Just as coins have a heads and a tails, so also you have
two primary capabilities you use in your profession: the ability to relate to people
and the ability to do your work. Each of these has their own approach, from
which you demonstrate your own style. While you can do both, you have a
proclivity for one over the other. The problem comes when you use the behavior for
one and apply it to a situation of the other.

For instance, if you’re a task person, you are efficient,
always looking for ways to do things quicker and with higher quality. You
measure achievement by how much you got through your checklist. These are all
good.

But when you apply those same behaviors when interacting
with others, you come across as cold, aloof, uncaring and only interested in
what you want, showing little interest in how it affects others. You are
accused of breaking people’s spirit with your actions. Why? Because being
task-focused compels you to keep interactions short and to the point. No chit
chat, no time to discuss anything but what is necessary.

If you’re a people person, you are attuned to people’s
feelings, assessing if they are engaged and how to motivate them. You are
successful when others are energized to work together. Again, all good.

But if you apply these behaviors to a task environment,
you appear unfocused, undisciplined and unproductive. You’re accused of
breaking into a sweat when there is work to be done. Why? Because being people-focused
compels you to be open to others. You can’t afford to become too focused because
you might miss something.

This week, pay attention to what is before you. Is it
something to be accomplished or someone to relate to? Your ability to make
those shifts quickly and seamlessly will serve you well.