Lifestyles Inventory Complex

Lifestyles Inventory

My LSI Styles Circumplex

GM 534

July, 2007

Part 1: Personal Thinking Styles

"Primary" and "Backup" Thinking Styles:

According to my LSI Styles Circumplex (chart 1), I have two primary thinking styles - affiliative, in the 2 o'clock position, and achievement, in the 11 o'clock position. Both scored equally on the assessment, and reflect styles that are strongly descriptive of me.

The affiliative scale measures a degree of commitment to forming and sustaining satisfying relationships.1 This is an accurate description of how I try and live my life. Ever since I was a young adult, and realized the value of a good friendship, I have tried to develop strong relationships with coworkers, clients, and new acquaintances when possible. The joy that I have experienced through developing a close friendship or through a very amicable working relationship with a client or coworker has reaffirmed my commitment to seek more or such relationships in my life - be it with a neighbor, the teacher at my kid's school, the auto mechanic or a new client at my job.

The second primary thinking style I exhibit is achievement. This scale measures a way of thinking that is highly associated with personal effectiveness. Scores for this style indicate an interest in, as well as a proficiency at, attaining high-quality results on challenging projects.2 I have to agree wholeheartedly with this assessment as well because I am very much a person that finds work to be very rewarding, be it housework or taking care of my family, or working with a customer at my job. I am very much a "multi-tasker" that juggles several activities at the same time in order to complete work on a timely basis.

The next highest score on the Circumplex, in the 8 o'clock position, is power and it represents my "backup" thinking style. This style is characterized by a need for power and control, and a tendency to dictate the actions of others.3 I do confess, this style is an accurate assessment of me to some degree and one that I am aware of and would like to change. While I realize that dictating a task is not the best way to communicate with family or employees, I sometimes feel short on time and end up falling back on this style when guidance is taking too long.

"Limiting" Thinking Style:

Although I stated above that power is a style that I need to work on improving, oppositional is a style that needs work as well.

The oppositional scale measures a tendency to use the defensive and aggressive strategy of disagreeing with others, and to seek attention by being critical and cynical. 4 While the wording of this description is a bit strong for my personality, I can see that I am sometimes critical, even judgmental of a situation which in turn provides a very cynical view overall. In fact, the traits that describe an oppositional person include "the ability to ask tough, probing questions," "a need to look for flaws in everything," and "a sarcastic sense of humor."5 If I am honest with myself, I admit that I can exhibit these traits at certain times. I want to know the background of an issue and would like the outcome to be positive in the end and so I look for flaws and ask hard questions to determine where change needs to be made. This may make people uncomfortable and less willing to provide information the next time a problem occurs.

Part II: Impact on Management Style

Of the four functions of management - planning, organizing, leading & controlling - I'd have to say that leading is my weaker area and controlling is my strongest.

Leading: my secondary skill of power negatively impacts this managerial function. While I truly foster the development of good relationships with my employees, I tend to look for the bottom line very quickly and resort to dictating a task rather than wait for the employee (or my kids ;) to come around and see the way on their own.

I encourage my employees to work with me on developing plans for growth of our territory and I attempt to motivate with positive words, praise and rewards but sometimes I become frustrated at the length of time that is needed to accomplish the goals and begin dictating the steps to take instead.

Planning: I have an easy time setting goals, defining performance objectives and setting specific actions needed to achieve them, both for my self and my employees. The achievement style assists me here because managers that achieve often lead by example, and employees often wish to emulate their boss's actions. I enjoy the planning process and watching the results roll in over time.

Organizing: Organizing and planning go hand in hand. Without an effective organization system, plans cannot easily be achieved. Power is likely the style that assists me with organization because of the need to determine how to get tasks done in an organized manner on a timely basis. While I stated before that power is a hindrance to my management skills, in some ways it can be a benefit as well.

Controlling: The affiliative, achievement and power LSI styles indicate controlling as my strongest management trait. I am a person that enjoys my job, enjoys guiding people and developing their personal skills, and enjoys seeing the team succeed. I have a strong desire for achievement and believe it can best be accomplished through good relationships, and effective planning & organization. As I have stated several times already, the styles that help me as a manger also hinder me to some degree