Core Belief Profile 3

The Acheiver Elephant

Role Description

The Acheiver is highly motivated to achieve personal goals. They are driven by completion. Acheivers are action people who love to tick items off an action list. Others are amazed at their sheer capacity for output.

They measure their progress using external markers of status e.g. their appearance, their possessions. Looking good and the image of appearing successful are as important as the success itself. They avoid failing at all costs.

Their own positive self-esteem is based on personal productivity and winning.

Maintaining an image of success in the eyes of others is more important than substance. The image of success can be tailored to suit what the situation deems is most successful. Changing themselves to suit the situation or individual they are with means they can deceive themselves and others.

They will find subtle ways to get positive feedback from others so they feel like the centre of the room. They demand the attention and respect they crave in social settings. The feeling is that anything meaningful that occurs in a social setting occurs because of them.

The Acheiver assumes that people receive love and approval by achieving success, and they are rewarded by what they do and what they are perceived to have.

This is an assertive profile because it moves against others and, in the face of stress, will expand their sense of self.

They are quite strict with their diet and how they appear to be eating. They can over-exercise and under-eat to control their body. They are very critical of their body shape, even if it’s quite acceptable. They often think that if they change their external appearance, their internal conflict will disappear.

Focus of attention:

• Things to be done: tasks, goals and future achievements.

• The most efficient solution.

• How to be the best.

Focus of energy:

• Doing things quickly and efficiently.

• Staying active and busy.

• Gaining recognition and credit for achievements.

• Adjusting to whatever is required for success.

• Promoting themselves.

• Looking good.

Focus of Avoidance

• Failing to achieve their desired goals.

• Being overshadowed by others.

• Losing face.

• Uncomfortable feelings and doubts that arise from inactivity and slowing their pace.

• Whatever distracts them from getting things done, including emotions.

Preferred communication style

• Personal support allows them to relax and be more open to learning.

• Since there is a fear of appearing foolish, may be hesitant to take initial risks.

• May need extensive preparation and/or partnership in trying new things.

• Important to feel personal rapport with the instructor / manager and it is important that the instructor / manager treats people in a caring way.

• Clarity of content or retention of material may suffer from overemphasis on relating.

• Capacity to adapt to new environments and new people supports the learning process.

Dos and Don'ts for this Core Belief Profile

Do

• Do come straight to the point.

• Do ensure that you are scheduled onto their list. They will be busy and so will need to include you amongst their things to get done.

• Deliver on what you promise. Since the Acheiver is committed to you, you should be as well.

• Do establish clear parameters that define success.

• Do provide very clear and well defined feedback so that they know what is required and that their efforts are being noticed and acknowledged.

• Do remember that Acheivers will feel loved for their achievements and not for who they are.

• Do bear in mind that they frame the relationship in terms of activity to be accomplished.

• Do remember that they require praise for their winning image and style.

• Do appreciate that the Acheiver will feel threatened when real emotions rise to the surface. They will need to be reassured that they are in fact doing (or feeling) the right thing.

• Do let them know that you appreciate them for who they are and not purely for what it is that they do.

• Do strongly encourage them to take breaks from work, which is their main focus in life.

Don't

• Don’t waste their time. Therefore, be prepared and well organised.

• Don’t interrupt when they are engaged in an activity.

• Don’t compete with an Acheiver. Instead, collaborate for success together.

• Don’t expect to receive emotional encouragement for a job well done. A well done job is the standard and need not be praised.

Suggestions for Professional Development

• Recognise that success is not proof of virtue.

• Recognise that there is a difference between who you are and what you do. Learn to value both independently.

• Allow others to lead, don’t automatically take over (whether it’s a good idea or not).

• Take time in your busy schedule for other people – without an agenda or need for results.

• Develop the ability to be honest about how you feel.

• Develop the capacity to make personal connections with those around you.

• See the value in others you disagree with.

• Slow down for people who need more time to think things through.

• Learn to be more sensitive with requests and feedback.

Danger

• Vanity

• Deceit