I was first introduced to Behavior Styles during my tenure as the Director of Training and Development at ARAMARK. At the time, my boss had previously collaborated with Tom Champoux in another organization. We decided to bring Tom in as a speaker for our Advanced Leadership Development Program, and I must say, he left quite an impression! If you’ve ever witnessed Tom in action, you understand just how exceptional he is. Our partnership with the Effectiveness Institute, working with both Tom and later George, spanned several years, ultimately integrating Behavior Styles into our company’s cultural fabric. The four quadrants became a staple in our everyday conversations.
When I ventured into my own consulting practice, I pursued certification to facilitate programs centered around People Skills, Navigating Conflict, and Teams that Work. I found that these programs resonated across diverse audiences, from college students to new managers and even executives. Participants emerged with a clear understanding of their own behavior style and how to adapt it to enhance communication, teamwork, and conflict management.
The teams I’ve had the opportunity to work with have witnessed remarkable improvements, not just in their inter-team communication, but also in cultivating a deeper appreciation for individual differences–recognizing that diversity should be seen as a strength, not a challenge. This realization has underscored the crucial role that all behavior styles play in enabling teams to perform at their best. Styles serve as a shared language, fostering an environment where each team member feels genuinely heard, valued, and respected for their unique contributions.
Sharon, principal of Brandywine River Consulting, has over 20 years of experience in Leadership and Organizational Development. Brandywine River Consulting partners with companies to build organizational capability through pragmatic learning and development solutions.
Read more about Sharon here.