy-going and approachable. I often say that S’s are the rocks in our society, the glue that binds in a corporation or on a team, the ones we refer to as “the salt of the earth.” We all know the S-style: it is the one that circulates the birthday cards to be signed, quietly takes on more than their fair share of the workload, and goes the extra mile to support their team members lives–both professionally and personally. Highly process-driven, S’s like stability and routine, and they are grave protectors of the “normal” order of things. They crave harmony, so S-styles will go to great lengths in work and life to insure that choppy seas are avoided. If you are fortunate enough to work with an S-Style boss or manager, know that compassion, teamwork, and a highly supportive environment will be a part of your everyday, professional life. Lucky you! Read more about the other DiSC styles relative to the S-Style. If you are wondering how to be more effective when working with your S-Style Boss or Manager, read on.

#1: Use a Warm, Friendly Approach

S Styles are often described as very caring and compassionate “people people.” They put a high priority on kindness, relationships, and a positive approach. If you work with an S-style Boss or Manager, you’ll want to be sure that you take a warm and friendly approach with them, making time to really get to know them as a person. Ask about their family, what they do in their time away from work, and what you can do to support them most effectively in their role as your boss or manager. They’ll be so appreciative that you did!

#2: Show How Your Ideas Positively Impact Others

S Styles are very relationship-oriented. They want to make certain that all of their actions take account of the impact they will have on their relationships with and to other human beings. If you work with an S Style Manager, be prepared to discuss how project goals, deadlines, intent, etc. effects others. Winning never matters if emotional carnage and destroyed relationships are part of the path to getting there.

 

 

#3: Avoid Pressuring for Quick Decisions + Plan for Steady Progress

S-styles are deliberate, cautious, and purposeful. Those who lead with an S-Style take their time and do not rush quickly into new domains, forge bold pathways unexpectedly, or impulsively change directions. If you work with an S-style Boss or Manager, know that you can expect a steady pace for making progress, a very laid-back, safe, and collaborative approach, and lots of time for thinking through and deliberating important decisions. Pressuring S-Styles may cause undue stress and (most likely) result in them shutting down (or shutting you down!).

 

If you or someone you know works with an S-Style Boss or Manager and struggles to find a way to effectively make the relationship work, please reach out to me. I can help. I can recommend some customized strategies for working with your particular S-Style colleague. Simply email me today at chariti@charitigent.com to learn more.