Characteristics of an Operator
Natural Strengths
- Cooperative
- Pragmatic
- Stable
- Thorough
Common Drivers
- Reassurance
- Opportunities to work with facts
- Understanding of rules and structure
- Freedom from unchanging priorities
Caution Areas
- Can be highly task-focused
- Often overly cautious
- Uncomfortable with ambiguity
- Needs a plan to follow
The Operator on a team
Operators are cooperative team players. They’re known to be relaxed, informal, and responsive. They thrive in and help contribute to a culture of stability. Teams are often designed by default rather than intention. A strategic, data-driven approach to building teams is what helps organizations win.
Learn moreManaging an Operator
Often managers try to manage everyone the same way—and that’s usually the way they like to be managed. But this approach can backfire. People like to be managed differently—and it may not always be in a way that comes naturally to you. Even beyond the individual needs, teams require different leadership styles. You wouldn’t manage a sales team the same way you’d manage a team of developers.
When working with Operators, remember that they’re affable, approachable, accommodating, and detail-oriented. They have a high tolerance for systematic or repetitive work and are more comfortable with familiar people. Operators are also respectful and accepting of others’ decisions. When managing this profile, consider some of the following suggestions:
Ensure freedom from individual competition.
- Provide a plan for them to follow and clear direction.
- Allow them to do systematic work.
- Help them learn through repetition.
- Provide consistent and dependable support.
- Build a stable environment.
