Work Style Opposites

Producers want to get right to work and focus on results.  Their enjoyment comes from the tasks they do.  Relationships are seen as a distraction from the work.

 Empathizers see them as insensitive and boring.

Empathizers like to get to know their colleagues.  Their enjoyment comes from working with others.  Relationships are seen as an integral part of the work.

Producers see them as touchy-feely and overly sensitive. 

 ¬ Implementers 

Visionaries are motivated by the possibility of creating a better future.  They are interested in formulating long-range plans and exploring new possibilities. 

Implementers see them as out-of-touch and impractical. 

Implementers are motivated by the desire for current work to be done properly.  They want to be sure that details are taken care of and immediate problems are solved.

Visionaries see them as short-sighted and unable to think strategically. 

 ¬ Movers

Planners want to have well-thought-out plans for solving a problem or implementing a project.  They like to assess costs and benefits, anticipate issues, and develop back-up plans before taking action.

Movers see them as slow and overly cautious.

Movers want to take immediate action when confronted with a problem or a project.  They like to quickly implement solutions, learn from the results, and make corrections as needed. 

Planners see them as rushed and impulsive. 

¬ Independents

Controllers want to be sure that everything happens as expected  and that people do what they should.  They like to direct the actions of others.

Independents see them as autocratic and power-hungry.

Independents like to work on their own without interference.  They want to understand the goal to be achieved, then be left alone to accomplish it. 

Controllers see them as resistant and uncommunicative. 

¬ Adapters

Organizers are good at bringing order out of chaos and creating policies, procedures, and systems.  They feel most comfortable working in situations where the structure and expectations are clear. 

Adapters see them as obsessive and uptight.

Adapters are good at adjusting to change and quickly shifting direction when necessary.  They prefer working in an environment that is not highly structured and allows flexibility.

Organizers see them as disorganized and careless.

¬  Traditionalists

Innovators enjoy coming up with new ideas and finding ways to improve products and processes.  They find change stimulating and interesting.  They like working where creativity is encouraged.

Traditionalists see them as flighty and unrealistic.

Traditionalists value time-tested methods and approaches.  They like to find a process or solution that works and stick with it.  They value stability, predictability, and consistency.

Innovators see them as unimaginative and dull.