Suits vs. Creatives: The Z Factor
Guidelines
For at least the last half-decade western industrialists have recognized their collective future lies in innovation (read: applied creativity). For example, the initial laughable efforts of Bill Ford have emerged into the “maybe” efforts of Alan Mullanlly and Ford Motor Company has emerged into the “last man standing” of the former Big Three automotive. (Fortune Magazine, May 25,2009)
Major global conferences (Davos anyone?), huge studies by the likes of IBM, GE’s Ecomagination, Business Week’s annual Most Innovative Companies list, etc., etc have driven every company to think (wistfully) about how to become the next Apple.
And yet, the profound differences in living/working style of the Suits and the Creatives have subtly sabotaged the well intentioned efforts of most. Reports of dissatisfaction with dollars spent and efforts realized are legion. Call it the “Z Factor.”
The fourth index of the Golden Personality Type Profile (GPTP) is the living scale. The two extremes are organiZing (Z) and Adaptive (A). Suits are overwhelmingly Z, one of the major bases of their success. Creatives are successful because they are A’s. Ah, there’s the rub!
Z people are planners. They find joy in tight schedules, are highly organized, and keep neat and tidy workspaces. A people are flexible, find tight schedules confining, and are “pile-ers and stackers” in their chaotic appearing (to Z’s) work space. Think Lucy v. Pig Pen for a visual.
Z people are reliable. They love to be slightly early, punctual, and responsible. A people are casual, love a late start (they are creating internally), let other work pile up, and get an adrenaline high out of a last second flourish to finish.
Z people are deliberate. They are step-by-step, goal and plan orientated—even in vacations or recreational activities. Going on a vacation without a plan is anathema to Z’s. A’s are spontaneous. They tend to be impulsive (Hey, wouldn’t it be fun if…), and love projects where the risk and reward are both high.
Finally, Suits (Z people) are conformists. They work best with clearly defined goals and specific directions. Our Creatives (A people) are the exact opposite— hate following or being given micro managing rules which limit their responses and opportunities. Give them a goal, a deadline, and get out of the way.
Organizations who figure our how to bridge the gap will win.
Change or die!
Artwork: Curtis Parker
June 5th, 2009 at 10:00 am
Where did you get your blog layout from? I’d like to get one like it for my blog.
June 11th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
BLOG’S ‘R US… Thank you!