When interpreting profiles with all low HPI scores, you will want to discuss individuals’ strengths first. These individuals are very open to feedback and will be receptive to any information you provide. Because they will tend to focus more on the negative feedback, you will need to redirect them to think about the positive implications of their low scores. For instance, these individuals are very passionate and put a lot of emotion into their work outcomes. Due to their introspective nature, we likely will find them thinking (and sometimes worrying) about how they can improve their performance. They are also great team players, often letting others take the lead on projects while being fairly content with their own responsibilities. Their social style is one that is more behind the scenes and straightforward, but they likely will do very well in individual contributor roles or those jobs that do not require a lot of “face time.” They are very flexible and practical, they do not get distracted by external factors, and tend to tolerate mundane tasks. Given their nature to be more of a “hands on learner,” they will probably operate on using what has worked in the past when creating solutions to problems.
So what do you focus on in the coaching session? The first coaching engagement should be around managing their stress. We put a lot of focus in the beginning on managing stress because we often find that lower Adjustment typically overshadows some of the good qualities (i.e. strengths) of other lower HPI scores. These individuals, often fueled by fear, are so inwardly focused on worrying about past mistakes or potential future mistakes that we see them using a lot of their energy by worrying.
As such, there are a few tips to help them manage what they are worrying about and help them take their mind off some of the things that might be bothering them. The first outlet to “get away” from stress is physical activity. Do they go to the gym, or would they be interested in Yoga, Pilates or Zumba? Even a brisk walk each day can help these individuals take some time away from the stress. Brainstorm with them on different outlets that they would be willing to try. If exercise is not possible, look for other activities that can help get their mind off the stress, such as watching a movie or taking up an activity or hobby. We often share with lower Adjustment individuals that while we understand they’re going worry, it is our job as coaches to help them focus on what they can change and help them understand what is worth their time worrying about. Another tip is to help them think about what is important and how they can put a more positive spin on some of the issues they may be facing. We often refer to this as “worrying productively” – modifying their focus to things they can change and think about them in a more positive manner. Have them keep a journal of issues that are bothering them. Review these with them and determine if they are worth worrying about. Then discuss different ways they could translate the worries into positives. If the issue is a past mistake, have them consider how could they change the outcome. Thus, the next time they face something similar, they know how they can correct the situation so they do not have to worry about it later.
Lastly, often when people have this type of profile, they assume the worst. Emphasise that there are negatives to low (and high) scores, but more importantly there are also positives. It will be important to first point out the individuals’ strengths in relation to their job. Given their worrisome nature, they are going to want to “fix” the bad first and will likely come to the session with a “what do I need to work on?” attitude.
