Leadership theories
To The Talk is based on leadership theories that recognises the importance of adapting leadership and communication to individual differences, whether based on personality, maturity level, or other factors to achieve desired results. These includes Hersey and Blanchard’s situational leadership and Blake and Mounton’s behavioural leadership theory. These theories emphasises that effective leadership is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach and that adaptation is key to maximising employee performance and achieving organisational goals. By recognising and adapting to individual differences, managers can help create a more motivating and productive work environment.
In conversational situations, leadership theory is combined with communication strategies that focus on the need to adapt communication to individual differences, including personality types. Also including Goleman’s theory of social-emotional intelligence where we emphasise adapting communication to meet the emotional needs of different individuals by understanding and managing both one’s own and other’s emotions.
The character gallery in the game is based on modern understanding of Marston’s DISC theory and the Myers-Brigs Type Indicator (MBTI), to allow the player to try out different communication and management strategies on different personality types in the game.
Your employees in the game
Caroline
Caroline is 23 years old and the department’s youngest member. She is usually very considerate and likes to take the side of the weakest. She studies alongside her job, is politically engaged and enjoys a discussion. She is concerned with environmental protection, loves animals and is vegan.
She is not afraid to say what she thinks and can sometimes come across as a know-it-all. She reacts quite strongly to things she perceives as unfair – both on behalf of herself and others. She is concerned with being taken seriously and is driven more by her inner motivation than money and boasting.
Chris
Chris is 50 years old and has been with the company for a long time, where he is responsible for IT security. He is a technology graduate and has a high intelligence. He is an introvert and takes up little space in the group, but is still the one everyone goes to with questions. Chris is married, has two grown children and is involved in hunting. He always wants time off during the hunting season.
He is conscientious and independent. In general, he is motivated by increasing his skills and being able to manage himself. Chris speaks little, but thinks all the more. He is not the one to show the big feelings, but can feel them for a long time.
Daniel
Daniel is 26 years old and has worked in the company for a year. He came straight from his studies and this is his first real job. He is an only child and is used to having things arranged for him. Daniel is very social and is the department’s source of joy. He rarely says no to doing something.
He is very career conscious and has set out to take over your job within two years, something he is not necessarily qualified for. Daniel doesn’t go out of his way to suck up, or take any shortcuts to achieve the career he wants. He lacks a little self-awareness and can look down on the people around him. He is not aware of how he affects others. Daniel is primarily motivated by getting recognition – preferably from you and other managers.
Lilly
Lilly is 38 years old and has worked here for 3 years, but she has held several similar positions before. She rarely makes mistakes, gets things done, and is a trusted employee. Lilly has a partner and currently no children. She is formal and direct, and keeps some distance from her colleagues.
She can be a little conceited and is very aware of her competence. She likes to appear tough and self-confident, but nevertheless she is insecure deep down, and you have realized that she is a little afraid of being passed over by Daniel. She is concerned that things won’t go correctly and is motivated by reaching clearly defined goals.
Mona
Mona is 60 years old and has worked in the company as an office worker for a long time. She is married and has 4 grown children. She is caring and has taken on the role of the department’s mum. She makes coffee, remembers everyone’s birthdays, and makes sure everyone has a good time.
She likes her job and is afraid of losing it. She worries that her age makes her more vulnerable. Mona is non-confrontational, but if she has to take a stand, she chooses the strongest party. Mona is distinctly emotional and her emotions change easily.
Peter
Peter is 45 years old. He is a distinct salesman and has previously been a professional athlete. He has an extreme competitive instinct and hates to lose. He is efficient and highly visible in the group. He is also well liked by the others, even if they perceive him as rather self-centered. He is divorced and is a enthusiast in the local football club where he coaches his son’s team.
Peter is motivated by numbers, rewards and not least recognition. Being second to none is very important to him. He is not afraid to use dominating techniques to achieve his goals or win over his views.