Most sales professionals would classify themselves as Type A. They’re highly competitive, ambitious and ready to take on any challenge. While Type A salespeople have the drive and goal-oriented personality to excel in a sales career, there’s something to be said for Type B sales professionals. While these people do not typically enjoy competition as much as Type A professionals, they contribute in many valuable ways. Type B sales reps usually enjoy collaboration and tend to be intuitive and empathetic.
Bestselling author and LinkedIn influencer, Travis Bradberry, says that Type B professionals are not always as vocal as Type A people, so they sometimes don’t get as much recognition. In this issue of Promotional Consultant Today, we discuss Bradberry’s thoughts on some common characteristics—and contributions—of Type B professionals.
1. They are more relaxed. Professionals with a Type B personality may get labeled as less energetic, but that’s not the case at all. They care just as much as Type A professionals and work just as hard. However, Bradberry says Type B professionals see achieving goals as a journey instead of a sprint. These people are just naturally more laid-back in how they approach their work and goals.
2. They have a plan. Bradberry points out that Type B professionals know what they want to achieve and how to get there—they just tend to keep their plans to themselves. They don’t need someone to oversee them and keep them on track.
3. They care. Sometimes, people with a Type B personality are viewed as indifferent or disengaged. Bradberry encourages leaders to watch out for this misconception because Type B professionals care deeply. In fact, they care enough to work at the pace at which they are most effective. If they did not care, they would allow themselves to be rushed and compromise quality.
4. They are happy where they are. According to Bradberry, people with a Type B personality don’t dwell on what’s next because they are content where they are. They enjoy living in the moment without worrying about what they can achieve tomorrow.
5. They are healthy. Because Type B professionals are typically more laid-back than their Type A peers, they also tend to be healthier. Taking a more relaxed approach to business and life means they suffer less from everything from heart disease to insomnia, says Bradberry.
6. They see the best in others. Since people with a Type B personality do not view life as a competition, they are often quick to cheer their colleagues on and support them, says Bradberry.
7. They do not like to be confined. At their core, Type B professionals like to do things their own way. They work best when they can color outside of the lines, notes Bradberry. This is helpful on sales teams because these professionals can see the big picture, rather than get bogged down in the details.
8. They work well with others. Sales professionals with a Type B personality know how to collaborate and how to give credit. They are happy to share all the ups and downs that come with working as part of a group.
While you may have more Type A than Type B professionals on your sales team, there’s room for both personality types to thrive in sales. Whether you are hiring or you want to help your current sales reps grow, remember that Type B professionals have the characteristics to achieve and succeed—often at a high level.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Travis Bradberry is the cofounder of TalentSmart®. He is also a bestselling author and a LinkedIn influencer.
