🟠 Group 1 — Problem Solvers

What They’re Like

Problem Solvers don’t wait for perfect conditions.

They jump in.
They try things.
They figure it out as they go.

They see possibilities others don’t—and they’re energized by the chance to improve, fix, or reimagine something.

A rigid plan can feel limiting…because for them, discovery happens in motion.

What You’ll Notice

  • They challenge the way things have always been done

  • They look for better, faster, smarter ways

  • They prefer trying something over reading instructions

  • They often see multiple “right answers” (especially in tests or decisions)

What looks like unpredictability…
is actually creative problem-solving in action.

 

How to Lead Them

Give them space to think and experiment.

  • Invite ideas: “What if…?”

  • Let them test and explore

  • Share real examples instead of just theory

  • Reward innovation—not just compliance

They do their best work when they can engage with the problem, not just follow a process.

 

How to Communicate

Speak in a way that opens possibilities.

  • “What do you think of this?”

  • “Let’s try…”

  • “I wonder if…”

They respond to curiosity, not control.


🟢 Group 2 — Navigators

 

What They’re Like

Navigators feel more confident when things are clear.

They like structure.
They like organization.
They like knowing what comes next.

Not because they’re rigid—
but because clarity helps them move forward with focus.

 

What You’ll Notice

  • They create plans (often before anyone else does)

  • They track progress and adjust to stay on course

  • They seek out reliable, credible information

  • They feel more comfortable when expectations are clear

What looks like “needing control”…
is actually a desire for stability and direction.

 

How to Lead Them

Give them clarity and structure.

  • Provide timelines and deadlines

  • Be clear about expectations

  • Summarize key points

  • Keep them informed so they can prepare

They perform best when they can see the path ahead.

 

How to Communicate

Be clear, direct, and grounded.

  • Stick to facts and data

  • Be concise and specific

  • Walk through things step-by-step

Avoid vague language like:

“Whatever…” or “We’ll figure it out…”

They don’t need more ideas—they need a clear direction.


🔵 Group 3 — Engagers

 

What They’re Like

Engagers notice what others often miss.

The tone.
The energy.
The feeling in the room.

They’re driven by meaning and connection—and they engage most when something feels important.

 

What You’ll Notice

  • They care about how people are experiencing things

  • They look for purpose before jumping in

  • They stay committed when the work feels meaningful

  • They disengage when something feels like “just busy work”

What looks like hesitation…
is actually a search for meaning.

 

How to Lead Them

Start with why it matters.

  • Explain the purpose and impact

  • Show how their work makes a difference

  • Create inclusive, respectful environments

  • Address tension or conflict early

They do their best work when they feel connected to the outcome—and the people involved.

 

How to Communicate

Lead with respect, appreciation, and intention.

  • Acknowledge effort and contribution

  • Highlight impact: “This made a difference because…”

  • Be mindful of tone and body language

They don’t just hear your words—
they feel how they’re delivered.

The ATLAS Advantage

This is where ATLAS starts to come alive…

not when you only understand it,

but when you start using it.

Try these two quick activities the next time you’re in a conversation.

🔍 ACTIVITY 1: “Spot the Pattern”

Start Seeing ATLAS in Real Life

Begin by just start to notice the patterns.

Your Challenge:

Think of 3 people you interact with regularly.

For each one, ask yourself:

  • Who jumps in with ideas and possibilities? → 🟠 Problem Solver

  • Who prefers clear plans and structure? → 🟢 Navigator

  • Who focuses on people and how things feel? → 🔵 Engager

 

Reflection:

You don’t need to label them perfectly.

Just start noticing the pattern.

Because once you see it…you’ll start seeing it everywhere.

 

🔄 ACTIVITY 2: “Shift Your Approach”

Try This in Your Next Conversation

Now that you’re starting to recognize the patterns…try this.

 

Pick one person you’ll interact with this week.

Then adjust your approach:

🟠 If they’re a Problem Solver:
→ Be open, flexible, and explore ideas together

What to say:

·  “What if we tried…?”

·  “I’m curious what you think…”

·  “Let’s explore a few options…”

🟢 If they’re a Navigator:
→ Be clear, structured, and direct

What to say:

·         “Here’s the plan…”

·         “The next step is…”

·         “Let’s walk through this…”

 

🔵 If they’re an Engager:
→ Be thoughtful, inclusive, and aware of tone

What to say:

·         “How are you feeling about this?”

·         “I want to make sure this works for everyone…”

·         “This matters because…”

 

Reflection:

Did the conversation feel easier—do I feel I was able to “connect” better?

Did I feel more confident in my approach?

Did ATLAS give me a better sense of what to say?

 

Ready for a deeper dive? Get your free ATLAS eBook.