By Bill Mason, Rocket Fuel Coach
Sometimes the teammates we rely on most hit unexpected “basement” moments—yet with the right support, their greatest strengths can shine even brighter.
Unlocking Your Co-worker’s Consistency Power
Do you have a co-worker who’s usually calm, reliable, and all about fairness, but every now and then, they seem to hit a wall? I’ve got one on my team who is usually the backbone of consistency, ensuring processes run smoothly and everyone is treated fairly. But recently, when faced with an unexpected change, they became frustrated and rigid, unable to adjust. It was like watching someone with a deep commitment to fairness stuck in the basement of resistance! This is a classic case of “basement” behaviors for someone with the Consistency strength. When things don’t go according to plan, they can become overly focused on maintaining the status quo and struggle to adapt. But at their core, they have an amazing ability to bring structure, reliability and fairness to any situation.
How can we help them get back to their “balcony” and thrive?
- Acknowledge Their Strengths – Remind them of how their consistency has positively impacted the team and how valuable their reliable nature is in maintaining stability.
- Encourage Flexibility – Help them see that change doesn’t have to disrupt fairness. Encourage them to find ways to maintain fairness even in shifting circumstances.
- Provide Clear Expectations – Give them a clear framework for changes or new processes. Knowing the “rules” can help them feel comfortable adapting without losing their sense of fairness.
Unlocking Your Co-worker’s Context Superpower
Do you have a co-worker who’s usually great at connecting the dots and understanding how the past shapes the present, but every now and then, they seem lost in the details? I’ve got one on my team who typically excels at bringing historical context into conversations, but recently, when the team was faced with a new challenge, they couldn’t stop reflecting on past failures. It was like watching someone with a deep understanding of history stuck in the basement of overthinking!
This is a classic case of “basement” behaviors for someone with the Context strength. When they get too focused on the past, they can become stuck in what went wrong instead of moving forward. But at their core, they have an amazing ability to use history as a guide, providing valuable lessons and insights for the present.
How can we help them get back to their “balcony” and thrive?
- Frame the Present with Purpose – Encourage them to connect past lessons to current opportunities. Help them see how history can inform progress without holding them back.
- Create a Learning Environment – Invite them to share historical insights in a way that inspires action. This gives them the chance to provide value without getting stuck in analysis.
- Celebrate Their Knowledge – Acknowledge how their perspective enhances decision-making. Recognizing their ability to bring wisdom into the team can help them feel more confident in applying it productively.
No matter the strength—Consistency or Context—we all win when we help our teammates rise to their best selves. Stay strong, keep learning and keep lifting one another higher.
rocketfuelcoach.com | (850) 855-3430 | bill@rocketfuelcoach.com
