Are you a “preparer,” “reactor” or a “reflector”?

Are you a “preparer”, “reactor” or a “reflector” when it comes to making decisions? I believe that people have natural preferences towards one (or two) of these states and by taking them into account, you can make better and more inclusive decisions. 

Let us say you are discussing hybrid working with your senior management team. The ‘preparers’ want to know about the topic for discussion in advance and will spend a lot of time researching the options, preparing their thoughts and arguments and coming to the meeting with a clear idea of what their contribution will be. The ‘reactors’ come up with ideas based on what is said in the meeting. They get energy from the initial ideas given by others and then can run with these and join the dots in a different way. The ‘reflectors’ might stay relatively quiet in the meeting, absorbing the ideas that come up but they have their brainwaves after a period of reflection. 

Therefore in order to be as inclusive as possible when it comes to making a final decision, you need to make sure that clear agendas are sent out in advance – giving the ‘Preparers’ the time to think about the topic in advance. During the meeting you need to acknowledge that both the ‘Preparers’ and ‘Reactors’ will be heavily involved but that you might not be hearing from those who are still reflecting. Make it clear that a final decision won’t be made in the meeting but after any further feedback has been received from the ‘Reflectors’ – setting a clear deadline by when this needs to be received. 

Although this process might feel more drawn out than you are used to, I believe it allows you to get contributions from everyone regardless of how they best process information. It plays to the strengths of all rather than forcing everyone to work in the same way – which usually just results in hearing from those who are happy to operate in the specified manner. 

Have you ever thought about your preference and those you work with when it comes to contributing in a meeting? And will you now change how your meetings are run in order to encompass the preferences of those you work with? 

Let me know your thoughts about this and whether or not you agree or have a different take.