Before reading an excerpt from The Fifth Discipline Fieldbook,  Balancing Inquiry and Advocacy, by Peter Senge, I did not realize how many factors go into the dynamics of a team environment. With little need for self reflection, I already knew I practice more advocacy than inquiry. Although I believe I am semi-balanced in both,  I weigh strongly toward being more assertive. Many times this is a great trait–I am capable of being vocal about my opinions, I am not passive, I can articulate my ideas to others–but at other times, this can create friction when working in a group environment.

While working with a team that sways more toward inquiry, my traits become much more apparent. I state this not necessarily as a positive thing, because I’m worried that my advocacy will come off as dictating rather than asserting or explaining. To combat this problem, I will start practicing more inquiry and encouraging my teammates to be more vocal about their ideas and explanations.