How do personality assessments integrate with EOS Issue Solving Tracks for more effective resolution?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Integrating personality assessments into EOS Issue Solving Tracks provides invaluable insights, transforming problem resolution from a potentially contentious process into a highly collaborative and efficient one. The 'Identify, Discuss, Solve' , IDS, framework relies heavily on open communication and diverse perspectives. However, personality differences can inadvertently create friction or blind spots during this process.

Consider an 'Identify' phase: a leader with a high Kolbe A Fact Finder might insist on extensive data before acknowledging an issue, while a high Quick Start might want to jump straight to solutions. A leader with a high DISC 'S' style might avoid confronting issues directly to maintain harmony, whereas a 'D' style might be too blunt, shutting down discussion.

ACDC's leader to leader use guides, informed by Kolbe, DISC, StrengthsFinder, and Culture Index, offer strategies for navigating these dynamics. For the 'Discuss' phase, understanding that a team member with a StrengthsFinder 'Input' theme needs to share more context, or that a 'Relator' needs reassurance, allows for more inclusive and productive dialogue. It helps teams recognize that different processing styles are not resistance, but inherent approaches.

In the 'Solve' phase, personality insights ensure solutions are robust and well executed. A leader with strong 'Arranger' or 'Discipline' themes, from StrengthsFinder, might excel at structuring the action plan. Conversely, a leader who naturally favors innovation, like a high Kolbe A Quick Start, might generate many ideas but struggle with the detailed implementation. The use guides empower leaders to leverage their natural strengths, and also to recognize when they need to lean on a colleague with complementary traits for parts of the IDS process. This integration moves beyond simply solving issues, to building a more resilient and self aware problem solving team.