Getting to the Root of Behavioral Discord to Improve Productivity

CLIENT

Deputy Director | Large State Agency   

TOP-LINE SUMMARY

A Director for a large state agency was frustrated with one of her direct reports. Although this employee was getting the job done, his methods were a constant source of frustration – to the point that she questioned her ability to continue working with him and his long term success at the agency.  

CLIENT CHALLENGES / PAIN POINTS

The Director felt unable to work with her employee productively. To salvage the situation – and avoid her employee’s termination - the Director opted to engage outside help to manage and correct the issues – which led her to TyAnn.

TYANN’S SOLUTION  

To understand the challenge and grasp the core of the problem, TyAnn worked with each person individually to gain a clear picture of the situation from both sides. Her process included a thorough analysis of each person’s strengths, which led to discovering the root problem: clashing communication styles. 

The Director had a matter-of-fact style and responded to scheduled meetings, detailed agendas, well-thought-through proposals, and complete work. She preferred structure, processes, and ideas ready for implementation. However, the employee had a creative and spontaneous communication style. He liked to brainstorm with others rather than work independently, and he presented many different ideas as possibilities, devoid of details and direction. 

TyAnn’s coaching helped them understand and respect the other’s communication style and move forward with an improved working relationship. Both were able to develop an appreciation of the strengths of what each person had to offer, as well as how each person needed to receive information. The Director adjusted her management style based on TyAnn’s coaching, the employee adjusted how he presented ideas and work products, and the relationships and productivity of the entire department improved.

CONCLUSION

TyAnn’s coaching gave the Director clarity around her management style, clearly articulating her needs, and the tools to work productively with different team personalities.