Casey Fenton
June 19, 2023
Ever wondered how some teams just seem to work seamlessly, each person adding their unique flavor, contributing to the creation of something truly exceptional? Among the key players in these harmonious teams are individuals known as "Matchers."
This article unravels who they are, their role, and how you, as an employee, can leverage their attitude to achieve remarkable success.
Matchers are the mediators, the balancers, and the team members who strive to establish a fair, equitable environment. They believe in the principle of reciprocity - giving and receiving in equal measure. Unlike givers who focus on helping others or takers who prioritize their own needs, Matchers maintain a delicate balance between personal gain and communal prosperity.
In the world of workplace dynamics, Matchers play a significant role in maintaining balance. They are the individuals who help smooth the rough edges and make the cogwheels of teamwork turn more smoothly. But what makes Matchers stand out? Let's delve into the key characteristics that define them.
Matchers have a knack for noticing the details of interpersonal dynamics that others might overlook. They are able to read situations accurately and understand the needs and expectations of their team members.
A Matcher’s primary aim is to maintain a sense of fairness within the team. They work to ensure that all members are treated equally, contributions are acknowledged, and effort is reciprocated.
Matchers operate on the principle of give-and-take. They keep a mental scorecard of the exchanges within the team, promoting an environment where help and resources are reciprocated.
Matchers can be givers when the situation calls for it, and takers when necessary. This flexibility allows them to adapt and react based on the needs of the team.
Matchers foster a spirit of teamwork. They promote cooperation, shared effort, and mutual success. Their goal is not just individual achievement but the success of the team as a whole.
If you are intrigued by Matchers and wondering if you might be one of them, here are a few qualities that might resonate with you.
Recognizing these qualities in yourself can help you better understand your role in the team dynamics and how you can maximize your contributions. Being a Matcher isn't just about balancing give-and-take—it's about fostering a cooperative, respectful, and equitable environment for everyone.
The presence of Matchers in the workplace brings many advantages. Here's a snapshot of the benefits they provide:
Matchers encourage a culture of fairness and respect, which can significantly boost team morale and productivity.
Matchers help balance the extremes of givers and takers, preventing exploitation and promoting mutual help.
By fostering a sense of cooperation, Matchers facilitate better collaboration and teamwork, leading to more innovative and efficient outcomes.
Matchers often step in to mediate and resolve conflicts in the team, maintaining harmony and positive relationships.
With their focus on balance and fairness, Matchers contribute to higher employee satisfaction, which can lead to lower turnover and a more committed workforce.
While Matchers work to uphold balance, they can sometimes find themselves entangled in conflicts. Let's delve into some potential scenarios and how they can be resolved.
As an employee, you play an essential role in harnessing the potential of Matchers in your workplace. Here are some strategies you can implement to foster a Matcher-friendly environment:
Being open and communicative is key. Whether it's by actively participating in team meetings, using platforms like Slack and Teams to share your thoughts, or contributing to suggestion boxes, your voice can help shape an environment that respects everyone's perspectives, thereby supporting Matchers' value of fairness.
Recognition isn’t only a top-down process. As an employee, you can take the initiative to acknowledge your peers' efforts. Celebrate their successes and leverage equity compensation to boost reciprocity.
If your company offers performance-based Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), understand how they work. RSUs represent a company's shares that are granted to an employee and are typically subject to a vesting schedule. In performance-based vesting, the RSUs only vest if certain performance conditions are met, providing a strong incentive for you and your colleagues to perform well. This system not only provides tangible recognition of your collective contributions but also aligns your interests with the company’s success, fostering a Matcher's attitude of balance and fairness.
When you and your colleagues meet the performance conditions, not only do you recognize your collective efforts, but you also align your interests with the company's success, encouraging a Matcher's attitude of balance and fairness.
Be an active participant in team-building activities and seek out opportunities to strengthen your bonds with team members. Your efforts to build relationships and promote unity can support Matchers' cooperative nature and encourage shared success.
As an employee, you can help manage conflicts by utilizing your understanding of Matchers' inherent sense of fairness. If you feel comfortable, step in to mediate disputes and seek resolution. Your actions can contribute to a harmonious work environment.
Constructive feedback can help maintain balance and fairness. Whether it's providing feedback to your peers, seeking feedback about your own work, or contributing to performance reviews, your active participation can help Matchers monitor team dynamics and adjust as needed.
Don't hesitate to seek guidance when needed. By actively seeking support, coaching, or mentorship from leaders, you can better understand how to navigate challenges and support Matchers in your team.
By actively implementing these strategies, you can help to cultivate a Matcher-friendly environment and optimize team dynamics, enhancing the overall performance of your team.
Matchers are vital for a harmonious, productive workplace. They balance giving and taking, fostering a culture of fairness and reciprocity. As an employee, understanding and embodying the Matcher's attitude can lead you to personal and collective success of your organization.
For more insights about alignment drivers that cultivate progressive work dynamics, read our blog here.
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