Input in a Nutshell
People with Input are naturally curious. They want to know how things work. They collect information, collect resources, and know where to find answers.
People with high Input are information gatherers. They're interested in everything. They accumulate knowledge. They enjoy research. They like having resources and information at hand. They're the people who ask questions and remember the answers.
At their best, people with high Input are valuable resources. They know where to find information. They ask good questions. They bring knowledge to bear on problems. Teams function better when they have good people with high Input who can access what they need.
Your Key Contributions
- Coming prepared: You arrive at decisions with the relevant facts, data, or examples the team needs to think clearly
- Memory for detail: You remember what others forget, surfacing details from past projects or reading that turn out to matter
- Knowing the network: You know who knows what across the organisation, which makes you the team's shortcut to the right expert
Watch Out For
- Collecting information without using it
- Getting lost in research instead of moving forward
- Hoarding information instead of sharing it
- Becoming overwhelmed by the amount you want to know
The 2 Sides of Input
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What Energises You
- Learning something new and interesting
- Finding information that answers your questions
- Being asked "Do you know...?" because you often do
- Researching a topic deeply
- Having resources and information at your disposal
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What Drains You
- Not having access to information you need
- People who don't want to know or learn
- Being restricted from researching or asking questions
- Operating without sufficient information
- Keeping quiet when you have knowledge to share
How Others See You
How to Invest in Input for Work
If You're high in Input
- Share what you learn; knowledge hoarded is knowledge wasted.
- Pair with Analytical or Strategic to apply information purposefully.
- Use your curiosity to inform strategy and decisions.
- Know when to stop gathering and start using what you have.
Managing Someone Who Leads with Input
- Give them research and information-gathering responsibilities.
- Ask them what they know and what they've learned.
- Let them resource the team with knowledge and information.
- Support their learning and development.
Connecting with Someone who Leads with Input
- Ask them what they've learned recently.
- Bring them questions; they'll want to find answers.
- Appreciate their knowledge and curiosity.
- Share information and resources with them.