why are we like that?

the nature of teamwork

Why are we like that? : DIGITAL WORKBOOK Why are we like that? : DIGITAL WORKBOOK

®
Welcome to TetraMap ! Valuing Uniqueness
Have you ever asked, or been asked... Why Are You Like That?
training for better behaviour and performance in the workplace
Do you wish it were easier to get on with those people?

Getting On When we get past reacting to behaviour,

we can get on with the issues at hand!
The purpose of this workbook is to help you
understand why, in fact, you are the way you
are... why, they are the way they are.

The Nature of Team : This workbook provides the framework and

processes to create and maintain high performance teamwork. Natural TetraMap® is liberating for those who grasp
how nature’s basic elements, Earth, Air, Water
and Fire are metaphors for behaviour. Appreciate
what others bring to a situation, and respect their
Published By
TetraMap International limited
natural behaviour.
5 Island View Terrace, Cockle Bay, Manukau 2014, NZ
www.tetramap.com

Authors Yoshimi & Jon Brett Changing Others Celebrate diversity and understand that the first
step toward positive change in your relationships
Edition WAWLT_Digital_EN 1.0, April 2017. Created in New Zealand
is to take responsibility for the first step yourself!
Copyright © TetraMap International Limited Notice, when you change yourself, others change.
The reproduction of any part of this document may be done
only with prior written permission.

Trademark TETRAMAP is a registered trademark of TetraMap

International Limited in New Zealand and other countries.

TetraMap® values nature – yours and the planet’s

Please print on 100% recycled paper

www.tetramap.com

2 © TetraMap International © TetraMap International 3

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TetraMap® of Nature Earth : like a mountain is firm

AIR FIRE
Decisive and goal-focused, Earth Elements like to achieve. Given a
project, the resources and desired outcomes, they are bold and
driven to win.

Air : like the wind is clear

EARTH WATER
© TetraMap International

On time, on budget, these thinkers rely on their abilities to plan and

prepare. Air Elements often prefer to work alone, allowing time and
Nature illustrates how Earth, Air, Water and Fire work together space to review, edit and analyse.
in synergy. It’s hard to imagine life or a sustainable environment
without each one of them. Similarly, in human nature, we all have
aspects of all four Elements.
Water : like a lake is calm
TetraMap helps us notice the different aspects of nature within
people. However, REMEMBER:
Inclusive, loyal and caring, Water Elements hold their families and
The TetraMap Instrument measures our preferences,
teams together. Deeply feeling people, Water reflect patience,
not necessarily our strengths.
harmony and flow. Often mediators, they serve to keep the team
Each one of us has a unique mix of Earth, Air, Water and Fire unified.
preferences. Our low scoring preferences are just as significant
as the high scoring preferences.
Our preferences may change depending on our role, for example,
friend, student, parent, team member, coach, leader.
Fire : like the sun is bright
TetraMap, like any map, is a guide or representation, not the
territory itself. The eternal optimist, Fire burns brightly to maintain energy and
humour. Spontaneous in nature, Fire ignites ideas, is always
moving… usually away from the routine of today and toward the
brightness and dreams of the future.

4 © TetraMap International © TetraMap International 5

© TetraMap International 7
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Unfolding the Tetrahedron The TetraMap® of Behaviour

The model of the tetrahedron is added to AIR FIRE
TetraMap as a perfect shape from nature to Logic Possibilities
examine the inter-dependencies of the four Orderly Spontaneous
Elements in people.
The tetrahedron is a 4 sided-pyramid.
FIRM CLEAR CALM BRIGHT
It is a fascinating geometric shape!

l
na
The tetrahedron is the minimum

atio
Decisive Considerate

ern
structural system in [the] Universe.

Int
ap
Facts Feelings

raM
Buckminster Fuller (1895-1983) architect,

Tet
©
futurist, inventor, designer of the EARTH WATER
geodesic dome.

It has no opposite faces. Do you know people with these preferences?

Each triangle touches every other
triangle, showing inter-dependence
You can make a tetrahedron from just
two triangles, showing the synergy of:
Notice...
1 + 1 = 4 !!
+ =
Picture a different Element of Nature
(Earth, Air, Water, Fire) on each face of
the tetrahedron. Unfold the tetrahedron
and you have the TetraMap! TetraMap also
helps us look at ourselves and our world
from at least four different perspectives.
This gives us a more holistic approach
to finding solutions to many of our
challenges.
Air
Left Triangles: Left-Brain, Task Focus
Good with numbers, languages and logic.
Earth Task oriented, good at organising others.
Fire
Right Triangles: Right-Brain, People Focus
Good with patterns, colour and intuition.
People oriented, good at enrolling others.
Water
Air
Inside Triangles: Internal Focus
Think before acting, interested in process.
Water Focus on affecting own behaviour.
Fire
Outside Triangles: External Focus
Act quickly, interested in outcomes.
Earth Focus on affecting others’ behaviour.
Air Fire
Base-Up Triangles: Abstract, Conceptual
Known for their ideas and perceptions.
Base-Down Triangles: Concrete, Practical
Known for their actions and deeds.
Earth Water

6 © TetraMap International © TetraMap International 7

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How Does it Relate to Other Models?

TetraMap® 2000 Air is clear Fire is bright TetraMap’s Four Elements of Behaviour
TetraMap is based on existing models and direct experience
with individuals and teams.

Earth is firm Water is calm

Hippocrates’ Four Humours
Hippocrates 450BC Phlegmatic Sanguine The early Greek philosophers believed that everything in nature
was made from four basic constituents: earth, air, water and fire.
Hippocrates associated the four Elements with certain body fluids
or humours that determined our health and temperament.

Choleric Melancholic

Jung 1923 Thinking Intuitive Jung’s Psychological Types

Jung observed four major types, each of which could be either
extroverted or introverted. TetraMap focuses on Jung’s extroverted
Sensing and Intuitive, and his introverted Thinking and Feeling.

Sensing Feeling

Belbin 1981 Implimenter Resource- Belbin’s Team Roles

Investigator Dr Meredith Belbin and a team of researchers studied the
behaviour of managers from all over the world and noticed nine
different clusters of behaviour underlying successful teams.
Meredith says each team role is a tendency to behave, contribute
Shaper Teamworker
and interrelate with others in a particular way. TetraMap® provides
insight as to why some people perform well in particular roles, and
Earth/Fire: Co-ordinator how to reduce friction in the inter-relationships.
Air/Earth: Completer-Finisher
Fire/Water: Plant
Air/Water: Monitor Evaluator
Air/Fire: Specialist

8 © TetraMap International © TetraMap International 9

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How We’re Different Communication Action Plan

What are the preferences of each Element? What can I do and say to communicate more effectively?
(Consider body language, voice tone, wording.)

Earth Earth

Air Air

Water Water

Fire Fire

10 © TetraMap International © TetraMap International 11

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Under Stress Putting it into Action

Under stress we often use our strengths inappropriately and Consider The Restructure scenario on the previous page.
characteristically overlook particular things. What happens when For each person, write what you could say to:
a person is too firm, too clear, too calm, too bright? Think about it!
AIR FIRE 1. agree with something that they said

Critical Easily Distracted 2. address the issue that they are neglecting
Neglects big picture Neglects practicality
Too particular Too casual #5 person
FIRM CLEAR CALM BRIGHT 1.
Too demanding Too sensitive

l
na
2.

atio
ern
Neglects feelings Neglects objectives

Int
ap
Blunt Hesitant

raM
Tet
#6 person

©
EARTH WATER
1.
The Restructure
2.
Which Element is talking? Write your answer next to the text.
The answers are on page ii. #7 person

1.
5 I think some of the changes are necessary, but
people are hurting and there’s no safety net for 2.
them. I’m not sure we’re doing the right thing.
#8 person
6 Well… don’t we only need people who really
love their jobs? This cake’s delicious! 1.
7 All this stop, start, change, stop, start, gets us
nowhere. Anyway, the contracts spell it out
2.
in black and white. Why can’t we stick to them? Who can you turn to for useful strategies?
8 Results so far are dismal. Face the facts,
we have to make changes now. Performance
has to improve – this month.

12 © TetraMap International © TetraMap International 13

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Valuing Teamwork The TetraMap® of Teamwork

Teamwork, like Nature reflects the challenges of optimising
diversity and integrating earth, air, water and fire in sustainable AIR FIRE
ways. Every element participates. Valuing the contribution of every
Element is tantamount to success. Rules Spirit

Building on the TetraMap of Behaviour

FIRM CLEAR CALM BRIGHT

AIR FIRE
Logic Possibilities Goals Values
Orderly Spontaneous
EARTH WATER
FIRM CLEAR CALM BRIGHT Recognise people with these preferences?
Air
Left Triangles: Left-Brain, Task Focus
Decisive Considerate Strategic Planning; Goal-focused
Facts Feelings Earth Transactional team achievements; Action plans
EARTH WATER Fire
Right Triangles: Right-Brain, People Focus
The information and exercises in this workbook offer teams Culture Development; Relationship-focused
support and practice in creating synergy. The lessons will build Water Transformational growth; Team as family.
upon the TetraMap of Behaviour. Air
Inside Triangles: Internal Focus
The TetraMap of Behaviour explores basic concepts of why Work is planned, analysed, recorded.
individuals are they way they are. Like Nature, Water Team dynamics explored and developed.
Fire
Earth is Firm, provides structure, direction Outside Triangles: External Focus
Air is Clear, helps define and separate Work is strategised, delegated, delivered.
Earth Links to external players (wider organisation,
Water is Calm, relaxing and nurturing customers, suppliers) explored & developed.
Fire is Bright, warm and inspiring Air Fire
Base-Up Triangles: Abstract/Conceptual
Generation of ideas, theories, models, policies.
Throughout this workbook, you’ll TetraMap strategies for creating
and sustaining high performance teamwork. Learn and re-learn Base-Down Triangles: Concrete/Practical
information and techniques that will strengthen you and the many Complete assignments, deliverables, duties.
teams you are on. Earth Water

© TetraMap International 1 14 © TetraMap International

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Teamwork Putting it into Action

The TetraMap of Teamwork below reflects not only the behavioural Split into four groups and each choose a different Element to focus
strengths of each Element, but also the healthy conditions that on. Consider the TetraMap on the previous page:
nurture high performance teamwork. Strive for a balanced team
► Define the importance of your chosen Element.
that consists of the inter-dependent contributions and concepts
reflected in each Element. ► Suggest one change that would improve the team.
► Present your ideas to the other 3 groups.
AIR FIRE
Rules Spirit
Complete this page so everyone is clear on the value of each
Healthy feedback Healthy fun!
Element in the TetraMap of Team.
Reasoning Motivation
FIRM CLEAR CALM BRIGHT Team Improvement
Earth: goals, healthy competition, direction.
Direction Unity
Healthy competition Healthy morale
Goals Values
EARTH WATER
The Team Meeting Air: rules, health feedback, reasoning.

Which Element is talking? Write your answer next to the text (the
first one is done for you). Highlight words or phrases that reflect
that Element. The answers are on page ii.

1 I’ll distribute the group’s monthly figures & Water: values, healthy morale, unity.
Air statistics. As usual, some did not get theirs in
on time so I’ll have to re-distribute next week.

2 I feel a bit of tension in the room, can we have

time to iron out a few issues first?
Fire: spirit, healthy fun, motivation.
3 We’ll go around the table. Give us your bottom
line results, that’ll sum it up.

4 Sorry I’m late! Phone call you know. I have

some great ideas to share if we have time.
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Rules of the Game Putting it into Action

When teamwork crumbles, often the rules of the game need

review. When there are no rules, people make up their own. It is 1. List 3 Rules of the Game you believe would increase team
usually best to create agreements as a whole team. Take the time performance.
and energy to clarify. _____________________________________
AIR FIRE _____________________________________
Defined Positive
Timely Increases potential _____________________________________
2. Compare them with one or two others. If any are the same or
FIRM CLEAR CALM BRIGHT similar, explain the rule from your perspective, describing how
it would increase your team’s performance.
Liveable Easy to remember 3. Share the team’s top three common rules and consider their
Constructive Agreed By All benefits. Write them below and discuss their potential impact
EARTH WATER and how to keep them alive.

_____________________________________
All for one, and one for ?
_____________________________________
Which Element is speaking? Highlight words or phrases that reflect
that Element. The answers are on page ii. ____________________________________________________

9 I’ve completed my bit. I’m off. 4. Answer the following questions, discuss and plan specific
steps to improve performance through healthy feedback.

10 But you made a commitment to the team to ► What currently works, and doesn’t work, with regard to
ensure everything is finished, and that we each how you give and receive feedback within the team?
sign off on each bit. ► What can you do specifically (individually and as a team) to
improve giving and receiving feedback?
11 It IS late! I’ve gotta run too. Big party for a
friend tonight. ► What would improve if you did this?

12 Wait just a minute. You mean to say we’re ____________________________________________________

being left to dot the “I”s and cross the “t”s on
____________________________________________________
our own and you didn’t bother to warn us?
____________________________________________________
22 © TetraMap International
18 © TetraMap International ©© TetraMap
TetraMap International
International 2319
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Team Values Putting it into Action

Personal Values
Values go to the core of who we are as individuals, and in the big
From the list below, circle (or write your own) 2-3 values that you
picture, who we are as a team. Values are more about generating a
know are important to you.
code of honour by which people choose to work together. It
involves looking at what’s important to me… then moving on to Achievement Family Love Truth
what’s important to us. Adventure Freedom Money Unity
Challenge Growth Optimism Wisdom
AIR FIRE Commitment Health Pleasure __________
Definitions & Examples Ideals Democracy Honesty Religion __________
Meaning Aspirations Efficiency Inner Harmony Reputation __________
Enthusiasm Integrity Security
FIRM CLEAR CALM BRIGHT
Share with one or two others why each is important to you.

Modelling Agreed commitment Team Values

Congruency Mutual Accountability From the list below, circle 2-3 values (or write new ones) that you
EARTH WATER know, if agreed upon by all, would strengthen the team.
Action Humour and Fun Mutual Accountability Transparency
Team Talk Camaraderie Harmony Performance Unity
Communication Honesty Profit Value Diversity
Which Element is speaking? How do you know? The answers are
on page ii. Efficiency Integrity Results Vision
Feedback Inter-dependence Sustainability ______________
13 We agreed to value everyone’s contribution, and Friendship Innovation Synergy ______________
yet we still don’t seem to be listening to each
other. Share to compare with the team. Hone down to 3 and consider
how you might all live by these. Describe what difference it would
14 OK, go around once…but make it short. make to the team.
15 I need time to think about this. This is too Action
serious for a shallow, rushed response. What can you do to strengthen the team (personally / as a team)?
16 Let’s all take a deep breath and start over. Now
________________________________________________________
what was the problem again? I’m sure if we talk
this through we can figure it out in a flash.
________________________________________________________

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Maintaining Team Spirit Putting it into Action

Write down one key action for each Element below. This action will
Maintaining teamwork takes energy and strategising. When the
get the team working pro-actively on improving the team’s
pressure is on (e.g. when budgets, time, sales or service demands
behaviour and performance.
change), the need for the team to re-group and re-energise is
critical to maintaining performance. Focus on how you will keep Reinforce your vision: Discuss if you’re on track …or
team spirit up, energised and moving forward. not. What needs to happen to align all the team in the
same direction?
AIR FIRE
Consistent Feedback Reinforce the Vision _____________________________________________
Keep all informed Be optimistic
_____________________________________________
FIRM CLEAR CALM BRIGHT Consistent and constructive feedback will ensure all
are informed and performing at their best. What’s the
Maintain momentum Ruthless compassion key improvement required for the feedback system?
Reinforce the Strategy Frequent Interaction
_____________________________________________
EARTH WATER
How are We Doing? _____________________________________________

Who is speaking? The answers are on page ii.
17 I’ve analysed the team survey and morale’s bad.
We’re re-administering the survey in 3 months,
so what’s the plan for improvement?
How will the team set an honest, trusting context to
work in? What needs to happen for team members to
refresh and re-energise at team meetings?
_____________________________________________

18 I don’t believe we let people know how valued _____________________________________________

they are. We’re under so much pressure to As a team, how will you ensure that the current
achieve, there’s no time to see how people are strategy is given the best chance of success?
feeling about anything.

19 It’s a real Catch-22. We’re just keeping our _____________________________________________

heads above water. We need a break!… time to
_____________________________________________
relax and re-energise. Then we can be more
creative and find new approaches.
Strategise how you will compile your responses. Work together to
20 Why don’t you organise one of those team take the most powerful steps forward… together! Let the
things. Let me know how it goes. tetrahedron (an incredibly strong system) be your model.
26 © TetraMap International © TetraMap International 2723
22 © TetraMap International © TetraMap International
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Why are we like that? : WORKBOOK

Why are we like that? : DIGITAL WORKBOOK Why are we like that? : DIGITAL WORKBOOK

Hot Tips for Better Communication When you Advise:

Strengthen relationships by adapting to Elemental needs. AIR FIRE

Know and explain how Give options.
it fits in the big Stay positive.
When You Listen to:
picture.
AIR FIRE
Stay focused. Stay positive.
Bullet point Explain value
desired results. and meaning.
EARTH WATER
Respond directly
to the issue. Show that you care.
When You Motivate:
EARTH WATER
AIR FIRE
Clarify importance Be enthusiastic
& relevance of and future
When You Contribute to:
the plan. focused.
AIR FIRE
Be clear and Highlight brightness
sequential. of future. Acknowledge
the challenge. Demonstrate trust.
EARTH WATER
Remember, we are all all 4 Elements and preferences may change
depending on context. Your responsibility as a team member is to
Give solutions. Make it personal. be aware and open to the needs of others. Practice flexing through
EARTH WATER Elemental responses and watch your relationships and the team
strengthen.

© TetraMap International 11

10 © TetraMap International
24 © TetraMap International © TetraMap International 25
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TetraMap® Resources Notes

TetraMap®
DEVELOP PEOPLE AND BUSINESS
THE WAY NATURE INTENDED

TetraMap is a new millennium map of personal, team

and organisational behaviour. It combines the Synergetics concepts
of Buckminster Fuller with the metaphor of Nature, providing
a brain-friendly framework for viewing diversity and complexity.
From individuals to large corporations, TetraMap offers more natural,
holistic strategies to develop people and business.

Workbooks to Sustain Learning

TetraMap is best applied for long-term development. The series
of workbooks builds on prior knowledge at every step.
Why are you like that? Earth is Firm: build a firm foundation
for understanding your nature and the nature of others.
Why are we doing this? Air is Clear: define a clear picture of where
you’re going and how to get there.
Why are we like that? Water is Calm: work together in harmony
and inter-dependently optimise team performance.
Why is the customer like that? Fire is Bright: be inspiring in the eyes
of your stakeholders.
All TetraMap resources will help you make distinctions about all four
Elements while offering techniques and thought-provoking concepts
for personal and workplace development.

For details about

TetraMap Facilitator Certification and Resources
visit: www.tetramap.com

26 © TetraMap International © TetraMap International 27

 training for better behaviour and performance in the workplace
the nature of • behaviour • planning • teamwork • sales and service

Training for better behaviour and performance in the workplace

the nature of • behaviour • teamwork • planning • sales and service
why is the customer like that?
the nature of sales and service
Training for better behaviour and performance in the workplace
the nature of • behaviour • teamwork • planning • sales and service why are we doing this?
Training for better behaviour and performance in the workplace
the nature of • behaviour • teamwork • planning • sales and service why are you like that? the nature of planning
the nature of behaviour

Training for better behaviour and performance in the workplace

the nature of • behaviour • teamwork • planning • sales and service why are we like that?
the nature of teamwork

Printed on 100% recycled paper

Printed on 100% recycled paper

Printed on 100% recycled paper

Printed on 100% recycled paper