My innovation work over the past two decades has shown me that the most effective organizations have a good balance of complementary styles. I call this “playing with a full deck.”
Why is this important?
Because opposites don’t attract. As a result, organizations naturally homogenize around one particular style.
As it turns out, you, as an individual, can also play with a full deck.
Your Strong Suit Isn’t Your Only Suit
Although I usually suggest that you play to your strong suit, that is, do what you do best, it is useful to recognize that everyone has a mix of four styles within them. We can call on them at various times when needed.
This allows us, as individuals, to be whole and integrated.
The styles, at a high level, are:
- Analytical/logical, Spades
- Creative/experiential, Diamonds
- Results-oriented/organized, Clubs
- Emotional/relationship-oriented, Hearts
Your Internal Board of Directors
Consider that inside of us, we have our own Board of Directors. And each style is represented on this Board.
The Chairman of the Board is your strong suit.
However, even though one style is sitting at the head of the table, it does not mean that you cannot tap into the power of each.
For me, although I am naturally creative, a Diamond, when I am under stress, my intellect, Spade, runs the show and takes over as Chairman of my Board.
But I try to make a concerted effort to utilize all aspects of my personality.
Checking In With Hearts
For example, I set aside time to nurture and check in on my emotional side, Hearts.
I reflect upon how I am feeling. I look to see what I may need. If I have something bothering me emotionally, and I do not address it, my work will definitely be impacted.
It may not show up immediately. But eventually, it affects how I think, how I interact with others, and how much energy I have for the things that matter.
Checking In With Spades
The same is true with my intellect, Spades.
I check to make sure there are not any worrying thoughts lingering in my mind.
Am I feeling skeptical? Are others challenging my intelligence? What am I thinking? Is there something unresolved that is taking up more mental space than it should?
I carry a notebook not just to capture creative thoughts, but also to document thoughts or concerns that need to be handled. Sometimes simply writing something down is enough to stop it from bouncing around in my head.
Checking In With Clubs
Even though I often fight it, there is a part of me that likes to get things done, Clubs.
I look at what I want to accomplish. What are my goals? Am I doing what I want to do? Am I accomplishing what I want to accomplish?
Even though I am naturally not inclined to set goals, hey, I’m the author of Goal-Free Living, I still look at where I am and where I am going, without attachment.
It is less about forcing myself into a rigid plan and more about making sure I am not drifting away from the things that matter to me.
Checking In With Diamonds
And of course, I check in with my creative side, Diamonds.
This is my natural expression when I am not under stress.
What am I doing to tap into my inner wisdom? Am I leveraging my creative energies? Am I serving my higher purpose?
For me, this often means creating space to think, wander, explore, or make connections that may not seem obvious at first. It is easy to let this side get squeezed out when life gets busy, even though it is often the part of me that brings the most energy and meaning to my work.
What Happens When We Ignore a Suit
Everyone has each personality aspect residing within them. And ignoring any one of them at some point will have consequences.
If I do not process concerns that a given part of my personality has, it will start to fester and eventually impact all areas of my life.
Even if you are primarily intellectual, if something is bothering you emotionally, for example in your personal life, it will impact everything else.
And the reverse is true as well. Someone who is highly relational may still need structure. Someone who is highly organized may need more room for creativity. Someone who is naturally creative may need to deal with the practical realities they would rather avoid.
A Daily Check-In
Therefore, consider checking in daily to determine how you are doing in each of these different areas so you can take appropriate corrective action.
Also, look to see how each area of your personality can contribute. If you are inclined to be intellectual, see how your emotions and creative side can contribute to your work.
And as you go through this process, consider the people in your life. The people who can contribute to you and fill in your hand with skills that you lack, or take over when you lack the interest.
Taking just 5 or 10 minutes each day to check in can ensure that you are nurturing all facets of your personality.
This can have a huge impact on your day, your work, and your life as a whole.