AskSN: are you a formalist or informalist leader? \ stacker news ~AskSN

AskSN: are you a formalist or informalist leader?

380 sats \ 12 comments \ @cryotosensei 3 Nov AskSN

I’m reading this book right now. Got me curious about the kind of leaders Stackers are.

Formalist refers to people who use performance metrics and key performance indicators. They tap on official work channels and advocate best practices and are conscientious about following protocols. Preserving the company culture, so to speak.

Informalist refers to people who are more relationship-driven. They pause to hang out by the water cooler and/or go out for smoking breaks. They use such third places to let their hair down a little and cultivate non-perfunctory relationships with their colleagues. They may indulge a little in spilling the tea because swapping news about their colleagues and clients enhances their social capital.

Given the focus Emotional Intelligence has garnered in recent years, I think it’s safe to say that most of us maintain a (precarious?) balance between the formalist and informalist. At what point would you put yourself on this formalist-informalist continuum? Are you therefore happy about your working style?

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48 sats \ 2 replies \ @TheWildHustle 3 Nov

Informalist

I've often built trust and cohesion with groups through my disregard for protocol. Even higher ups have praised me for reading in between the lines and just getting the job done.

10 sats \ 1 reply \ @cryotosensei OP 3 Nov

Nice. How do you hone your intuition along the way?

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @TheWildHustle 3 Nov

Probably by understanding the main objective vs the inefficiencies of the policy's and procedures put in place......and by reading the room.

I think most people have worked for a formalist type that's a stickler for the rules, in my experience that form of leadership isn't very welcomed by other employees, but maybe that's just the experience I've had through my jobs.

48 sats \ 3 replies \ @SpaceHodler 3 Nov

I'm an informalist. And definitely a leader, but not in the corporate world, where I don't belong at all.

I like to cultivate relationships and formal metrics don't capture those well. Too much complexity and open-endedness.

When most people are happy I know I'm doing well.

0 sats \ 2 replies \ @cryotosensei OP 3 Nov

When most people are happy I know I'm doing well.

It’s impossible to make everyone happy, yet that is like an important duty of a leader. What do you typically do when dissenting factions just can’t come to an agreement.

24 sats \ 1 reply \ @SpaceHodler 4 Nov

That's a good question and I don't think I can give you a thought-out answer right now.

I guess I encourage both sides to present their arguments, but in the end I use my position of authority to make a verdict. And those not happy can, ahem, fork themselves!

20 sats \ 0 replies \ @cryotosensei OP 4 Nov

I think that as a leader, having the balls to make the final call is the best thing you can do

48 sats \ 2 replies \ @7e6e393a56 3 Nov

Of course, as you mentioned in your text, the ideal is a balance between the two references. The informalist leader, in my opinion, takes a more dangerous path... however, when he is successful he will be exalted in the memory of those under his command. Due to my personality I tend to be more informalist, but I think that the formalist leader is a safer, not the only, bet for achieving success.

0 sats \ 1 reply \ @cryotosensei OP 3 Nov

I agree with you! But as an ENFP, I find processes and frameworks too stifling if I get too entrenched in the organisational culture. My M.O is to do first and apologise for breaches from the norm later haha

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @7e6e393a56 3 Nov

This is an excellent strategy 😂

48 sats \ 1 reply \ @Akg10s33 3 Nov

If we were to apply it to my perspective, I would say that I would be informalist... because I work on the streets 🏃🏃of the hectic capital of Lima, Peru... but despite the radiant sun because summer has arrived 😎 I always find a place or space to share ideas or thoughts with my fellow sellers... and obviously, I share with those I can the idea of investing in bitcoin because it is the future!! In other words, what I am learning today I also share with others👌

0 sats \ 0 replies \ @cryotosensei OP 3 Nov

I affirm you for having the energy and presence of mind to educate your fellow sellers amidst the daily grind. Must not be easy under the hot sun