# The Debater (Mid A, Mid-High B, Low C, High D)

**Core:** Reasonably assertive and approachable. A friendly, somewhat relaxed person who naturally gravitates to social circles to exchange ideas. Persuasive communicator, usually at peace with themselves and the world when there is nothing to argue or no hostilities present.

**Strengths:** Terrific team player when their ideas are heard and considered. Great listener and morale builder in many environments. Loyal protector and supporter of their teams — if you are considered "family," there isn't much they won't do for you. Can act as liaison when initial contact is required due to their open, optimistic, and persuasive style. Social inclinations mean you may learn a thing or two when you listen to them. Intuition can be a genuine strength in decision-making.

**Challenges:** Not an analytical or inward thinking type — processes decisions differently using feelings and intuition rather than technical or data-type factual information. "Informed" versus "educated" is a slim line; resources typically range from social alliances, recently read books, or newsworthy events rather than deep expertise. Can appear assertive when they are not — argumentative behavior is actually non-conformism triggered by too much data or analytical information. Because of lenient behavior, uncomfortable having to discipline or critique others. Will tolerate good, bad, and ugly behavior from others. Can wander off mid-completion when distractions or social interests arise.

**Management approach:** Provide clock, structure, and rules — they will eventually conform, but only when it makes sense to them. Keep them in situations where they can inform or sell with their natural persuasion. Do not assign too much detail work, as it can be overwhelming — allow them to delegate a portion. Give direction from superiors; once given a focus, they will facilitate work through others. Prefer to do one task at a time, completing one responsibility before proceeding to the next. Support their frequent anti-establishment views with an atmosphere that tolerates them.

**Risk profile:** Prefers little if any surprises and can be extremely stubborn. Obstinate behavior comes from two things: their day consists of the timeframe of today only (no natural recall of past events), and they are non-conformists who have to argue. Will take part in some controversies but defer when the situation is out of their league. When they do select their battle, they come across as energized in their opinions.

## FlashPoints

| Area | Details |
|------|---------|
| Motivation | Social interaction, financial rewards, public recognition |
| Communication | Enthusiastic, conceptual, phone call preferred. Easy going and non-specific — answers can be difficult to track. Voicemail over email. |
| Management Style | Needs direction from superiors. No direct reports preferred. Delegation — once given a focus, will facilitate work through others. |
| Organization | Occasional piles of clutter with some random organization. Needs detail assistance. |
| Environment | Socially oriented, steady, group environment that experiences some stability |

## Variations

Debater patterns share Mid A + Mid-High B + Low C but vary in D position. All variations maintain the core social-persuasive nature with low analytical drive. Higher D variations are more patient and steady; lower D variations are more restless and risk-taking.

## Summary

- **Motivating Needs:** Praise in the presence of others. Bonuses and titles are also helpful in maintaining their disposition.
- **Communication Style:** Easy going and conceptual, can confuse their audience. Frequently non-specific — answers to questions can be difficult to track and you may need to pose the question or request again. Voicemail over email.
- **Management Style:** Prefers to be given direction from superiors. Once given a focus, will facilitate the work through others.
- **Organization Style:** Occasional piles of clutter with some random organization.
- **Environmental Needs:** To work with others in a group environment that experiences some stability.
