In the modern professional landscape, the Command-and-Control style of leadership is a relic of the past. Today, most successful organisations understand that a thriving culture is not built from the top down, it is built together. A foundation for meaningful employee engagement is key to making this possible.
But how do you align a group of diverse individuals with different temperaments, communication styles, and motivations? While many turn to complex psychometric testing, there is a simpler, more immediate way to bridge the gap: iMA.
What is iMA?
Unlike traditional psychometric tools that delve into deep-seated personality traits and psychological profiles, iMA is a simple, non-psychometric framework designed to identify how people prefer to communicate and be communicated with.
iMA stands for Identify, Modify, and Adapt. It categorises individuals into four distinct “high” colours:
- High Reds: Results-oriented, fast-paced, and assertive
- High Yellows: Social, outgoing, and optimistic
- High Blues: Analytical, detail-oriented, and systematic
- High Greens: Patient, supportive, and peace-seeking
How iMA Drives a Dynamic Workplace
A dynamic workplace is one that can pivot quickly and embrace change. When a team understands iMA, they stop guessing and start connecting.
- Faster Decisions: By identifying that a colleague is a High Red, you know to provide the bottom line immediately rather than a long preamble.
- Creative Spark: Recognising High Yellows allows the team to lean on their natural energy to brainstorm and drive innovation.
- Reduced Friction: Misunderstandings often stem from “dialect” differences. iMA acts as a universal translator, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Boosting Productivity through Connectivity
Productivity is not just about working harder; it is also about working smarter with the people around you. iMA enhances productivity by:
- Optimising Workflow: Assigning tasks based on natural communication comfort zones; for example, letting a High Green handle the data of a project.
- Streamlining Meetings: Knowing the iMA colour of your audience allows you to tailor your presentation style, ensuring the message is absorbed the first time.
- Effective Feedback: A High Blue will need a softer, more supportive approach to feedback, whereas a High Red prefers it direct and unfiltered.
Creating a Happy, Inclusive Culture
At its core, a happy workplace is one where people feel seen and respected. iMA removes the labels of “difficult” or “stubborn” and replaces them with an understanding of different communication needs.
When we have a greater understand of how others process information, we replace judgment with empathy and large dose of tolerance.
By using iMA, teams foster a culture of mutual respect. It levels the playing field, showing that every colour is vital to the success of the whole. When people feel understood, their engagement sky-rockets, leading to higher retention, stronger commitment, increased levels of trust and a genuine sense of belonging.
Shaping the Future
Shaping the workplace together is an ongoing journey. By integrating a simple, accessible tool like iMA, you provide your team with a common language. It is not about putting people in boxes; it is about opening the doors to better collaboration and well thought out decision making. A productive, happy team is not an accident it is a choice made through better communication and understanding.
