This article is inspired by an article from our partners Summit.
After having Studied the Skeptique derailleur, we are continuing our series on Hogan Assessments derailors within the Hogan Development Survey (HDS).
Today, focus on the Precautionary derailleur!
‍
The Hogan Cautious Scale is one of eleven scales in the Hogan Development Survey (HDS), which assesses the “dark side” of personality. This scale measures a person's tendency to make decisions slowly and to have a strong aversion to risk. This reluctance to change and risk aversion can hinder progress and slow decision-making processes.
However, individuals with these characteristics tend to look at plans and proposals critically in order to avoid risks. They generally avoid stupid mistakes and can be valuable resources for evaluating new initiatives. By anticipating potential problems and planning accordingly, the organization can reduce the impact of unexpected events and become more resilient.
A popular culture character that illustrates this trait well is Leonard Hofstadter, played by Johnny Galecki in The Big Bang Theory. Leonard, an experimental physicist at Caltech, is highly intelligent, caring, and often the emotional anchor of his group of friends.
In the end, while this careful approach can be beneficial, it can also lead to staff micro-management to avoid mistakes, which impairs team members' accountability and opportunities for growth and independent learning. It can also create a team that takes no initiative and always looks to the boss for answers, leading to missed opportunities when the need to act quickly is critical.
The underlying pattern behind this trend is a fear of criticism and embarrassment. Many individuals grew up in families where they were frequently criticized and where the reasons for evaluation and approval were not consistent. Overprotective parents can also contribute to a lack of self-confidence in the face of the unknown, causing individuals to fear being perceived as flawed or inadequate by others.
If you or someone you support has been identified as having a derailleur in the form of caution, there are several strategies that can be used to overcome this trend and become a more effective leader.
‍
Get out of your comfort zone and take the opportunity to try new things. Asking for help to make risky decisions can be transformative. This will allow you to gain confidence and adopt a positive attitude in the face of change.
In an episode of The Big Bang Theory called “The Shiny Trinket Maneuver,” Leonard Hofstadter steps out of his comfort zone by taking the initiative to ask Penny to go out together again, despite their previous breakups. This risky and transformative decision shows her willingness to try new things to improve her personal life.
Remember that growth is often just beyond the boundaries of familiarity.
Take time to reflect on your past successes and the positive results of your decisions. This exercise is essential for overcoming fear of criticism and building your resistance to negative feedback. Recognizing your successes reinforces the idea that calculated risks can lead to success.
When assessing risks, make sure the assessment is realistic by controlling your emotions. Approach decisions with a clear mind, consider worst-case scenarios, and repeat key points to prepare for potential challenges. This will help prevent emotions from clouding your judgment.
To overcome the tendency to delay progress and avoid making decisions, it is useful to list questions, prioritize them, and set a time frame for decision-making.
In another episode of The Big Bang Theory, “The Proton Resurgence,” Leonard sets clear priorities for himself when he decides to invite the famous scientist, Dr. Arthur Jeffries (aka Professor Proton), to surprise Sheldon. Leonard recognizes the importance of this event for Sheldon and, by setting this priority, he acted quickly to organize the visit despite the logistical challenges.
This action demonstrates her ability to set priorities within a set time frame, strengthening her relationship with Sheldon and growing as a friend and colleague.
This approach of setting priorities within a set time frame helps to avoid unnecessary delays, limit excessive data collection, and make progress. Remember that progress is often the result of decisions made at the right time.
‍
‍
Supporting people with a high score on the precautionary scale consists in guiding them through practical and concrete steps. Encouraging them to step out of their comfort zone, to remember their past successes, to manage their emotions effectively, and to prioritize their decisions within specific time frames promotes a balanced and adaptive approach to work. By implementing these coaching strategies, individuals can take advantage of the strengths associated with their cautious tendencies while embracing change and maintaining productivity.
