Behavioral Scale Deep Dive: Low Free Spirit

Free Spirit: The desire to pursue fun, be spontaneous and playful and push limits.  

Are you more cautious and reserved? Do you like to be in control? If so, you may be a low scorer in free spirit. Let’s take a look at the behavioral traits of someone with a low free spirit score and what managers can do to best encourage their growth.  

Low Free Spirit

Meet John. John has been at his accounting firm for 10 years now and likes how stable it is. He's a prudent thinker that always errs on the side of caution. He always takes time to think things through, examines and reflects on situations before acting, and approaches life with carefulness. He's not one of those people who would just spontaneously decide to go on a trip to Europe. Instead, he thoroughly thinks through his plans and doesn't often make a impulsive leaps to something new.

John is a good example of someone who likely has a low free spirit score. He:

• Is more cautious, reserved, and conservative
• Tends to delay gratification and avoids risk
• Has a tendency to avoid conflict
• Is often uncomfortable with the unknown and fears being out of control
• Prefers to be behind the scenes and outside of the limelight

https://vimeo.com/213179895

Disclaimer: We have since changed the name of this scale from "fun" to free spirit to more accurately depict the behavior.

Tips for Managing Low Scorers

Although low scorers in free spirt can be sensible and prudent, sometimes their cautious nature can have consequences in their personal and work life.  At times, low scorers may be perceived as self-denying and lacking in passion.Whether you’re a manager of a low free spirit scorer or wanting to learn how to better understand a colleague’s behavior, here are some ideas on how to effectively manage this behavioral trait. 

Recommendations for Low Scorers

• They would benefit from building spontaneity and fun into their life, if not for themself, then, for the benefit of others.
• Encourage them to practice being more engaging, greeting others with direct eye contact and an enthusiastic voice.
• Security, safety and predictability motivate the low scorer in Free Spirit.
• Encourage them to occasionally spend time with friends who are more spontaneous to practice having more variety in their life.
   

https://vimeo.com/213179874