Two Types of Team Members

Have you ever noticed that there are generally two types of people operating within your team?

First, there is the “Processes and Systems” people– who understands how to effectively navigate throughout the organization based on an understanding and clear adherence to following proper protocols and trajectories in which the organization has deemed as being the proper way of doing business.

Second, there are the “Other People”. The other people generally do not understand how to navigate through the company’s vast number of systems and processes, but they generally have a natural gift for understanding people, are easy to be around, and are generally tuned in to things going on around them.

Neither, of these two types of team members are better than the other. The important thing is to understand them, and the strengths and weaknesses that each of them possess. In order to have a well-rounded team, I would suggest that both types of team members are a part of your team.

Process People

Your knowledge of the processes and systems that you work in everyday is where you gather comfort. You know exactly where to go, what to do, and what the process is on virtually every aspect of the company. You take pride in knowing, and helping others navigate the systems successfully.

Don’t be defined solely on your knowledge of the company’s systems. Work on your soft skills, and don’t be afraid of change. Eventually, processes and systems change, so don’t get your worth on how to navigate them, but instead understanding that these are just tools, and that some tools do not transfer to other jobs or positions.

Other People

You understand the art and science of people. You are able to talk with most anyone, about nearly any subject. You take pride in developing relationships with those you work with.

Don’t be lazy and fail to understand the company’s systems, and procedures. Know that your colleagues get frustrated with you, because you don’t know how to navigate through the easiest of processes, and just because you were successful at another company or in a different position doesn’t mean that you are going to be successful in your current role if you do not take the time to learn things for yourself.

Closing

Teamwork is tough. There are a number of different personalities, and varying personal values amongst most of our teams. This diversity, even though we don’t always agree with one another allows us to come together offering different perspectives to the team.

Whether you are a “Process Person” or the “Other Person” – know that both groups of people are incredibly valuable to a team’s success. The beauty is knowing who we are, and where we fit into that team. As we become more in tuned to who we are, and our idiosyncrasies we are able to compensate in areas we are not naturally strong at.