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

**Core:** Private, guarded, and introspective. Cannot sit down to watch a movie or relax with friends without a sense of guilt that "there is so much I haven't finished today." Driven by conscientiousness and accuracy in their area of expertise.

**Strengths:** Natural conscientiousness in completing assigned work. Deep loyalty to those who earn their trust based on perceived honesty. Once in their area of expertise, they are authoritative and thorough. Factual and informative communicator who delivers detailed, data-rich information quickly. Will ultimately soften and assist those they were initially hard on once responsibilities are clear.

**Challenges:** Can come across as domineering and highly critical of others within their domain. Quick to spout off issues of concern as if purging thoughts before moving to the next task. Delivery can be hurtful — they see only one way to execute work and that is the accurate way. Literal in interpretation; assumes others will perform at 110% and brands anything less as insubordination. Impatient, displaying adamant behavior in situations they feel strongly about. Makes others in the room uncomfortable until they can "get on with the unfinished work at hand." Opinions held internally can burst out all at once without warning after building up too long.

**Management approach:** Do not put them in situations where they cannot finish their responsibilities — they will worry incessantly until they can return to complete the work. Best to let them go when unfinished tasks weigh on them. Limit direct reports; assign small projects and process management roles. Reward sincerely and privately — person-to-person interaction from someone they trust or respect. Do not grandstand or force them to accept public plaques. Recognize that their adamant behavior is defensive, not assertive.

**Risk profile:** Does not like taking risks or being put into unpredictable situations. Decision-making is limited to past events and recollections — "we handled it this way two months ago, so we can do it again today." Fear of being wrong constrains them. They don't see issues on the horizon until it's too late, but once they factor in the change or revision, they quickly embrace it and move on.

## FlashPoints

| Area | Details |
|------|---------|
| Motivation | Independent work, personal space, private recognition |
| Communication | Extremely detailed, quick, email preferred. Fast and factual — opens up only to those they trust. Can appear extroverted due to sheer volume of data shared, but the style is factual, not social. |
| Management Style | No direct reports preferred. Small projects, process management. Excels at managing processes or items that are "by-the-book." |
| Organization | Can be a bit of a pack rat. May appear disorganized, but it's a system to them. Fine-tunes most everything they come into contact with. |
| Environment | Fast paced, structured, personal space. Needs to stay busy. |

## Variations

Specialist patterns share Low A + Low B + High C but vary in D position. All variations are private, conscientious, and detail-driven. The lower the D, the more independent and nonconforming; the higher the D, the more patient and rule-following the behavior. Those close to the Specialist are there for life — loyalty is demonstrated based on perceived honesty, but dishonor will end the relationship instantly.

## Summary

- **Motivating Needs:** Sincere, private recognition from someone they trust or respect. Person-to-person interaction rather than public ceremony. Freedom to complete work without interruption.
- **Communication Style:** Informative and full of data. Can appear extroverted due to volume of information, but listen closely — the style is factual, not social. Email over voicemail.
- **Management Style:** Prefers not to manage people. Excels at managing a process or items that are "by-the-book."
- **Organization Style:** Can be a bit of a pack rat. May appear disorganized, but it's a system to them.
- **Environmental Needs:** Likes to stay busy. Needs to fine-tune most everything they come into contact with. Fast paced and structured with personal space.
