The Wealth Dynamics 'Mechanic' profile

In a recent editorial I mentioned that my wealth dynamics profile is that of a 'Mechanic'. I explained that the wealth dynamics profiles include Creator, Star, Supporter, Dealmaker, Trader, Accumulator, Lord, and Mechanic. I also mentioned that the ideal is for an individual to be operating in a role that fits his or her profile. I would like to tell you a little bit more about the Mechanic profile and then give an example of how an understanding of it can lead to a win-win situation.

Mechanics are system thinkers. If creators need to have their head in the clouds, then mechanics need to have their finger in the pie. While creators are great at starting things, mechanics are great at finishing things. They arre perfectionists, which is why they cannot resist finding ways to do things better.

While stars twinkle, mechanics tinker. They get hands-on with their systems and prefer to study how to improve things with their hands dirty. As a result, they have little interest in impressing with or indulging in their appearance.

Many mechanics have yet to get going because they are still trying to figure out what business to start Ray Kroc was 52 before he realised he didn't need to start his own business, he could take an existing business - McDonald's - and make it better.

Many mechanics have companies with better systems than their competitors, but they have not leveraged these systems with stronger products produced by others, or the business is limited by their autocratic management style and high staff turnover.

Successful mechanics remain hands-on, fine tuning their systems long after they have delegated many other areas of their business. This is where they see the greatest results, and where they gain the most satisfaction.

Greatest support for mechanics:
Opportunists
Financiers

Greatest catalysts for mechanics:
Creators to innovate products
Deal makers to create liquidity in system base

Your true wealth does not come from money; it comes from people. Far too many of us attempt to create wealth without the right network around us. So make the people of greatest support your priority in building your wealth network. Whatever your profile you should make connecting with the greatest catalysts your priority to accelerate your own wealth creation key.

I was recently assisting in a large wealth dynamics workshop in London. On the second day, one of my colleagues came into the auditorium and said "May we borrow you, Richard, for a few minutes please. We need a Mechanic." I was taken into the back room where they had assembled the items that were to be given to the delegates at the end of the workshop. Piled up on a table against the wall were three piles of work books, three piles of DVD cases and two piles of books. These had to be packed in the correct order into a carrier bag and handed to each delegate on departure. The question was what advice can a Mechanic give to us so that we can be more effective and efficient in doing this.

My immediate comment was that if the table was pulled away from the wall, twice as many people would be able to collect the items, thus doubling the output. I was told that there were only three staff available anyway. My next comment, based on past experience, was that the third person should not attempt to collect any items but should stand at the head of the table holding an open carrier bag into which the other two could deposit the items that they had collected.

I then returned to the auditorium feeling great. Later, I was telling another colleague how I had enjoyed being able to make such a simple contribution on the basis that I am a mechanic. He replied, that he had been one of the people doing the packing and that as a result of my recommendations it had gone like clockwork. My original contact then joined us and said that, indeed, just my suggestion of moving the table away from the wall had doubled their effectiveness.

The interesting thing is that to a mechanic these suggestions were obvious. However, they had not occurred to the people who had been going to do the work. The lesson here is that if people can be given work which beautifully fits their profile there is a win-win. I was delighted at the honour given to me by asking for a simple contribution, and they were delighted by the impact it had on their performance.

A major part of coaching is raising the awareness of the client, and understanding an individual's profile is an excellent start in this.

You can find out more and discover your own profile if you visit this website: www.knowyourprofile.com.

Richard Winfield is founder of Brefi Group.

An international facilitator, he coaches and

facilitates directors and boards in transition:

helping them to make progress by

bringing structure and clarity

to their thinking.

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