In my power-alley attributes seminars, one of the inherent traits we study is what I call the developer attribute.
A developer is an encourager, delegator, and mentor—one who is focused on others achieving their goals, who’s driven toward teamwork. Often self-effacing, a developer tends to work behind the curtain. To give you an example that we’ve all had contact with, many teachers are very strong developers—and many developers are naturally gifted teachers.
When people work with or for a developer, they tend to feel validated and valued. And, since one of humankind’s top motivators is that wonderful feeling that we’re growing and improving, a developer can be a powerful driver in encouraging highly motivated, hard-working teams.
Now, during my attributes sessions, we indeed explore many specific traits like the developer. But we also go much further, discussing ways to recognize certain attributes in others through careful observation and listening for revelation.
To help with that exercise, here’s a great example of the developer attribute as seen through an interview with Scott Malpass, vice president and chief investment officer of the Notre Dame endowment. Watch and listen to how he continually credits others and deflects compliments onto his team:
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