Welcome to our five-part series, Shapes at Work. In this series, we will focus on each of the five Shapes that may represent you or one of your co-workers.

Here’s what you need to know about the Squiggle Co-Worker:

The Squiggle Co-Worker

The Squiggle is the team member who can “save the day” at the very last minute. They are also the team members who may wait until the last day to come through! One day, you are celebrating the Squiggle, the next day you are recovering from the stress and anxiety caused by working with someone who tends to procrastinate. Here are some typical challenges of working with a Squiggle.

Challenge #1: “Why can’t you understand!” 

Squiggles become very impatient when co-workers don’t understand them or are oblivious to what seems so obvious to them! While the other Shapes can, and often do, think logically and sequentially, this is not the way of the Squiggle.

Recommendation: Consider these two things about the Squiggle:

(1) The emotional impatience of the Squiggle.

(2) Communication problem between a left and a right-brainer.

If you are working with a Squiggle, be calm and show them your desire to understand. Second, have the Squiggle repeat it and ask questions that will quicken your understanding. You can understand a Squiggle. The problem is that they leave things out of their communication. They jump to the end too quickly, automatically assuming you are connecting the dots. You must ask the Squiggle to fill in the blanks.

Challenge #2: “Don’t say no until you hear me out!” 

Here we have the problem of the Squiggle who just wants to be heard, and often wants their way, too. If you say “no” too quickly to the Squiggle, and in some cases, if you say “no” at any time, the Squiggle (like the Triangle) will fight tenaciously to convince others. They have difficulty accepting a “no” answer when they believe strongly in their idea.

Recommendation: Acknowledge the Squiggle’s question or idea, even if you can’t entertain it right now. Let them know you appreciate their unique approach and underscore the parts that impress you most. If there is a problem with their idea, state it, and see if the Squiggle can figure it out and come back when they do. Compliment their creative thinking; do not squelch the creative impulse. You don’t want to “squash their Squiggle!” Yes, Squiggles are optimistic, but they would rather you “not beat around the bush.” Give it to them straight. They will embrace the brutal facts, if you communicate with them in a way that leaves them feeling hopeful, optimistic, and that they can be part of the solution.

Challenge #3: “I don’t want to spend my time on this!” Squiggles are not natural team players. It’s tough when the team needs to collaborate, and your Squiggle is nowhere to be found or is simply “unavailable.” They are just too busy doing other things.

Recommendation: It’s not that Squiggles don’t want to do their part; they just don’t want to do that part! Squiggles struggle to be a good team player. They know it, others know it, so “Why waste time!?” exclaims the  Squiggle. Besides, the Squiggle feels as if they will be more valuable to the team doing what they do best, which is what the rest of the team doesn’t typically do well. Revisit roles and expectations of the team. Ask the team to discuss their strengths and weaknesses and where they think their talents add the most value. Attempt to find a compromise among team members where everyone feels motivated in their work.

If you want to learn more about other PsychoGeometrics resources, including our online DIY modules, upcoming certification online classes, or how we can customize a team-building workshop for your group, feel free to reach out to me directly. Our team truly loves helping people leverage their Shapes for effective and influential communication!

Susan Hite, CEO, PsychoGeometrics, The Science of Behavior - The Art of Communication

susanhite@psychogeometrics.com