DISCASIAPLUS
Discover Your Role: How Knowing Your Team Role Can Boost Your Career
An Exclusive Interview with an Expert on the “Planner” Role
When it comes to achieving team success and personal career growth, understanding your unique role in a team is crucial. DISCAsiaPlus’s 19 Team Roles model provides a comprehensive framework for identifying individual strengths and contributions within a team. Today, we’re diving deep into one of these roles—the “Planner”—with insights from team development expert, Dr. Shermeen Tan (fictitious). With years of experience in organizational psychology and leadership coaching, Dr. Tan helps individuals and teams harness their potential through role clarity and self-awareness.
Interviewer: Dr. Tan, thank you for joining us. To start, can you tell us what makes the Planner role so essential in a team?
Dr. Tan: Thank you for having me! The Planner role is indispensable because it serves as the foundation of stability and long-term success in a team. Planners are the people who focus on structure, organization, and thorough preparation. They bring a sense of calm and control to a team, especially in fast-paced or high-pressure environments. Their commitment to stability and safety ensures that the team doesn’t overlook important details while pursuing ambitious goals.
Interviewer: That’s fascinating. Could you elaborate on the acrostic “SAFE” that represents the Planner role?
Dr. Tan: Of course! The “SAFE” acrostic captures the core attributes of a Planner:
- Stability and safety before results: Planners prioritize creating a stable environment where risks are minimized. They believe that sustainable success is built on a foundation of careful planning and risk management.
- Always strives for improvements: Planners are constantly looking for ways to optimize processes and systems. They are not satisfied with “good enough” and strive for continuous improvement.
- Facts and figures before decisions: Planners are analytical by nature. They rely on data, evidence, and logical reasoning to make informed decisions, which helps avoid impulsive or poorly thought-out actions.
- Efficient and loyal: Planners are both task-focused and people-oriented. They work efficiently to achieve results while remaining loyal to the team’s goals and values.
Interviewer: How can someone who identifies as a Planner leverage these traits for personal career growth?
Dr. Tan: Planners have a unique advantage because their skills are highly transferable across roles and industries. Here’s how they can capitalize on their strengths:
- Build a reputation for reliability: Planners are known for their consistency and dependability. By consistently delivering high-quality work, they can position themselves as indispensable team members and leaders.
- Emphasize their data-driven approach: In today’s workplace, data is king. Planners’ reliance on facts and figures makes them valuable in roles that require analytical thinking and strategic decision-making.
- Lead process improvements: Planners’ focus on efficiency and improvement enables them to stand out in roles where streamlining processes and optimizing performance are critical.
- Stay adaptable: While Planners value stability, embracing change and innovation can broaden their career opportunities and help them navigate dynamic work environments.
Interviewer: What challenges do Planners face in teams, and how can they overcome them?
Dr. Tan: One challenge Planners often face is being perceived as overly cautious or resistant to change. Because they prioritize safety and data, they may appear hesitant when others want to take bold risks. To overcome this, Planners should:
- Communicate their reasoning: Explaining why they prefer a cautious approach can help the team understand their perspective.
- Balance caution with openness: While it’s important to highlight potential risks, Planners should also be open to innovative ideas and calculated risks.
- Collaborate with complementary roles: Working closely with more risk-tolerant roles, like the Activist or Opportunist, can create a balanced dynamic that combines caution with creativity.
Interviewer: How does the Planner role contribute to overall team success?
Dr. Tan: The Planner’s contributions are immense. They ensure that the team operates efficiently, adheres to timelines, and avoids unnecessary risks. By focusing on details, Planners help prevent costly mistakes and ensure that the team’s efforts align with long-term goals. Their loyalty and commitment to improvement also create a sense of trust and dependability within the team.
Interviewer: What advice would you give to someone who wants to identify their role within the 19-role model?
Dr. Tan: I’d encourage them to start by reflecting on their natural tendencies and behaviours in a team setting. Are you someone who thrives on structure, like a Planner? Or do you excel at motivating others, like a Promoter? Taking an assessment based on the 19-role model can provide clarity and help individuals understand how their strengths align with specific roles. Once you’ve identified your role, embrace it fully and look for ways to maximize your impact.
Interviewer: Finally, what’s one key takeaway you’d like readers to remember about the Planner role?
Dr. Tan: The Planner role reminds us that stability and preparation are the cornerstones of success. While it’s exciting to chase big ideas and bold goals, it’s the steady and thoughtful work of Planners that ensures those goals are achieved sustainably. If you identify as a Planner, know that your contributions are invaluable—and by leveraging your strengths, you can build a thriving career while making a lasting impact on your team.
Conclusion:
The Planner role is a testament to the importance of structure, stability, and continuous improvement in any team. By understanding your unique strengths and aligning them with your career goals, you can unlock your full potential and contribute meaningfully to your team’s success. Ready to discover your role? Explore the 19-role model and take the first step toward a more fulfilling career today!
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