Working With Me: A Guide to Effective Collaboration with Daniel Dopler
(Note: This is a living document and will be updated as new information is discovered and becomes relevant.)
My approach to work and leadership is deeply shaped by 20 years of experience as a U.S. Navy Special Operations Leader and 17 years in competitive team sports. I aim to create environments where individuals and teams can achieve high performance while also growing and developing. Understanding my natural tendencies, preferences, and areas of strength can help us work together more effectively, whether I am your manager, your peer, or your direct report.
When I am your Manager:
My focus as a manager is on empowering and developing my team members. I believe in the potential of each individual and am motivated to help you reach your fullest potential.
- Expect empowerment and growth: I strive to be a mentor and strong advocate for my team. I will regularly encourage you to develop your strengths and skills and ensure you have opportunities for personal and professional growth. I believe in acknowledging strengths and weaknesses as part of being a good leader.
- I value collaboration and your input: I excel in team environments and believe in involving team members in the decision-making process. I aim to foster collaboration and a sense of community.
- Trust is fundamental: I strive to be trustworthy, honest, and loyal. I trust my team members. I believe in transparent communication to ensure expectations are clear.
- Leveraging unique strengths: I am intrigued by the unique qualities of each person and have a gift for figuring out how different people can work together productively. I focus on maximizing strengths to stimulate excellence. I will work to leverage your distinct strengths for collective success.
- Navigating challenges: I am solutions-oriented and comfortable with problem-solving. I am comfortable operating in dynamic and quickly changing environments. I maintain composure under pressure, which helps reassure others.
- Potential points to be aware of: I may have a tendency to take on too much work myself rather than delegating. While I trust you, I might sometimes jump back in if I feel the team is struggling, even if I intended to be hands-off. My direct communication style and sometimes serious or monotone demeanor might be misinterpreted. Proactive communication about your progress and needs is helpful. I might not always ask for help myself when I need it.
When I am your Peer:
I thrive in collaborative team environments and value working together towards shared goals.
- I am collaborative and open: I am motivated by a strong desire to collaborate and excel in bringing people together and making connections. I am open-minded and willing to adapt. I have a high tolerance for different ideas and perspectives, even when I don’t agree with them. I respect differences.
- Expect exploring options and creative ideas: I am Option-Oriented, liking options and coming up with alternatives that others haven’t considered. I enjoy generating new ideas. This exploration of multiple possibilities is part of my process.
- I am solutions-oriented and driven: I have a drive to make things happen and achieve results. I am comfortable taking initiative and tend to be proactive. I can navigate challenges and solve problems. I am diligent and value hard work.
- Trust and communication: I strive to be trustworthy and honest. I believe in open communication and value genuine relationships. I am comfortable communicating directly.
- Adaptability and composure: I am adaptable and flexible in changing situations and comfortable with ambiguity. I maintain composure under pressure.
- Potential points to be aware of: Due to exploring multiple options, I might sometimes appear indecisive. My direct communication style or serious demeanor might require getting to know me better, but I aim to be respectful. I may occasionally dismiss ideas that aren’t in line with my own (as noted by a peer). I might also overwork myself.
When I am your Direct Report:
I approach my work with diligence, responsibility, and a focus on achieving results, thriving when given a degree of autonomy.
- Reliable and results-focused: I work hard and possess stamina. I take psychological ownership of commitments and am tenacious in pursuing goals. I am reliable and tend to get the job done well. You can generally count on tasks being completed without constant follow-up.
- Adaptable and resourceful: I am comfortable with ambiguity and thrive in quickly changing environments. I read situations and respond in appropriate ways. I am resourceful in finding solutions.
- Takes initiative and can operate independently: I am comfortable taking initiative. My experience in Special Operations has prepared me to make independent decisions in dispersed environments. I value independence and resist being controlled. Providing clear objectives and allowing flexibility in the “how” is effective.
- Process-oriented and analytical (as perceived by others): While my self-assessment is low in quantitative analysis and using measurement systems, others perceive me as using data effectively in analysis and decision-making and establishing efficient processes. I have implemented reporting processes for transparency.
- Continuous learner: I have a passion for learning and want to continuously improve. I am open to feedback.
- Potential points to be aware of: I tend to be selfless and may take on too much work or neglect my own needs, especially under pressure. I might not actively ask for help when needed. Rigid formal processes or bureaucracy can be frustrating. My self-assessment indicates I need to improve in long-term planning and strategic outlook and sometimes struggle with concise communication. Acknowledging my contributions can be motivating.
I am committed to open communication and continuous improvement, both personally and professionally. I look forward to working with you effectively in any role.