Welcome to our five-part series, Shapes at Work. In this series, we will focus on each of the five Shapes that may represent you or one of your co-workers.

Here’s what you need to know about the Triangle Co-Worker:

The Triangle Co-Worker

This is a particularly difficult situation for many of the other Shapes since the Triangle co-worker is not in a position of authority but would like to be. Thus, the need to be in charge is not satisfied, and the Triangle may attempt to "lead" their co-workers to satisfy it.

The following is a list of challenges when working on a peer level with Triangles.

Challenge #1: “I don't have time for this...I have important work to do!” The Triangle believes that their work is more important than what you must do.

Recommendation:  Start by assuming positive intent then address the situation. This is important because if you assume that the Triangle truly believes their work is more important than everyone else's, and say as much, their response will be defensive and well defended - end of conversation. If you ignore the comment, then you "promote what you permit," allowing the Triangle to believe you agree that their work is more important. But if you respond, assuming positive intent, you could approach it like this: "I do, too - so how do you think we could work together to make sure the most important work gets done first?" This could at least cause the Triangle to pause and think about what you just said instead of defending it. It may also stimulate a conversation, instead of the Triangle dismissing it.

Challenge #2: “Just make a decision!” Triangles are impatient people. They do not respect others who seem to be indecisive or wishy-washy. At the very least, they will assume you don't know what decision to make, and they will make one for you.

Recommendation: Do not use a Triangle as a sounding board unless you are ready to hear their opinion and can quickly make a decision. Do your homework and come to the Triangle with both problems and solutions that are well thought out. Share at least two options for taking action then ask the Triangle for their opinion.

Challenge #3: “I hate to interrupt but I only have a few minutes...” Although Triangles like identifying the "1-2-3" things to solve a problem, they don't need, want, or typically have time, to hear the whole story. So, when you do have the courage to be vulnerable with the Triangle (admitting you don't yet know what to do), they tend to interrupt, rushing you to get to the point, cutting you off, and then telling you what to do. Instead of collaborating with your co-worker, you are now taking orders from them. 

Recommendation: Be direct and to the point. Acknowledge their success with "X." Tell them you are working on a project related to "X" and you want their opinion. Then say, "If we could take 30 minutes - you could help me figure out the best approach to do "XYZ." What's better for you - "tomorrow at 10am or Thursday at 2pm?" Take control, be confident, be brief, be bright, and "be gone" until your agreed upon time to discuss. "Leave the Triangle wanting more."

Challenge #4: “You can count on my support." This means it is your baby, not the Triangle's. Even though you may want the Triangle to be part of your team, they either want to be the coach, or they would prefer to be a supportive fan in the stands. Why? Because the Triangle doesn't see how it's important, why it would matter to them (the Triangle), or how it's connected to a win-win.

Recommendation: Make sure there is something in it for the Triangle. Does it support one of the company's "must win battles?" Will it gain favor with the boss? Will it give the team - and its players - a platform and a spotlight? If there's something in it for them or it's connected to the "win," you'll get more than support, you'll get a "player" and a real advocate for your cause.

Challenge #5: “It's not good timing." This is a dead giveaway of the Triangle's ability to access the political environment. Triangles seem to have a "sixth sense" about the politics of an organization, or perhaps they are privy to something that is not yet known to the rest of the team.

Recommendation: Trust the Triangle on this one! They are usually right about the politics, and many times, have already been briefed and sworn to secrecy on what's to come. It is wise to hit the pause button on your idea until the timing is either different or the unknown has been revealed. Remember, when the smart Triangle does something you think is dumb, you probably don't know what the Triangle knows or else it would be dumb!

If you want to learn more about other PsychoGeometrics resources, including our online DIY modules, upcoming certification online classes, or how we can customize a team-building workshop for your group, feel free to reach out to me directly. Our team truly loves helping people leverage their Shapes for effective and influential communication!

Susan Hite, CEO, PsychoGeometrics, The Science of Behavior - The Art of Communication

susanhite@psychogeometrics.com