Evergreen vs Changing Leaf

The way an individual processes their environment can have a significant impact on their well-being and productivity in the workplace. Our environment includes everything from physical surroundings to the social and emotional context of the workplace. Someone who perceives their environment positively and is able to manage stress effectively may thrive in their work environment and feel motivated to perform at their best. However, someone who experiences their environment negatively or has difficulty managing stress may struggle to stay engaged, feel overwhelmed, and experience burnout. Thus, it is important for individuals to understand how they process their environment so they are able to develop strategies to manage their environment and their response to it. 

There are three areas that are critical to both personal and professional dynamics, and we use them every day.

1. processing our environment
2. building our ideas to reality
3. influencing others

Inter FaceTM is a behavioral methods instrument that provides participants with feedback in these three areas of day-to-day behaviors. This blog will focus on the first of the three day to day behaviors – processing our environment. 

Two Different Ways to Process Our Environment:

The absolute biggest difference among us is the way that we process the world around us. When it is different, there are almost always challenges which, if not managed, will lead to a fracture in our ability to produce things together. Furthermore, they create the most tension when we are interacting with an individual who does not possess the same method as ourselves. Often, we begin to judge each other, doubt one another’s abilities, and become overtly or latently critical. This can quickly damage connections, crippling our abilities to reach goals together. But, if managed well, our differences enable a far greater level of competence in what we can produce together.

There are basically two categories of how processing the environment is done, and yet they are along a continuum with varying degrees of how strongly rooted in that method we are. The Inter FaceTM scale measures the way you process the environment or circumstances that affect you. How do you work? Finish tasks? Accomplish goals?

The first method of processing is consistent and systematic. We call it “Evergreen,” The more strongly a person is rooted in this method, the more concerned with details they are. Evergreens are organized, methodical, and constant. They often take great care in how they present themselves and their office or home. They are usually exact, precise, and meticulous. Their work is well-appointed and thorough. Their follow-through is solid, and their attention to process is scrupulous. They will usually generate process-oriented solutions. 

An “Evergreen” is consistent. They process with strong attention to detail. They think with a linear approach. They are task-driven and tend to bring follow-through to any process. They prefer to implement and maintain things in a stable manner. They value history and experience.  They tend to like jobs or tasks that are more detailed, and they prefer to stay organized.

The other category of how people process is evolving or ever-changing. We call it “Changing  Leaf.” The more strongly rooted someone is in this method, the more concerned he or she is with outcome or results. A “Changing Leaf” is evolving. They look for new and different ways to get the job done. They think in multiple dimensions with a circular approach. They are creative, innovative, resourceful, and enjoy thinking about what could be. They tend to like jobs or tasks that allow autonomy and originating fresh ideas. They tend to stay very future-focused and strategic.

Changing Leaves are entrepreneurial, innovative, and creative. They are driven by possibilities and always want to try new ways to do things. They will choose out of the box solutions. They are usually complex in the way that they think about solutions, connecting multiple variables easily in their final decision. Their work is compelling and focused on the difference they can make. They think strategically and easily define vision. They generally process information quite quickly in order to reach a point where a result or outcome can be generated.

The Clash of Two Methods:

In short, these two methods clash considerably and are a contributory cause in at least 70% of the business challenges our business, Edges, takes on. Each of us has developed our preferred method because it works for us. Likely, our competence is enhanced by our use of our preferred method of processing. It is the center of how we achieve. And it works for us. Again, there are varying degrees of our needs and tendencies when processing, but when we process differently from the person we live with, or work with, we are in a situation where we can be easily tempted to judge their competence. It is very difficult to avoid. We either make a mental note to work without them, or our frustration leads to conflict and dysfunction. However it plays out, we lose great synergy because of our inability to work together.

Let’s explore the differences a bit further. The Evergreen, or the consistent, meticulous, detail- oriented processor, is in need of a high level of detail, and will also produce it. Not only do they need to produce it or receive it, they feel that when that does not occur, the other person is not capable or competent enough to come up with the details. They feel as though they are there solely to support that other person’s shortcomings. And, when they give process details to another, they fully expect that the other person will follow it to the letter.

The Changing Leaf, or the innovative, results-oriented visionary is not in need of detail, and will not likely produce it. Not only do they not wish to produce it or receive it, they feel as though it is a sign of incompetence if it is needed. They feel that the other person is too caught up in minutiae and the things that don’t matter to make an impact on the end result. Thus, when someone provides detail to them, they are offended, and will not want to follow it. When a person asks for a high level of detail, they often think that person is less capable. Their response will likely be more strategic and in terms of the expected end results. That is what they would want and need…This is the root of the problem. 

We were taught to follow the golden rule: “Treat others as you would like to be treated.” But not everyone wants to be treated the same. Clearly this difference in the way people process can lead to a high degree of frustration when not recognized or managed.

You see, we need each other. Almost everything needs both Changing Leaves and Evergreens to be productive over the course of a given season. Every productive effort requires details and ideas to be successful. We need both process and vision. We must have both history and future in our solutions to create the best possible solutions. And yet, we naturally rebel against it. Think what we could achieve together if we only let ourselves embrace this!

Getting Started with Inter FaceTM:

Inter FaceTM is a tool for teams to work better together. We work to get your team unstuck while providing better customer experiences.  This tool helps improve cross-department engagement, and works to drive productivity, revenue, and fulfillment. 

Some team members thrive on innovation and creativity with an eye on the future; others are consistent and process-oriented. Some need more time to develop ideas independently, while others thrive when brainstorming with a group. Direct influencers opt for clear, upfront communication. Cautious influencers are diplomatic and tactful. The most successful teams understand, respect, nurture, and reap the benefits of a variety of preferences. Participants learn to judge less, embrace differences and complement each other’s strengths.

It all starts with a 10-minute survey. the Inter Face Methods Learning eXcelerator™ quickly identifies behavior and communication styles, then populates a report detailing the individual’s unique combination (and degree) of preferences. Employees and managers get an immediate picture of how each member works best. Visit our website for more information.