Unleash the Power of Conative Data for Your Small Business

Small business owners are continually juggling tasks and managing personalities.  Conflicts arise whether we like them or not; team leaders and members inadvertently cause disruptions to productivity and damage morale.  But what if you could understand why they’re clashing based on their natural need to take action in a certain way? That’s where Conative Wisdom comes in.

New Ideas Versus What We Have Always Done

Kolbe doesn’t focus on personality traits or feelings; it zeroes in on conation—how we instinctively solve problems and get things done. Understanding your team’s Kolbe Action Modes (Fact Finder, Follow Thru, Quick Start, Implementor) can shed light on the root causes of conflict and guide you toward effective resolutions.

Common Conflict Scenarios Through a Kolbe Lens:

• The “Analysis Paralysis” vs. “Leap of Faith” Clash:
  • A high Fact Finder meticulously researches every detail before making a decision, while a high Quick Start jumps in with an innovative idea. This can lead to frustration, with the Fact Finder seeing the Quick Start as reckless and the Quick Start viewing the Fact Finder as slow and indecisive.
  • Resolution: Value both perspectives within the context of the goal or project.
    The Quick Start brings needed energy and new ideas, while the Fact Finder ensures solid grounding. Guide them to leverage each other’s strengths. The Fact Finder can help the Quick Start refine their ideas with data, and the Quick Start can help the Fact Finder overcome analysis paralysis by setting realistic deadlines.
• The “Chaos Creator” vs. “Order Keeper” Tug-of-War:
  • A high Follow Thru thrives on structure and predictable systems, while a high Quick Start prefers flexibility and breaking the rules. This can result in the Follow Thru feeling frustrated by the Quick Start’s perceived chaos, while the Quick Start feels stifled by the Follow Thru’s rigidness.
  • Resolution: Define clear integration of these values for the goal or project.
    Allow the Follow Thru to manage established processes and systems while empowering the Quick Start to brainstorm new solutions and suggest improvements. Establish agreed-upon boundaries and communication protocols.
• The “Idea Generator” vs. “Executioner” Bottleneck:
  • A high Quick Start is bursting with new ideas that provide opportunity but struggles with implementation. In contrast, a high Implementor prefers tangible tasks and hands-on creation of quality outcomes. The Quick Start might feel held back by the Implementor’s slower pace, while the Implementor feels overwhelmed by the constant influx of new options without proper execution.
  • Resolution: Create a clear system for evaluating and prioritizing new ideas.
    Let the Quick Start focus on generating concepts while the Implementor takes ownership of execution. Break projects into smaller, manageable steps and assign clear deadlines. Provide the Implementor with the resources and support they need to bring Quick Start’s ideas to life.

Using Kolbe to Resolve Conflicts

• Assess your team’s Kolbe A™ Index results: Knowing each person’s Action Modes is crucial.
• Identify the underlying conative differences: Is the conflict stemming from a difference in how they prefer to approach tasks or solve problems?
• Facilitate open communication: Help team members understand each other’s perspectives and appreciate the value of their different approaches.
• Encourage collaboration based on strengths: Assign tasks that leverage each individual’s natural abilities and preferences.
• Create a culture of appreciation: Foster an environment where everyone feels valued for their unique contributions.

Embracing Conative Wisdom

• Learn to do more than tolerate new ideas and opportunities that seem to threaten productivity.
  • Instead, utilize the Quick Starts need to explore ideas as a jump-start to accelerate progress toward growth goals.
  • Tap in to, not out of, the Quick Starts talent; their need to solve problems through ideas and opportunities.
• Now, you can avoid the entanglements of problem-solving methods and overcome conflict, so you don’t miss a step in your timeline to success.
• Resolve immediate issues and build a stronger, more collaborative, and ultimately a more successful small business.
• Stop managing feelings and start understanding action – your team will thank you!

Call to Action:

Are you ready to understand the power of your team’s strengths? It is important to have a Certified Kolbe Consultant guide the interpretation of this data to attract, engage, and develop your team so you can grow and exit on your terms.

Maria Forbes is a 12-year Certified Kolbe Consultant and Copper Circle Member. Please send an email to schedule a consultation with Maria

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