I admit it. I’m not a Type A personality. I’m not an alpha dog. I don’t command a conversation, don’t lead the charge, don’t dominate anything I’m involved in. Being a Type B personality is an extra challenge as an officer in the military that I have on top of everything else. I have been an officer for two and a half years, and I have to share what realizations I have come to, some of them fairly recently.
I bet you never thought about what a Type B personality does when they are in a leadership position and have to manage some Type A’s. I am blessed with at least 4 Type A’s on my team right now, not to mention just about every medical provider is a Type A. The first instinct for me is PURE PANIC–throw hot coffee in their faces and RUN!!! My instinctual response includes feelings of inadequacy, unpreparedness, and a resolution of failure. So, how in the world do I survive this??
Everyone, no matter what your personality type, has a talent for something…a relevant contribution for the team. I care deeply about the team and team building. I believe that if people know how to work together, they can accomplish anything. When I first arrived at Incirlik, my initial focus was to get my face out there, associated with my role in the clinic. For this Type B, I knew that if I started with establishing a good report with people, it would make teamwork cooperation a little bit easier. This way, I get to know what motivates people, learn their unique communication styles and better yet, what causes them to withdraw. These are key elements for Type B’s if they hope to make any kind of impact in a leadership position. Of course, it is important to be genuine. A Type B’s most compelling asset is authentic sincerity.
The second thing I had to do, and quickly, I might add, was engage with the Type A’s by clearly communicating that I must be in the loop on all matters in my purview. If this is clear, it frees up the Type A’s to charge ahead, unfettered, and allow the Type B leader to maintain a semblance of order and the ability to direct. It shows respect for another’s abilities. It makes me feel like a 10-year old flying an F16. It puts me on top of the world!
I still struggle with trying to find my voice in a world where Type A personalities rule. It seems so effortless for them to command, control, conquer. It would seem like an option to just learn how to be a Type A and walk away from the woes of Type B leadership. My response to that is NO. It really does take all kinds. Imagine a world where you only have one personality type. At best, we would all be going around in circles really fast!
I enjoy working with different personalities…even when it is a challenge. It grows me as a leader, a team member, a human being. I celebrate my own personality…hooray for Type B’s!
