Tips for Leading People Who Process Differently
I have always been a verbal processor. I do my best thinking when I can “talk it through” with someone. But when I first began leading people in the corporate world, I learned that not everyone was that way. Now, I find it to be one of the hottest topics when I am coaching executives or teaching students in the college classroom.
Some people like to “talk it out” and find it easy to contribute in meetings and others need time to internally process and tend to be more quiet in a group setting. Creating a culture of shared thinking where everyone’s voice is heard is important in leadership, but can be challenging to navigate given the dynamics of different styles.
Here are some tips that can help.
1️. Create a Balanced Environment:
Encourage a mix of verbal and written contributions. Provide opportunities for team members to express themselves in a way that suits their style.
2️. Offer Pre-Meeting Materials:
Distribute agendas or relevant documents in advance. This allows internal processors to digest information and prepare beforehand, ensuring their insights are well-formulated.
3️. Check-In Individually:
After meetings, take the time to connect one-on-one with team members. This provides a platform for those who may need a quieter space to share their thoughts.
4️. Foster Inclusivity:
Ensure everyone's voice is heard. Encourage feedback from all team members, creating an environment where different processing styles are valued. I’ve actually incorporated this into the college class I’m teaching. When the students break into groups, I equip and assign one person in each cluster who has the responsibility of making sure everyone has an opportunity to weigh in.
It is important that leaders bring out the best in others, and recognizing and respecting diverse processing styles is a critical step toward achieving that goal. And when you do this well, it will not only help everyone to feel valued, it will create a more cohesive team that creates more effective solutions.
I encourage you to reflect on what you can do to engage people with different processing styles and then try something new. As you continue to hone this skill, I’m confident you will up-level your leadership.