Business Chemistry

A guide to putting cognitive diversity to work

Ever wonder what it is that makes two people click or clash? Or why some groups excel while others fumble? Or how you, as a leader, can make or break team potential?

Business Chemistry holds the answers. Based on extensive research and analytics, plus years of proven success in the field, the Business Chemistry framework provides a simple yet powerful way to identify meaningful differences between people’s working styles. Who seeks possibilities and who seeks stability? Who values challenge and who values connection? Business Chemistry will help you grasp where others are coming from, appreciate the value they bring, and determine what they need in order to excel. It offers practical ways to be more effective as an individual and as a leader.

Imagine you had a more in-depth understanding of yourself and why you thrive in some work environments and flounder in others. Suppose you had a clearer view on what to do about it so that you could always perform at your best.

Imagine you had more insight into what makes people tick and what ticks them off, how some interactions unlock potential while others shut people down. Suppose you could gain people’s trust, influence them, motivate them, and get the very most out of your work relationships.

Imagine you knew how to create a work environment where all types of people excel, even if they have conflicting perspectives, preferences and needs. Suppose you could activate the potential benefits of diversity on your teams and in your organizations, improving collaboration to achieve the group’s collective potential.

KIM CHRISTFORT is the architect and global leader of Deloitte's Business Chemistry^®, and national managing director of The Deloitte Greenhouse^™ Experience.

SUZANNE VICKBERG, PHD, is the applied insights lead for The Deloitte Greenhouse^™ Experience, a social-personality psychologist, and the lead researcher for Business Chemistry^®.

VI. Foreword (by Punit Renjen, Global CEO, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited)

1. Chapter 1

The Power of Chemistry

13. Chapter 2

The Lay of the Land

Business Chemistry Core

20. Chapter 3

PIONEERS Value Possibilities and Spark Energy and Imagination

29. Chapter 4

GUARDIANS Value Stability and Bring Order and Rigor

39. Chapter 5

DRIVERS Value Challenge and Generate Momentum

49. Chapter 6

INTEGRATORS Value Connection and Draw Teams Together

62. Chapter 7

Recognizing Others Through Business Chemistry “Tells”

81. Chapter 8

Using Business Chemistry Responsibly

Business Chemistry Electives

92. Chapter 9

What about Introverts and Extroverts?

103. Chapter 10

Stress, Career Aspirations, and Other Headlines

129. Chapter 11

Nature or Nurture? (And Other Timeless Questions)

Business Chemistry Applications

152. Chapter 12

Pioneers in Hell: How to Stop Killing Their Potential

169. Chapter 13

Guardians in Hell: How to Stop Killing Their Potential

185. Chapter 14

Drivers in Hell: How to Stop Killing Their Potential

203. Chapter 15

Integrators in Hell: How to Stop Killing Their Potential

220. Chapter 16

Creating Powerful Relationships with Colleagues, Customers, and Everyone Else

234. Chapter 17

Putting Business Chemistry to Work On Your Teams

260. Chapter 18

Got Chemistry?

Additional Content

265. About the Authors (or When a Pioneer and a Guardian Work Together)

271. Appendix: Details of the Business Chemistry System

294. Acknowledgments

296. Photo Credits

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