Blue Personality and Bureaucracy
People described as Blues value rules and procedures. They may react with suspicion or resistance when colleagues bypass those procedures in the name of innovation.
THE IDEA
Tell Him, “Forget About the Bureaucracy. Let’s Innovate!”
“Don’t you have any imagination? We have to be a bit more flexible here.” This statement can undermine a Blue personality type at work. Blues value structure, order, and adherence to rules. When they perceive that an organization ignores proper procedures, they become resistant and suspicious. To maintain their engagement, leaders should respect their need for clear guidelines and avoid encouraging rule-breaking in the name of innovation.
When to use it
When implementing new processes, explain the rationale and provide clear guidelines to engage Blues.
When leading a team with a mix of personality types, balance rule-following with flexibility.
When designing change management strategies, consider the personality profile of key stakeholders.
When troubleshooting resistance to innovation, assess whether it stems from fear of rule-breaking.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
A Blue in a start-up
A Blue employee at a fast-paced start-up is told to 'just get it done' without following the standard approval process. They become anxious and push back, insisting on documentation and formal steps.
Innovation initiative failure
A company launches an innovation program that encourages breaking rules. A Blue manager refuses to participate, citing compliance risks, and the program fails to gain traction.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
How does your own personality influence your reaction to rule changes at work?
In what situations might a Blue's resistance to rule-breaking be beneficial?
How can you introduce innovation in a way that respects a Blue's need for structure?
Often confused with
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Surrounded By Idiots (Thomas Erikson)