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Are You an Expander or Container?

So, what is an Expander and Container?

EXPANDER – They love action, thrive in chaos, and are out their 100% of the time.

CONTAINERS – They are detailed oriented, Like to keep on top of things, they do not like chaos, they love to create systems.

As a Leader, do not make everyone around you like yourself. If you are an Expander, Find a Container. If you are a Container, Find an Expander!

As you grow your enterprise, grow your circles of influence. These circles of influence will be uniquely different. Develop a Outer Circle and Inner Circle. How do we understand their unique function?

Outer Circle

•Consists of Expanders. These individuals will only be with you for a season.

•They can help with vision and perspective. They are your fresh eyes that ask “WHY” on everything. Sometimes you cannot see the picture because you are in the frame.

•They complement the weaknesses of Containers•The complement the strengths of Expanders

ILL. – George Barna told a group of leaders in 1999 that people will primarily consume content online within 10 years. Now that we are in 2021, I would say that Barna hit the mark as an Expander.

Inner Circle

•Made of Containers. These people are with you for the long haul. 

•They can help in the day-to-day operation and implementation.

•Can complement the weaknesses of Expanders.

•Complements the strengths of Containers.

KEY THOUGHT: Expanders and Containers are not enough individually. Together they complement each other so that expansion of the enterprise occurs. Heathy tension is a good thing on diverse teams!

What are some lessons that both Expanders and Containers need to learn?•Containers and Expanders should both be appreciated

•Containers and Expanders should serve each other

•Containers and Expanders truly need each other

•The differences between Containers and Expanders should create a healthy tension. You cannot charge ahead full force without someone getting your attention to ask serious questions at this moment. Is this the right thing to do and it is this best price to pay?

•The differences between Containers and Expanders need to complement each other. Only then can you move from Uniformity to Diversity

Here is quick exercise that I did monthly with each of my Team Members. This exercise accomplished a number things; staying on track with the overall vision, encouraging diversity, recognizing accomplishment, and mutual support to each other. Perhaps this could help your Team and your leadership.

1.What progress have you made on the goals previously discussed?

2.What is causing you the biggest problem right now?

3.What are you planning/dreaming that we have not discussed?

4.What decisions are you waiting on me to make so that you can move forward?

5.Rank your personal happiness – 1=Very depressed   100=Extreme Joy

LINKS

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Birkman Assessment

Leadershift by John Maxwell

Q&A – Contact me at ShepherdsAdvantage@gmail.com

Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!