Versatility: How to Optimize Interactions When 7 Workplace Behaviors Are at Their Worst [Hardcover]

Francie Dalton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 16, 2008

Navigating through different personalities in the office can often be difficult when trying to work cohesively as a team. Versatility not only helps you assess seven different work personalities, but it also provides practical advice on how to work best with each personality to get the job done. Based on author Francie Dalton's bestselling workshop 'The Chameleon's Edge,' this book will help you learn how to handle seven work personas when they're at their worst.

We've all worked with them...

Commanders: Relentless, driven, unstoppable implementers

Drifters: Fickle, flighty, creative geniuses,

Attackers: Caustic, hostile, conquerors

Pleasers: Sensitive, friendly, humanizers

Performers: Cunning, manipulative, charismatic ambassadors

Avoiders: Diffident, enigmatic, spectators

Analyticals: Micromanaging, procrastinating, masters of process

Versatility provides real-world descriptions of the toughest-to-deal-with behaviors. You will recognize these traits in yourself and colleagues, develop invaluable interpersonal skills, and learn how to modify your approach. In the ever-increasingly diverse workforce, this is a must-have handbook for everyone in the office.

Versatility makes the point that the answer to working effectively with everyone is not trying to change them. It's adapting one's personal style to the behavior and the situation. With plenty of exercises and suggestions, Versatility will equip you to

Recognize each style quickly.

Motivate each style.

Give feedback to each style.

Leverage the vulnerability each creates as your superior and your subordinate.

Customize your approach to each style.

Many agree that interpersonal effectiveness is key to sucess in business whether a leader or follower. Logically, then, improving your interpersonal effectiveness with the help of this book will improve your chances for success.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

A frequent speaker for associations, Francie Dalton specializes in the communication, behavioral, and management sciences. Her firm, Dalton Alliances, Inc., is a premier business consultancy enabling management to meet critical objectives in leadership development, metrics-based performance, team building, recruitment, and retention. Among her offerings are fully customized assessments such as 360's; member and employee surveys; and an array of follow-up services including developmental workshops, interventions, and executive coaching.

Dalton's work in the area of leadership development has been featured in Harvard Management Update, CEO Magazine, Investor's Business Daily, The New York Post, MSN Money, The New York Times, and more. She has been a regular columnist for the Washington Business Journal on issues of leadership, and has appeared on CNN Financial News Network, where she was interviewed about her work in the areas of leadership and performance measures.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership (August 16, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0880343001
• ISBN-13: 978-0880343008
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 6.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,083,370 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Francie Dalton, CMC, is founder and president of Dalton Alliances, Inc., a Washington, D.C. based consultancy specializing in the management, behavioral and communication sciences. Among her offerings are business consulting; executive retreats; public speaking; fully customized assessments such as 360's, member and employee surveys; and an array of follow-up services including developmental workshops, interventions, and executive coaching.

A veteran of the Viet Nam Era, Francie was trained as a German linguist, spending 4.5 years with the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Service. She then took her Masters in Business from Johns Hopkins University, and in 1991, launched her consulting practice.

Francie's works on leadership have been featured in hundreds of industry and trade publications, including Harvard
Management Update, CEO Magazine, CEO Update, Investors Business Daily, American Way Magazine, The New York Post, The Washington Post, MSN Money, NY Times, the Journal of Association Leadership, the Journal of Compensation and Benefits, our own HR Magazine, and more.

On the board of the Institute of Management Consultants, and an instructor for the prestigious Institute of Management program offered by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Francie also served as adjunct faculty at the University of Maryland, where she taught business management to doctoral candidates for 9 years. A frequent speaker for corporations and nonprofits, her clients include scores of CEO's and senior executives throughout the U.S. Her new book, "Versatility" has just been published by the American Society of Association Executives and the Center for Association Leadership.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book on Leadership Styles, July 8, 2009

By 

Renee S. Waller - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Versatility: How to Optimize Interactions When 7 Workplace Behaviors Are at Their Worst (Hardcover)

Phenomenal!!! The ability to interact effectively, build cohesive teams and manage conflict is frequently cited as the most challenging skill set for leaders. 'Versatility' provides leaders with practical tools to to do just that. Francie's unapologetic style gets straight to the heart of leadership, in all it's dysfunctional glory. Francie includes 360 Degree feedback from colleagues working with each style including:

The Commander:
"He overextends and undersupports us. Unapproachable regarding obstacles that may prevent optimal performance and has zero interest in what it takes to get the job done. Passion is micromanaged out of us every single day. I'm not permitted to think on my own, despite my credentials and experience."

You'll learn that the Commander's Strongest Need is for Control, their Decision Method is, "Do it My Way Now," and their Reaction to Feedback is to Turn the Tables and Attack You.

In this book, you'll learn how to interact effectively with the Commander, plus seven other leadership styles.

A must-read field guide, I refer to it almost daily. Thanks, Francie!

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to understand and immensely valuable!, January 15, 2009

By 

Mike Wilson (Front Royal) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Versatility: How to Optimize Interactions When 7 Workplace Behaviors Are at Their Worst (Hardcover)

We've all worked with, managed, or been managed by some talented, hard working individuals we just couldn't seem to co-exist with, even though others had no issues. "Versatility: How to Optimize Interactions When 7 Workplace Behaviors Are at Their Worst" explains in easy to understand terms the various personality types typically encountered in the work place (and nearly every where else) and how to work with each one. It is now required reading for my team; I've given every one of my managers a copy!

5.0 out of 5 stars Wisdom on every page, December 19, 2008

By 

Kendra Trahan (Windermere, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Versatility: How to Optimize Interactions When 7 Workplace Behaviors Are at Their Worst (Hardcover)

With spunk and humor, Francie reminds us that interpersonal success isn't easy, often doesn't come naturally, and can chafe severely. Optimizing interactions with others will require your continually renewed commitment. Some of us have to renew our commitment almost daily! If that's you, don't get discouraged. Just keep this book close at hand! - Kendra Trahan, Regional Business Director, Bausch & Lomb Pharmaceuticals