The Resisting combination consists of high Prudence (HPI), Leisurely (HDS), Cautious (HDS), Diligent (HDS), Security (MVPI) and low Inquisitive (HPI). From a values perspective, this combination thrives on environments that have stability. Individuals who have this combination seek structure and formality in the way they approach different situations and tasks and prefer well planned out initiatives that have a clear beginning, middle and end. Individuals with this pattern of scores may also appear controlling and, at the extreme end, may seem to others as being rigid and somewhat inflexible. They may also be slow to adapt to new changes due to a fear of failure. As you can imagine, they may find it difficult to manage as their tendency to worry about change, as they perceive change as a threat to the tried and true methods they are used to. They also become quite cautious when it comes to the acceptance of new ideas and experiences.
While cooperative on the surface, this combination likely will lack follow through if the change or request does not fit within their agenda. They may also be inflexible and reluctant to change as they likely view their method as the best method. One coaching starting point would be to help them to Start being more mindful of the big picture and open to taking a different direction or stance on a task or project. One way to help them do this is to have them pull out their current list of projects or objectives. Determine which project or task they would be willing to try out a few different ways to approach the outcome or solution. Then have them map out different ways. Was there a different outcome? After this exercise, encourage them to work with a colleague on a project or task that is coming up soon. Instead of them taking the lead on mapping out the solution, have them let the other person guide the project. This will help them to not only collaborate with others but it will help them to see alternative ways of doing things. Remember this will be quite uncomfortable for them in the beginning but the more they are able to “let go” and see different approaches that lead to the same outcome, the more open they will become over time.
Individuals who have this combination sometimes find it hard to move forward on certain initiatives due to their fear of failure and stop and stall tendency; they often tend to want to focus on their agenda and consider their goals a priority. As such, one thing they should Stop doing is procrastinating and assuming failure or criticism is going to happen. One way to approach could be to create a priority list. What are their typical agenda items that they put off and which ones need to be addressed sooner? Given their resisting nature, why are they putting off such tasks? When they create their priority list, discuss with them these questions so you can get a better understanding as to their typical pattern of resisting. Also, dig deeper to better understand what is triggering their Leisurely and what is triggering their Cautious. Determine what tasks they are placing the most value on, whose priority it is, where it should be adjusted. By doing this you will help them to see what they are spending too much time on, where they are procrastinating and stalling, and determine what needs to be adjusted.
Lastly, these individuals are quite detail oriented and agenda-driven. As such, they should Continue to be mindful of the details and plan accordingly as long as it doesn’t slow down their overall goal. They should also Continue to keep their high standards but make sure they leave room so they can be flexible when the time calls for it, especially during times of change. One tip could be to have them keep a tally of the different approaches they are trying out from the coaching tips above so they can visually see their growth and movement towards being more open and accepting of change.
