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

**Core:** Independent, cerebral, idea-driven. Research persistent, strives to stay in a thinking and imaginative environment. A true "ideas" person — out-of-the-box thinking at its best. The consummate analytical type who internalizes and debates the value of ideas.

**Strengths:** Gives great consideration to challenges and problem solving. A "go-to" resource — there isn't much they can't solve or troubleshoot. Out-of-the-box thinking produces solutions that may be unusual or untypical. Excels when given deliberate thought and innovative thinking toward a problem or goal. Has a way with words and can be entertaining. Factual in nature. Somewhat fearless in decision making.

**Challenges:** Non-conformist — if you say it's black, they will say it's white. Will argue back against dictation or forced agreement. Will not give much thought to follow through once something has been implemented. Poor recollection — going backwards in time makes them insolent. Comes across as obstinate and opinionated. Voices offhand remarks without considering others' viewpoints. Can appear rash in assessments — decisions may not be fully thought through. Can be perceived as aloof and indifferent if the subject is of little value to them.

**Management approach:** Provide a receptive environment for their ideas. Assign singular projects rather than tasks, with defined timetables to prevent procrastination. Clarify rules, authority, and responsibility so they can complete projects on time. Do not micro-manage — they will become very disagreeable. Motivate and reward on a one-on-one level with consideration for individual interests. Keep people available for delegation — they are not task oriented.

**Risk profile:** Unconventional, informal, and uninhibited. Somewhat fearless in decision making, which can appear rash. Others may think the decision was not fully thought through, and that would be true.

## FlashPoints

| Area | Details |
|------|---------|
| Motivation | Independence, private recognition, goal setting |
| Communication | Laid back, conceptual. Email preferred. Casual, entertaining, with a knack for embellishment. Communicates with strong conviction — can come across as obstinate and opinionated. |
| Management Style | Absentee, autocratic. Few direct reports. Great as a go-to resource, but will not remember to follow through unless the situation is critical. |
| Organization | Unstructured. Loose and unstructured organizational style. |
| Environment | Steady pace, quiet, project oriented with people available for delegation. Not task oriented. |

## Variations

Philosopher patterns share Low A + High C + Low D but vary in B position. All variations are analytical, independent, and non-conformist. They prefer to strike off on their own and have little regard for conventional ways of doing things.

## Summary

- **Motivating Needs:** Freedom and independence to think. Private acknowledgments in the form of what they determine to be a personal reward.
- **Communication Style:** Can be easy to understand one minute, then cerebral or conceptually vague the next. You will need to ask them specifically what you want answered and try again. Email rather than voicemail.
- **Management Style:** Great as a go-to resource; however, once a solution has been provided, they will not remember to follow through unless the situation is critical. Not motivational — more autocratic.
- **Organization Style:** Loose and unstructured.
- **Environmental Needs:** Easy going pace, project oriented with people available for delegation. Not task oriented. Do not micro-manage.
