In this section of the Transformational Leadership framework, we move into a powerful set of skills that amplify everything you’ve built so far. Mastering versatility—especially in how you relate to people, environments, and roles—equips you to lead with precision and connection in any context.
Let’s begin with the foundational versatility skills:
- Skill 49 – Style Assessment
- Skill 50 – Style-Shifting into the Appropriate Style Behaviors That Match the Personal Styles of Others
Skill 49 – Style Assessment
Definition
You can determine predominant personal style tendencies of another person, group, or organization to better approach and interact with their environment (people, tasks, situations, and time). This skill involves the ability to analyze and understand the dominant behavioral styles of individuals, groups and organizations.
Why it matters
- People are not the same. Effective leadership starts with understanding how others are wired.
- Misreading someone’s style leads to disconnection. Understanding style builds trust, engagement, and collaboration.
- Organizations also have “styles.” Culture, pace, priorities, and power structures shape how teams behave.
CRG’s Tool for Mastery:
To practice and develop this skill, use the Personal Style Indicator (PSI)—a globally recognized assessment that helps leaders accurately identify and understand personal style patterns. Rated the #1 personality tool by participants worldwide, the PSI goes beyond labels to provide transformational insight.
How to apply
- Study observable behavior. Look at communication, energy, pace, and detail orientation.
- Use the PSI assessment for deeper insights. Learn to interpret results for individuals or teams.
- Consider group and organizational dynamics. Recognize patterns that shape team behavior.
- Use style knowledge to increase influence. Adjust how you approach conversations, projects, and planning based on style preferences.
Authors Note: In the Self-Management Section, we discussed the importance of understanding self with the use of the Personal Style Indicator. It is our experience after using the PSI in thousands of organizations globally – only the organizations that embrace the PSI for the entire organization and make it foundational – in all hiring, on boarding, training, leadership, team building and performance management realize their full potential. In addition, there is the PSI – 360’ where individuals can get feedback from others on how they show up behaviorally in various situations with different situations.
Skill 50 – Style-Shifting
Definition
This skill refers to the capability to adjust and adapt one’s own behavior and communication style to match the preferences and needs of others.
Why it matters
- It’s not about being fake. Style-shifting is about meeting people where they are to lead more effectively.
- Inflexibility limits leadership. Those who can’t shift styles often create conflict, confusion, or resistance.
- Style-flexible leaders multiply engagement. They remove friction and increase connection.
Supporting Resources
This skill is deeply developed in my (Dr. Ken Keis’) book, “Why Aren’t You More Like Me?”, and its companion online course of the same name. Together, they guide you through the power of style-awareness and how to adjust your approach with confidence.
How to practice
- Observe the other person’s style indicators. Are they task- or people-oriented? Fast- or slower-paced?
- Adjust your pace, tone, and detail level. Match their comfort zone before moving them toward growth.
- Avoid style projection. Don’t lead others based on your preferences—lead based on theirs.
- Use PSI results to plan communication. This is especially helpful in teams and high-stakes settings.
Practice and Integration: Style in Action
Mini Exercise:
Choose three individuals on your team. For each:
- Determine their likely style using PSI principles or formal assessment
- Write down how you might need to adapt your approach when coaching or collaborating with them
- Then, try a real-life interaction using your adjusted approach and reflect on the outcome
Up next in the series: We’ll continue with Skills 51 & 52: Role Assessment and Role-Shifting—the next level of versatility every transformational leader must master. Let’s keep building your leadership agility.
|
|
|