Using Psychology In Your Business
By Barton Goldsmith, Ph.D.

Business leaders have used a multitude of tactics and techniques to motivate, activate, stimulate, encourage, revitalize, and inspire their teams. Unfortunately much of what is still used in today's workplace is yesterday's technology. Take for example the Myers-Briggs and DISC personality type indicators, they are both over 50 years old! In addition, most managers don't have the psychological training necessary to utilize the information gained from these antiquated assessment tools. Leaders require more up to date information that can actually be put to use.

If you really look at how your business uses the "oldies" you will see that most team members kinda shrug off the information about their personalities. What they really need and want is recognition and a pleasant working environment so they can enjoy what they're doing. The number one reason people leave their jobs is because they don't get along with their boss. Though these tests do give some information into the underlying psychological nuances of team members, they are really more of a curiosity than a team building tool for today's businesses.

There are more current personality indicators that can be accessed on the web at no cost. But the question remains; is it personality or personal responsibility that makes a great team member or leader? Most psychological indicators can tell you how you think, but can they tell you how to "Think like a leader"?

There is an upside to not thinking like a leader. If everyone did, you'd have no one working for you. Instead they'd be competition. In order to get the most out of a team member and also be able to keep them, there are a couple of facts that will help you. First, remember that recognition is the number one motivator of human beings. The handshake in front of other people (especially management) and the hand written thank you note are just of couple of the ways you can boost your team morale and your bottom line.

Next, if you manage like Attila the Hun, your team members will never go the extra mile. They will dread coming into work and they won't be inspired to think about how to make your business or department excel. Instead they will be filling out applications on line and spend the time you are paying them for trying to get on the next "Apprentice".

Being nice may sound namby-pamby but the real truth is that every time you put out a little positive energy it comes back to you. Sadly, I have seen very successful companies go under because the CEO was unwilling to simply compliment his or her staff members.

So take a lesson from those who have failed, learn from their mistakes and learn how to motivate your team with solid psychology. My essays are used by a number of colleges and universities in their management classes and whenever I am asked to comment, I always say that today's top leaders have the equivalent of a Masters Degree in Business and a Doctorate in Psychology.

If you are interested in learning about the work styles of your current, new and prospective hires, and learn more about their team playing capabilities, have them take the Goldsmith Innovation/Implementation Index (G3i) at www.BartonGoldsmith.com. It's free, fun and you will actually learn if your teams are balanced with thinkers and doers.

"If you looking to further your education in the business and psychology world, a masters in applied psychology is a great route to take for learning about these subjects on a higher level."

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