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Business Chemistry: Practical Magic for Crafting Powerful Work Relationships
A guide to putting cognitive diversity to work
Ever wonder what it is that makes two people click or clash? Or why some groups excel while others fumble? Or how you, as a leader, can make or break team potential?
Business Chemistry holds the answers. Based on extensive research and analytics, plus years of proven success in the field, the Business Chemistry framework provides a simple yet powerful way to identify meaningful differences between people’s working styles. Who seeks possibilities and who seeks stability? Who values challenge and who values connection? Business Chemistry will help you grasp where others are coming from, appreciate the value they bring, and determine what they need in order to excel. It offers practical ways to be more effective as an individual and as a leader.
Imagine you had a more in-depth understanding of yourself and why you thrive in some work environments and flounder in others. Suppose you had a clearer view on what to do about it so that you could always perform at your best.
Imagine you had more insight into what makes people tick and what ticks them off, how some interactions unlock potential while others shut people down. Suppose you could gain people’s trust, influence them, motivate them, and get the very most out of your work relationships.
Imagine you knew how to create a work environment where all types of people excel, even if they have conflicting perspectives, preferences and needs. Suppose you could activate the potential benefits of diversity on your teams and in your organizations, improving collaboration to achieve the group’s collective potential.
Business Chemistry offers all of this--you don’t have to leave it up to chance, and you shouldn’t. Let this book guide you in creating great chemistry!
Ever wonder what it is that makes two people click or clash? Or why some groups excel while others fumble? Or how you, as a leader, can make or break team potential?
Business Chemistry holds the answers. Based on extensive research and analytics, plus years of proven success in the field, the Business Chemistry framework provides a simple yet powerful way to identify meaningful differences between people’s working styles. Who seeks possibilities and who seeks stability? Who values challenge and who values connection? Business Chemistry will help you grasp where others are coming from, appreciate the value they bring, and determine what they need in order to excel. It offers practical ways to be more effective as an individual and as a leader.
Imagine you had a more in-depth understanding of yourself and why you thrive in some work environments and flounder in others. Suppose you had a clearer view on what to do about it so that you could always perform at your best.
Imagine you had more insight into what makes people tick and what ticks them off, how some interactions unlock potential while others shut people down. Suppose you could gain people’s trust, influence them, motivate them, and get the very most out of your work relationships.
Imagine you knew how to create a work environment where all types of people excel, even if they have conflicting perspectives, preferences and needs. Suppose you could activate the potential benefits of diversity on your teams and in your organizations, improving collaboration to achieve the group’s collective potential.
Business Chemistry offers all of this--you don’t have to leave it up to chance, and you shouldn’t. Let this book guide you in creating great chemistry!
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2018
80 people are currently reading
500 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 27, 2018
Solid basis for understand styles of working.
While the authors are the creators of Deloitte’s methodology they generalize to others, though they refrain from direct comparisons. I would recommend to others who have taken work assessments and would like to go deeper in application. So often it’s one and done with little support to make what is learned a new habit, which is when the payback comes. Reading this book might give you new ideas of how to apply your understanding of yourself and appreciation of others’ preferences for how to get work done.
While the authors are the creators of Deloitte’s methodology they generalize to others, though they refrain from direct comparisons. I would recommend to others who have taken work assessments and would like to go deeper in application. So often it’s one and done with little support to make what is learned a new habit, which is when the payback comes. Reading this book might give you new ideas of how to apply your understanding of yourself and appreciation of others’ preferences for how to get work done.
February 29, 2020
Empathy is the key to any great relationship, and understanding your coworkers’ working style is your passport to a mutually satisfying connection with them. Depending on whether you’re a Pioneer, a Guardian, a Driver, or an Integrator, you’ll bring a specific set of strengths to the office, as well as areas for improvement, too.
Actionable advice:
Throw different working styles into the same team.
If you’re putting together a team to work on an upcoming project, it can be tempting to decide which working style would be best for this particular job and then only select people with that style. If, for example, your project concerns a topic that’s fraught with office politics, you might decide to flood the team with Integrators. But although it seems intuitive, it’s not a good idea. Evidence suggests that diverse teams make better decisions than homogenous ones. In other words, if your team’s members are all too similar to one another, the team’s performance will probably suffer.
---
What to read next: Back to Human, by Dan Shawbel.
Disparate working styles aren't the only thing getting in the way of good working relationships. In today's world, there’s another challenge to overcome: technology. This is exactly what’s addressed in the blinks to Back to Human.
An indispensable guide to building a workplace culture that puts human connections front and center, these blinks reveal that a human-centered workplace isn’t just better for your employees – it’s better for your bottom line too. So to discover ways to put your people first in an age dominated by technology, head over to the blinks to Back to Human.
ref: blinkist.com
Actionable advice:
Throw different working styles into the same team.
If you’re putting together a team to work on an upcoming project, it can be tempting to decide which working style would be best for this particular job and then only select people with that style. If, for example, your project concerns a topic that’s fraught with office politics, you might decide to flood the team with Integrators. But although it seems intuitive, it’s not a good idea. Evidence suggests that diverse teams make better decisions than homogenous ones. In other words, if your team’s members are all too similar to one another, the team’s performance will probably suffer.
---
What to read next: Back to Human, by Dan Shawbel.
Disparate working styles aren't the only thing getting in the way of good working relationships. In today's world, there’s another challenge to overcome: technology. This is exactly what’s addressed in the blinks to Back to Human.
An indispensable guide to building a workplace culture that puts human connections front and center, these blinks reveal that a human-centered workplace isn’t just better for your employees – it’s better for your bottom line too. So to discover ways to put your people first in an age dominated by technology, head over to the blinks to Back to Human.
ref: blinkist.com
April 2, 2020
I got introuduced to this system of indentifying people's work habits at a three day seminar I went to last Fall. You folks might remember the heady days of 2019 when you could still go to things? With people? Anyway, we had a whole session about this system, and I bought the book. This recent distancing and lack of actual day job is allowing me to plumb the depths of my procrastinated-at reading list, and here we are.
Like any pigeonholing system, there's a sprinkle of confirmation bias, a little bit of cold read, and just a hint of vagary, (I'm looking @ you, Enneagrams) all of which allow you to plug yourself in where you think you belong, and then react to the rest of the system from that perspective. At least here, in sharp contrast to Enneagrams 9 types with interlocking wings, we have four types and blending betwixt them. I found this much more plausible and useful, and am anxious to see if provides any real insight and practical use when dealing with my people should we ever return to book-jockeying in the post-virus world.
Like any pigeonholing system, there's a sprinkle of confirmation bias, a little bit of cold read, and just a hint of vagary, (I'm looking @ you, Enneagrams) all of which allow you to plug yourself in where you think you belong, and then react to the rest of the system from that perspective. At least here, in sharp contrast to Enneagrams 9 types with interlocking wings, we have four types and blending betwixt them. I found this much more plausible and useful, and am anxious to see if provides any real insight and practical use when dealing with my people should we ever return to book-jockeying in the post-virus world.
July 11, 2020
Since teamwork is foremost a matter of relationships, increasing your empathy for your team’s different personalities and work styles is a great way to improve wellbeing and results.
The authors categorized people as, and this is obviously over-simplifying their words:
- pioneers: enthusiastic idea generators who may not excel in details & execution
- drivers: goal-killers who may tend to flounder without clear structure
- guardians: rule followers who may be slow to adopt/support new ideas
- integrators: work cross-pollinators who thrive when helping others but may under-emphasize their own duties
Understanding how to help each collaborate and play off each other’s strengths is key to making the most of your team.
The authors categorized people as, and this is obviously over-simplifying their words:
- pioneers: enthusiastic idea generators who may not excel in details & execution
- drivers: goal-killers who may tend to flounder without clear structure
- guardians: rule followers who may be slow to adopt/support new ideas
- integrators: work cross-pollinators who thrive when helping others but may under-emphasize their own duties
Understanding how to help each collaborate and play off each other’s strengths is key to making the most of your team.
February 17, 2020
This was a helpful read. Considering the personalities that I work with and considering myself, as a work type. “Empathy is the key to any great relationship, and understanding your coworkers’ working style is your passport to a mutually satisfying connection with them. Depending on whether you’re a Pioneer, a Guardian, a Driver, or an Integrator, you’ll bring a specific set of strengths to the office, as well as areas for improvement, too.
Actionable advice:
Throw different working styles into the same team.
If you’re putting together a team to work on an upcoming project, it can be tempting to decide which working style would be best for this particular job and then only select people with that style. If, for example, your project concerns a topic that’s fraught with office politics, you might decide to flood the team with Integrators. But although it seems intuitive, it’s not a good idea. Evidence suggests that diverse teams make better decisions than homogenous ones. In other words, if your team’s members are all too similar to one another, the team’s performance will probably suffer.”
Actionable advice:
Throw different working styles into the same team.
If you’re putting together a team to work on an upcoming project, it can be tempting to decide which working style would be best for this particular job and then only select people with that style. If, for example, your project concerns a topic that’s fraught with office politics, you might decide to flood the team with Integrators. But although it seems intuitive, it’s not a good idea. Evidence suggests that diverse teams make better decisions than homogenous ones. In other words, if your team’s members are all too similar to one another, the team’s performance will probably suffer.”
June 6, 2018
We've all struggled with professional relationships from time to time throughout our career. This book explains why. People are just wired differently - they have different working styles and preferences. Some are direct, almost to the point of being rude, while others value personal connections.
As a Deloitte professional, I've been familiar with the concept of Business Chemistry for a while. I've known my own type (Integrator / Guardian) for about two years. But this books breaks down all four types, does a deep dive into what makes them tick, and provides practical strategies for working with people all around the Chemistry wheel. I'd recommend this book to anyone with challenging professional relationships - it may help you adjust your style just enough to make them more effective and less taxing.
As a Deloitte professional, I've been familiar with the concept of Business Chemistry for a while. I've known my own type (Integrator / Guardian) for about two years. But this books breaks down all four types, does a deep dive into what makes them tick, and provides practical strategies for working with people all around the Chemistry wheel. I'd recommend this book to anyone with challenging professional relationships - it may help you adjust your style just enough to make them more effective and less taxing.
January 26, 2019
Good business book that provides insights into how people interact on teams and in the workplace. The book not only explains the types and each's advantages and disadvantages. It also provides insights into how you as one could work with others, how teams can bring balance either through diversity or through accommodation. I was also impressed that the authors included information about the method and findings of the research for those who wanted to examine the numbers in depth. Consider reading if you have struggled at work with other team members, supervisors, or simply want to better understand how you can improve productivity, address risk, and make better decisions in your work and personal life. If you do read the book, I would be interested to hear your type, thoughts, and how you might use the knowledge and insights gained.
February 16, 2020
Heard its audio book. In short, this book could have been titled either pernality types or leadership styles in workplace would better sound what is in the book.
These types or styles include; diagnosing whether you’re a Pioneer, a Guardian, a Driver, or an Integrator, you’ll bring a specific set of strengths to your workplace, as well as areas for improvement, and dealing more efficiently with your colleagues, subordinates or boss.
These types or styles include; diagnosing whether you’re a Pioneer, a Guardian, a Driver, or an Integrator, you’ll bring a specific set of strengths to your workplace, as well as areas for improvement, and dealing more efficiently with your colleagues, subordinates or boss.
September 12, 2018
Not a book that most people would choose to read straight through, but my earnest love for personality assessments makes me unlike most people 😂. A really good framework on different working styles set by Deloitte consultants, giving tips on how to build strong teams, projects, and working relationships based off of these four personality "types".
February 27, 2020
Empathy is the key to any great relationship, and understanding your coworkers’ working style is your passport to a mutually satisfying connection with them. Depending on whether you’re a Pioneer, a Guardian, a Driver, or an Integrator, you’ll bring a specific set of strengths to the office, as well as areas for improvement, too.
February 16, 2020
I can identify myself in all the five types of people 😂 altho i cant identify myself aa any one type of the mentioned in the book, i find it helpful to have these five types in mind so that you know how to deal with one to smooth things out and have a vlbetter team chemistry .
June 10, 2021
Shifted perspective on how people can be viewed
Research based, facts well articulated enough for people like me (Driver-Pioneer) to get going till the end of the book! Enjoyed and would recommend to colleague and Family! Thank you!
Research based, facts well articulated enough for people like me (Driver-Pioneer) to get going till the end of the book! Enjoyed and would recommend to colleague and Family! Thank you!
August 9, 2018
I read this book before a department retreat and it gave very good insight into the best way to structure diverse work groups to obtain the best results.
March 11, 2019
Good, straight forward refresher on work styles
June 19, 2019
Lectura esencial para todo el que trabaje en equipo. Conceptos sencillos pero muy utiles y facilmente aplicables en la práctica.
July 2, 2019
A unique instrument for evaluating business styles—seems well founded in research and offers some useful tips. Only thing is you can’t take the assessment without a consult from Deloitte—rude.
March 16, 2021
A really good guide of self awareness and interpersonal awareness for the workplace. Valuable advice and vision.
May 4, 2023
Muy útil! Ojalá hubiera una traducción al español pronto.
May 27, 2020
I enjoyed and highly recommend Business Chemistry to individuals in and out of business, in education, government, and it is just as applicable to personal experiences and activities whether, retired, volunteering, book club participants, a sports team participant, etc.
On initial read it appears Business Chemistry is about leadership, groups, and group dynamics but the book is much more. To be sure there is much information, ideas, graphics, and suggestions about group interaction. The real essence and value of the book is the guidance the book provides for personal work and work group relationship styles providing strengths, weaknesses and suggestions for accommodating your own work style as well as those of your co-workers, and even clients. Infused is an introspective emphasis on how we like to work and how we relate to others with the same and different styles.
Although the book was written for the business world, as a retired public school teacher and administrator there are many practical applications for administrators, teachers, and even students. Learning styles were, and may still be, a major focus of educational pedagogy. Business Chemistry and Learning Styles are closely related and easily merged. There is a natural Business Chemistry connection between and among administrators (central office to building administrators and principal to their assistants) and between administrators and teachers. In addition, a classroom-can be visualized as a team between teacher and student working toward a common goal or task.
Lastly, the format of Business Chemistry is written in the first person as if the authors were sitting next to you and casually talking about some interesting incites. The many scenarios are followed by each author providing a conversational analysis. There are quite a few colorful and easy to read and understand charts which help clarify concepts. The authors stated in the beginning of the book and successfully demonstrated that they wrote the book in a format to accommodate the various Business Chemistry styles.
On initial read it appears Business Chemistry is about leadership, groups, and group dynamics but the book is much more. To be sure there is much information, ideas, graphics, and suggestions about group interaction. The real essence and value of the book is the guidance the book provides for personal work and work group relationship styles providing strengths, weaknesses and suggestions for accommodating your own work style as well as those of your co-workers, and even clients. Infused is an introspective emphasis on how we like to work and how we relate to others with the same and different styles.
Although the book was written for the business world, as a retired public school teacher and administrator there are many practical applications for administrators, teachers, and even students. Learning styles were, and may still be, a major focus of educational pedagogy. Business Chemistry and Learning Styles are closely related and easily merged. There is a natural Business Chemistry connection between and among administrators (central office to building administrators and principal to their assistants) and between administrators and teachers. In addition, a classroom-can be visualized as a team between teacher and student working toward a common goal or task.
Lastly, the format of Business Chemistry is written in the first person as if the authors were sitting next to you and casually talking about some interesting incites. The many scenarios are followed by each author providing a conversational analysis. There are quite a few colorful and easy to read and understand charts which help clarify concepts. The authors stated in the beginning of the book and successfully demonstrated that they wrote the book in a format to accommodate the various Business Chemistry styles.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews