“A single conversation with a wise man is better than ten years of study”
- Chinese Proverb

Research shows people are hard-wired to distinct career patterns

The business school at the University of Southern California has conducted research showing that people are more or less hard wired to have different concepts of career success and there are four distinct patterns.

DRIVER (Linear pattern)
These people are naturally motivated to move up the traditional corporate ladder. They value power and achievement.

PROMOTER (Roamer pattern)
They define success by changing jobs often, perhaps every two to three years and may move on to jobs unrelated to previous experience. Promoters are motivated by variety and independence, not by security.

SUPPORTER (Spiral pattern)
These people aspire to broaden their careers by moving every five to ten years to a position that builds on a previous position. Supporters value growth and creativity.

ADMINISTRATOR (Expert pattern)
Rather than climb a career ladder, the expert wants to become known as an authority or the best in a selected field or craft. Administrators tend to seek training and on the job experiences that deepen their expertise.

What each style contributes to the team

Each style is vital to the effective interaction and accomplishment of the team. Each team member needs to be able to recognise and respect the strengths and weaknesses of each other. Let someone else excel in an area they’re good at and you’re not.

At the firing range ….

DRIVERS - “READY… FIRE…. AIM”
Drivers decide what they want to do…then they do it…then they check to see if it was the right thing to do or not.

PROMOTERS - “READY….AIM…..TALK”
Promoters decide what they want to do…then check to see if it’s the right thing to do…then talk about it.

SUPPORTERS - “READY…READY….READY”
Supporters try to decide what to do and then they try deciding to decide what to do as they don’t want to offend anyone in the process.

ADMINISTRATORS - “READY…..AIM….AIM….AIM”
Administrators decide what to do, but once they settle on a course of action they check, double check and triple check their plan.

Myprofile helps NZ rugby referees

Myprofile is being used by NZ Rugby Referees in their coaching course to assist in understanding their own personality style and how it impacts on the way they control matches and resolve conflict.

For the last few years Myprofile’s co-founder Dr. Ilan Kogus has been working with the referees and has established Myprofile as part of the ongoing education and professional training provided to New Zealand Rugby referees.

It’s obviously working, as New Zealand referees are amongst the best in the world.

Some fun with animal personalities

Dobermans are DRIVERS. Say the wrong thing to this dog and it will bite your head off! As long as it is fed and kept in a good environment a Doberman seems pleasant enough. However cross him or challenge his environment then his true aggressive nature comes out. Dobermans function best when faced with a big challenge like attacking a burglar. Big bark, big bite.
PROMOTERS are Puppies. They like to play and find it difficult to get serious about anything. They respond to praise and recognition. Speak kindly and their tails wag with happiness. They are most content when having fun and interacting with people, especially when being patted and stroked.
SUPPORTERS are Cats. Cats move around at a leisurely pace. They find a few spots where they feel most comfortable and retreat there to relax. They like their own familiar territory. They like to be stroked and are wary of any surprises. They stay out of the way and avoid conflict. They love being appreciated and purr when stroked.
ADMINISTRATORS are tropical fish. They swim from side to side in their aquarium, checking everything out. They seem to enjoy making sure everything is OK from side to side and top to bottom. They check each rock and every ornament in the tank. And when finished start all over again. Fish are curious by nature; they function best when the environment is exactly to their liking.