# The Scholar (High A, Low B, Low C, High D)

**Core:** Somewhat proactive, independent, and research-persistent. Respected for deep knowledge, single focus, and attention span. Relies on information and data from past situations to aid decision making. Strives to stay in a factual, medium-to-low risk, project-oriented environment.

**Strengths:** Exceptional concentration and single-task focus. Eager to troubleshoot and follow up. Finds problem solving on a technical level rewarding. Easygoing, respectful personality. Capable of setting priorities when risk factors are removed. Methodical and deliberate — moves steadily from one mid-sized project to the next. Curious about everything and wants to learn the nuts-and-bolts before incorporating new knowledge into their system. Excels when given time to deliberate on tasks.

**Challenges:** Difficulty keeping track of multiple projects simultaneously. Has a long learning curve and may put off starting new projects. Critical assessments of others can be sharp and appear callous — unaware of their statement's effect. May rely too heavily on rules, guidelines, or past references, leading to cliched responses. Not a team player and does not want to be a team leader. Dwells on mistakes and beats themselves up; has a very difficult time admitting or owning inaccuracies. Will work unceasingly at "fixing" what is wrong and may have trouble giving up on lost causes. Fiscally conservative to a fault — procrastinates on spending even when necessary. Rarely apologizes.

**Management approach:** Provide private acknowledgment from someone they respect — this is the only sincere way to demonstrate their value. Assign small to medium risk projects in a methodical series of tasks. Do not expect them to manage others; they may resent direct reports. Keep a written "to do" list for them. Give encouragement and understanding — without approval they lose drive, focus, and may feel used or underappreciated. Tell them exactly how much and how soon when money is required.

**Risk profile:** Conservative and risk-averse. Prefers medium to low risk environments. Capable of prioritizing provided risk-oriented items are removed first. Fiscally conservative — will defer spending and procrastinate on costly fixes.

## FlashPoints

| Area | Details |
|------|---------|
| Motivation | Work independently, educational advancement, private recognition |
| Communication | Factual, extremely detailed, email preferred. Deliberate and matter of fact. Can embellish on topics they know well and come across as impatient — simply trying to expel thoughts to return to inward thinking. |
| Management Style | No direct reports, small projects, methodical series of tasks. Not interested in managing others and may resent additional responsibility. |
| Organization | Messy, rhythmic, personal space. Perceived as unorganized — they don't care to put anything away because they never know when they'll need it. But it is a system, and it is their system. |
| Environment | Prefer to work alone or with others they have known for a while. Personal space. |

## Variations

Scholar patterns share High A + Low B + High D but vary in C position. All variations are analytical, independent, detail-oriented, and methodical. They prefer working alone, rely on facts and past data, and require private recognition over public praise.

## Summary

- **Motivating Needs:** One-on-one acknowledgment from someone they respect. Not necessarily driven by money — may prefer additional education or contributions to a personal cause.
- **Communication Style:** Sometimes slow, detailed, and specific. Can embellish on familiar topics and come across as impatient. Email rather than voicemail.
- **Management Style:** Prefers to manage a series of small to medium risk projects. Not interested in managing other people and may resent that additional responsibility.
- **Organization Style:** Perceived as unorganized and messy. They don't put things away because they never know when they'll need them — but it is a system.
- **Environmental Needs:** Prefer to work alone or with others they have known for a while.
