Our IDS® sessions are dominated by the same two verbal leaders, while other key executives stay silent and disengaged. How do we use the Predictive Index to encourage healthier, more balanced participation?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

When your IDS® sessions are dominated by a couple of vocal leaders, you are missing out on the collective intelligence of your team. This dynamic is usually driven by behavioral wiring, which we can analyze and adjust using the Predictive Index.

Vocal leaders often have high Extraversion, meaning they think out loud, process information verbally, and are comfortable with immediate conflict. Silent leaders may have low Extraversion or high Formality. They need time to process information internally before speaking, and they prefer structured, harmonious environments. If you put them in an unstructured, fast-paced debate, they will shut down.

To balance participation, look at the behavioral profiles on your team. For your internal processors, provide the Issues List ahead of the meeting so they can review the items and organize their thoughts.

During the meeting, the facilitator must actively manage the room. If a high Extravert is dominating, politely pause them and say, we have heard your perspective, let us hear from the others. Then, directly invite the quieter leaders into the conversation. Frame your prompt to suit their wiring, such as asking for their analytical perspective on the data. By adjusting your facilitation style to match the behavioral profiles in the room, you create a safe environment where every leader can contribute their strengths to solving the company's biggest challenges.