Do you know Talking Tom?
Of course, you do. But I bet you didn't know that the founders of the company behind it (Iza and Samo Login) employed this tool when building their unicorn company, Outfit7. Every office door had an SDI diagram of the workers inside, so anyone walking in could immediately understand what kind of person they were dealing with. According to Iza, SDI made their lives much easier by drastically improving communication and reducing conflict.

With such a powerful tool in their arsenal, the founders of Outfit7 built a harmonious, highly productive team. But…

What exactly is SDI?

The Strength Deployment Inventory is a self-assessment tool that helps you understand your strengths in relating to others, both when everything is running smoothly and when facing conflict. Unlike many other personality tools that focus purely on behavior, SDI delves deeper to uncover what motivates that behavior, particularly in high-stress or conflict situations, which can be transformative in improving team dynamics and communication.

Why motivation matters

At the core of SDI is the idea that behavior is driven by motivation and that motivation can shift depending on the situation. We tend to operate from our core values and strengths when things are going well.

However, when conflict arises, our motivations can shift, often in ways we don't fully recognize. Understanding what drives both your behavior and the behavior of those around you is vital to managing relationships more effectively.

The SDI assessment reveals your motivational value system, which drives your behavior in positive and challenging situations. By identifying this, you can better understand the motivations behind your and others' actions, making it easier to navigate team dynamics and address conflict.

SDI motivational styles

The SDI framework groups people into four categories based on their primary motivational system. Each group has distinct traits, values, and approaches to work and conflict. Let's take a closer look at each type:

REDs: The action-oriented doers

People in the RED category are all about action and results. They are decisive, energetic, and often take on leadership roles without hesitation. REDs thrive in environments where quick decision-making and taking charge are valued. They prefer to cut through unnecessary details and get straight to the point.

However, in conflict situations, REDs may become more forceful or dominant, pushing others to follow their lead. They may become frustrated when others are slow to act or focus too much on analysis. If you're a RED, it's important to know how your drive for quick results can sometimes come across as impatience or aggression, especially in stressful situations.

A tip: Consider asking a RED this question: "Is there really such a hurry? Can't that wait for 10 minutes / an hour / one day?"

GREENs: The analytical thinkers

The GREEN group values accuracy, analysis, and thoroughness. They take time to gather all the facts, assess the situation from multiple angles, and make well-informed decisions. GREENs thrive in environments where attention to detail is crucial and often provide stability and order in a team.

In conflict, however, GREENs may withdraw or become overly focused on details, which others can perceive as indecisiveness or avoidance. They may struggle to act quickly in high-pressure situations, preferring instead to ensure that every potential outcome has been carefully considered. If you're a GREEN, it's important to recognize when your desire for thoroughness prevents progress, especially when your team needs a quicker response.

A tip: Consider giving a GREEN a deadline: "I need you to do this by..."

BLUEs: The empathetic supporters

For BLUEs, relationships and harmony are paramount. They are motivated by a deep concern for others' feelings and well-being. In team settings, BLUEs ensure that everyone is heard, supported, and valued. They excel in building strong, cooperative relationships and creating a positive atmosphere.

When conflict arises, BLUEs may prioritize maintaining harmony over addressing the actual issue. This can sometimes lead to a reluctance to confront problems directly, as they worry about how others might feel. If you're a BLUE, it's important to balance being empathetic and addressing conflicts head-on. Otherwise, unresolved issues can fester, leading to even greater tension later on.

A tip: Consider asking a BLUE this question: "If the decision were good for everyone, what would the right decision be?"

HUBs: The flexible adaptors

HUBs are the most adaptable of all the SDI types. They possess qualities from the other three categories (RED, GREEN, and BLUE). They can adjust their behavior depending on the situation. HUBs are highly social, skilled at reading the room, and are often seen as the "glue" that holds teams together. They are flexible in their approach, frequently saying, "It depends," when asked to make decisions.

In conflict, HUBs may need help with indecision as they try to balance the needs of everyone involved. They can also be perceived as inconsistent if they change their approach too often based on the situation. If you're a HUB, it's essential to be aware of the potential for analysis paralysis and to ensure that your adaptability doesn't come at the expense of transparent decision-making.

A tip: Consider asking a HUB this question: "If everyone agreed, what would the best decision be?"

How SDI can transform your team

By understanding what motivates you and your team members, you can improve communication, reduce conflict, and increase productivity. Here's how:

1. Improved Communication

When you understand the core motivations of each team member, you can tailor your communication style to suit their needs. For instance, with a RED, you need to be direct and focus on outcomes. With a GREEN, providing detailed explanations and giving them time to think things through is crucial. For a BLUE, empathy and understanding are key, while HUBs need a balanced approach that considers different perspectives.

2. Conflict Resolution

SDI is particularly powerful in conflict situations. By recognizing how your team members' motivations shift under stress, you can approach conflicts with greater empathy and insight. You'll be able to anticipate how each person might react and adapt your approach to help resolve the situation more effectively. For example, a BLUE might need reassurance that the conflict won't harm relationships, while a GREEN may need time to gather more information before feeling comfortable moving forward.

3. Team Synergy

A team of different SDI types can be very powerful if each person's strengths are leveraged effectively. REDs can drive quick decision-making, GREENs can ensure accuracy, BLUEs can foster a positive team environment, and HUBs can help everyone stay connected. By recognizing and celebrating these differences, you can create a team that works in harmony, with each person playing to their strengths.

4. Personal Growth

Finally, understanding your SDI type can help you become a more effective leader. You'll gain insight into your motivations and how they impact your behavior, both in favorable situations and in conflict. This self-awareness will allow you to manage your reactions more effectively and set a positive example for your team.

Final thoughts

While there's no magic wand for fixing team dynamics, the Strength Deployment Inventory offers a practical and powerful way to understand your team better. By identifying the core motivations behind behavior in positive and stressful situations, SDI helps leaders navigate complex relationships, improve communication, and resolve conflicts more effectively.

So if Talking Tom people used it, maybe you should, too. :)

Watch a short YouTube video:  Fix team relationship fast

ACTION STEP:

Take the SDI assessment and unlock the motivational insights that could transform your leadership.