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

**Core:** Reactive, diligent, detail-oriented individual who draws strength from knowledge and past events. Experts at recalling historic events, people, times, and places. Resources solutions from past experience. Can be adamant when correcting inaccuracies, which may be confused for assertiveness.

**Strengths:** Due diligent and hard working — first one in the office, last one to close up. Unselfish and considerate co-worker who supports others and jumps at the chance to perform tasks for their direct report. Obsessed with "getting it right" and driven by accuracy and perfection. Expert institutional memory. Strong crisis management ability when surprised and expected to "deal with it."

**Challenges:** Consummate worrier whose day-to-day existence revolves around task completion and acknowledgment. Cannot prioritize thoughts — will give an exhaustive account of their day from sunrise. Shy to speak up; fearful to ask questions and will seek guidance from co-workers instead. Deadlines can be missed because of commitment to accuracy. Will panic when the workplace becomes combative or difficult, and will seek assistance elsewhere if challenged. Won't hear a word you say unless you first capture their single focus — they may be mentally re-hashing a past event.

**Management approach:** Provide "the Book" — outlines, rules, and structures to define their boundaries. Communicate new tasks clearly and specifically, ensuring you have their undivided attention first. Give constant reassurance that things are OK and specific recognition for tasks completed well. Keep their environment consistent, steady, and routine with little surprises. Do not expect them to prioritize new events over existing task lists. Remove fear from new events through direction and clear expectations.

**Risk profile:** Highly risk-averse. Staying within defined boundaries is essential — going outside the lines is considered too risky. They will not put themselves in what they perceive to be harm's way.

## FlashPoints

| Area | Details |
|------|---------|
| Motivation | Risk free environment, constant reassurance, private recognition |
| Communication | Lengthy, factual. Email preferred. Must have their full attention before communicating new information. |
| Management Style | Needs direction. No direct reports — shies from managing people as it is too confrontative. Task management oriented. |
| Organization | Systematic, orderly. Usually follows a numeric or alpha system. |
| Environment | Stable, harmonic, consistent. Needs to feel appreciated. Requires direction and removal of fear from new events. |

## Variations

Traditionalist patterns share Low A + Low B + High C + High D. All variations are diligent, detail-oriented, and risk-averse. Variations differ in the relative positions of the four traits but maintain the core pattern of low autonomy and sociability with high patience and conformity. Some variations show D extending further right (more rule-bound), while others show slight shifts in B or C positions.

## Summary

- **Motivating Needs:** A consistent, steady, task-oriented environment that experiences little risk. Specific pats on the back for tasks completed well and reassurance that things are OK.
- **Communication Style:** Factual and lengthy.
- **Management Style:** Can manage tasks or consistent events. Will shy from the management of people because it is too confrontative for them.
- **Organization Style:** Orderly, usually follows a numeric or alpha system.
- **Environmental Needs:** Needs to work where they feel appreciated. Requires direction and needs their direct reports to remove any and all fear from new events.
