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Peter Muster

26.05.2007

Personal Profile
Foundation Chapter

Effective Selling Chapter

insights-group.de
Insights Discovery 3.5 Peter Muster Page 2

Personal Details

Peter Muster

Insights Group Deutschland


Berlin
Deutschland

Date Completed 26.05.2007

Date Printed 13.07.2009

Insights Learning and Development Ltd.


Jack Martin Way, Claverhouse Business Park, Dundee, DD4 9FF, Scotland
Telephone: +44(0)1382 908050
Fax: +44(0)1382 908051
E-mail: insights@insights.com

Insights Group Deutschland: www.insights-group.de


© Copyright 1992-2009 Andrew Lothian, Insights, Dundee, Scotland. All rights reserved. www.insights.com
Insights Discovery 3.5 Peter Muster Page 3

Contents
Introduction 5

Overview 6
Personal Style 6
Interacting with Others 6
Decision Making 7

Key Strengths & Weaknesses 9


Strengths 9
Possible Weaknesses 10

Value to the Team 11

Communication 12
Effective Communications 12
Barriers to Effective Communication 13

Possible Blind Spots 14

Opposite Type 15
Communication with Peter Muster's Opposite Type 16

Suggestions for Development 17

Effective Selling Chapter 18

Selling Style Overview 19

Before The Sale Begins 20

Identifying Needs 21

Proposing 22

Handling Buying Resistance 23

Gaining Commitment 24

Follow-up and Follow Through 25

Sales Preference Indicators 26

Insights Group Deutschland: www.insights-group.de


© Copyright 1992-2009 Andrew Lothian, Insights, Dundee, Scotland. All rights reserved. www.insights.com
Insights Discovery 3.5 Peter Muster Page 4

The Insights Wheel 27

Insights Colour Dynamics 28

Jungian Preferences 29

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© Copyright 1992-2009 Andrew Lothian, Insights, Dundee, Scotland. All rights reserved. www.insights.com
Insights Discovery 3.5 Peter Muster Page 5

Introduction
This Insights Discovery profile is based on Peter Muster’s responses to the Insights Preference
Evaluator which was completed on 26.05.2007.
The origins of personality theory can be traced back to the fifth century BC, when Hippocrates
identified four distinct energies exhibited by different people. The Insights System is built
around the model of personality first identified by the Swiss psychologist Carl Gustav Jung.
This model was published in his 1921 work “Psychological Types” and developed in
subsequent writings. Jung’s work on personality and preferences has since been adopted as
the seminal work in understanding personality and has been the subject of study for thousands
of researchers to the present day.
Using Jung's typology, this Insights Discovery profile offers a framework for
self-understanding and development. Research suggests that a good understanding of self,
both strengths and weaknesses, enables individuals to develop effective strategies for
interaction and can help them to better respond to the demands of their environment.
Generated from several hundred thousand permutations of statements, this profile is unique. It
reports statements which your Evaluator responses indicate may apply to you. Modify or
delete any statement which does not apply, but only after checking with colleagues or friends
to identify whether the statement may be a “blind spot” for you.
Use this profile pro-actively. That is, identify the key areas in which you can develop and take
action. Share the important aspects with friends and colleagues. Ask for feedback from them
on areas which seem particularly relevant for you and develop an action plan for growth
personally and interpersonally.

Insights Group Deutschland: www.insights-group.de


© Copyright 1992-2009 Andrew Lothian, Insights, Dundee, Scotland. All rights reserved. www.insights.com
Insights Discovery 3.5 Peter Muster Page 6

Overview
These statements provide a broad understanding of Peter Muster’s work style. Use this section
to gain a better understanding of his approaches to his activities, relationships and decisions.

Personal Style
Because he lives by principles and rules, Peter Muster is very consistent and dependable. He
tends to be realistic and matter-of-fact about work issues. He sees himself as having rigorous
standards that typically take precedence over his own and others' personal needs. He is usually
more effective when he takes time to consider how he really feels. He is alert to what is
happening around him and concerned primarily with the here and now.

Peter Muster is a highly practical person whose agile mind and skills combine well to generate
fast results. Peter Muster strives to make things better rather than simply accepting them as
they are. He enjoys work that allows him to get his teeth into new projects. Because he is a
realist, he capitalises well on available resources, making him practical, with a good sense of
timing. As he lives by a rather strict set of rules he may expect others to do so as well.

He constructs a code of rules embodying his own judgements about the world. He then acts
upon the basis of his judgement, whether or not this appears well-founded to others. Peter
Muster is logical and analytical, an ingenious thinker and long-range planner, and good at
anything that requires rapid reasoning. Eager to add to his knowledge, Peter Muster is
passionate about researching significant new subjects that capture his interest. He assumes that
everyone else should share his desire for advancement and may be disappointed when others
appear to lack his strength of character. He expects his goals to be attained, and he wants to be
recognised for his own accomplishments.

He is at his best when planning ahead and launching those plans into action. He is seen as a
powerful leader as he is able to think on his feet. To manage his tensions, he needs to be
constantly in control and get things done without wasting time. He likes structure and
systematic processes. He works to see ideas and systems translated into realities. Sociability,
combined with a solid work ethic can result in the setting of high performance standards in
both himself and the others who work or interact with him.

Peter Muster enjoys work that involves moving projects forward. Peter Muster systematically
sets about achieving his scheduled goals on time in an efficient and effective manner. Practical
and repetitive mundane work does little to satisfy him as he needs to make a personal
contribution. He resists being labelled by others and is engaged in a never-ending search for
self-knowledge and self-identity. Peter Muster is a pragmatic individual who can be as tough as
the situation warrants.

Interacting with Others


Although Peter Muster may protest about the pressure of attending family events, it would
seldom occur to him not to be present, as these occasions are important to him. Not keen to

Insights Group Deutschland: www.insights-group.de


© Copyright 1992-2009 Andrew Lothian, Insights, Dundee, Scotland. All rights reserved. www.insights.com
Insights Discovery 3.5 Peter Muster Page 7

respond positively to views which differ from his own, he may jump to incorrect conclusions
as he is often without the benefit of an alternative opinion. He becomes frustrated if he is
side-tracked by others' needs. He dislikes being told what to do or how to do it and may irritate
others by insisting on doing a thing his way. He is a good innovator, negotiator, and manager.
He is outstanding at establishing and implementing orderly procedures, rules and regulations,
and may show impatience with those who don't carry out their designated tasks or work by the
rules.

He may sometimes present himself as an “expert”, fully knowledgeable on a subject and eager
to educate others about it. This can sometimes prove embarrassing when challenged by a more
qualified expert. Sometimes seen as blunt and forthright, he may tread on other people's toes
without knowing it. Peter Muster is alert to changing situations and will act quickly to get
results, giving direction or instructions to others as he thinks is necessary. He may frequently
rebel against the rules and in so doing will strongly resist attempts by others to regulate his
behaviour. Because of his apparent work focus, other people may be surprised to discover that
Peter Muster is quite devoted to his family and friends.

Seen by most people as outgoing, flexible and fearless, Peter Muster can rise to meet any
challenge. Although his emotional and social life may not seem as important to him as other
aspects of life, he tends to seek consistent and stable relationships. He has a tendency to blame
other people for difficulties he encounters and may sometimes dismiss others' opinions as of
relatively little or no value. His outgoing nature may lead him to misinterpret the significance
of some issues. He needs to make a special effort to remain open to the ideas and views of
others, and avoid shutting other people down.

Decision Making
Peter Muster is seen by many as a natural leader and decision maker. He would often rather
make any decision than no decision at all. He prefers action to conversation and enjoys dealing
with difficult situations the moment they arise. Using past experiences to help him solve
current problems and get things done is one of his strong points. If something does not seem
rational, he runs the risk of dismissing it out of hand, even if it is a critical issue.

He always tries to decide as much as possible through logical, analytical and highly organised
thinking. He may at times make others feel defensive due to his incisive, critical and often
persistent questioning. His effectiveness depends on how much personal fulfilment he receives
from the current task. He is adaptable but constantly needs to get results. In his mind there must
always be a good reason for doing something and people's feelings alone aren't normally
sufficient to influence him.

He is logical, objective and analytical with great reasoning power. He may appear dismissive
of decisions made on “gut-feel” rather than objective analysis. He seeks realistic and satisfying
solutions to challenges. Peter Muster is extremely realistic and relies on and trusts what his
senses tell him about his world. Peter Muster's many accomplishments are achieved mainly
through determination and perseverance in reaching or exceeding his high standards.

Insights Group Deutschland: www.insights-group.de


© Copyright 1992-2009 Andrew Lothian, Insights, Dundee, Scotland. All rights reserved. www.insights.com
Insights Discovery 3.5 Peter Muster Page 8

Personal Notes

Insights Group Deutschland: www.insights-group.de


© Copyright 1992-2009 Andrew Lothian, Insights, Dundee, Scotland. All rights reserved. www.insights.com
Insights Discovery 3.5 Peter Muster Page 9

Key Strengths & Weaknesses


Strengths
This section identifies the key strengths which Peter Muster brings to the organisation. Peter
Muster has abilities, skills and attributes in other areas, but the statements below are likely to
be some of the fundamental gifts he has to offer.

Peter Muster’s key strengths:

Forward looking, quick thinker.

Outgoing and direct.

Confident and forthright.

Forceful negotiator and vocal decision maker.

Sees decision making as a challenge.

Sets precise goal oriented objectives.

Sensible and matter of fact.

Enthusiastic leader - drives for results.

Self disciplined, confident and convincing.

Rapid organisational skills.

Personal Notes

Insights Group Deutschland: www.insights-group.de


© Copyright 1992-2009 Andrew Lothian, Insights, Dundee, Scotland. All rights reserved. www.insights.com
Insights Discovery 3.5 Peter Muster Page 10

Key Strengths & Weaknesses


Possible Weaknesses
Jung said “wisdom accepts that all things have two sides”. It has also been said that a
weakness is simply an overused strength. Peter Muster's responses to the Evaluator have
suggested these areas as possible weaknesses.

Peter Muster’s possible weaknesses:

Judges strangers on first impressions.

Becomes defensive or dictatorial if challenged.

High sense of urgency can create stress for others.

Exhibits impatience with disorganised individuals.

Sometimes unaware of others' feelings.

May be reluctant to ask for assistance.

May ride rough-shod over others' feelings.

Blaming and judgmental, particularly when challenged on shortcomings.

His confidence can sometimes be interpreted as arrogance.

Should avoid china shops.

Personal Notes

Insights Group Deutschland: www.insights-group.de


© Copyright 1992-2009 Andrew Lothian, Insights, Dundee, Scotland. All rights reserved. www.insights.com
Insights Discovery 3.5 Peter Muster Page 11

Value to the Team


Each person brings a unique set of gifts, attributes and expectations to the environment in
which they operate. Add to this list any other experiences, skills or other attributes which
Peter Muster brings, and make the most important items on the list available to other team
members.

As a team member, Peter Muster:

Likes being in the thick of the action.

Encourages others to compete.

Breaks down barriers to completion.

Keeps others on track.

Challenges existing methods if he feels they are inadequate.

Encourages down to earth realism.

Is a forthright advocate for the team.

Will drive others to achieve greater things.

Brings direction and realism to every project.

Communicates clearly and effectively.

Personal Notes

Insights Group Deutschland: www.insights-group.de


© Copyright 1992-2009 Andrew Lothian, Insights, Dundee, Scotland. All rights reserved. www.insights.com
Insights Discovery 3.5 Peter Muster Page 12

Communication
Effective Communications
Communication can only be effective if it is received and understood by the recipient. For
each person certain communication strategies are more effective than others. This section
identifies some of the key strategies which will lead to effective communication with Peter
Muster. Identify the most important statements and make them available to colleagues.

Strategies for communicating with Peter Muster:

Show respect for his ideas and opinions.

Leave personalities out of the discussion.

Be receptive and open minded.

Use humour in moderation.

Keep it brief and to the point.

Be aware of his becoming defensive by watching his body gestures.

Be frank, earnest, decisive and confident.

Listen to him - don't ask him to repeat himself.

Stick to business at all times.

Be ready to leave quickly.

Look for signs that say “I'm losing interest”.

Match your own assertiveness to his pace.

Personal Notes

Insights Group Deutschland: www.insights-group.de


© Copyright 1992-2009 Andrew Lothian, Insights, Dundee, Scotland. All rights reserved. www.insights.com
Insights Discovery 3.5 Peter Muster Page 13

Communication
Barriers to Effective Communication
Certain strategies will be less effective when communicating with Peter Muster. Some of the
things to be avoided are listed below. This information can be used to develop powerful,
effective and mutually acceptable communication strategies.

When communicating with Peter Muster, DO NOT:

Show disagreement with or disrespect for his principles.

Stand or sit too close to him.

Wait for praise or recognition.

Be vague or imprecise.

Waffle.

Impose your feelings onto him unless he shows willing.

Come unprepared and disorganised.

Try to pin the blame on him.

Criticise his ideas too harshly or personally.

Try to manipulate him towards your viewpoint.

Be too informal or waste time on social trivia.

Appear slow or unambitious.

Personal Notes

Insights Group Deutschland: www.insights-group.de


© Copyright 1992-2009 Andrew Lothian, Insights, Dundee, Scotland. All rights reserved. www.insights.com
Insights Discovery 3.5 Peter Muster Page 14

Possible Blind Spots


Our perceptions of self may be different to the perceptions others have of us. We project who
we are onto the outside world through our “persona” and are not always aware of the effect
our less conscious behaviours have on others. These less conscious behaviours are termed
“Blind Spots”. Highlight the important statements in this section of which you are unaware
and test them for validity by asking for feedback from friends or colleagues.

Peter Muster’s possible Blind Spots:

Peter Muster needs to try to become more aware of the talents, efforts and contributions of
others and to more regularly offer compliments and praise for good performance. His
preference for living in the moment and adopting an “emergency” style of responding to crises
can generate a rather chaotic environment for others around him. While appreciative of good
work, critical glances may reveal Peter Muster's impatience with errors or poorer quality
output. He may sometimes come across to others as somewhat boastful and selfish. He needs to
look beyond the current moment and his pressing interest in the practical world and consider
ways of completing tasks with less pressure.

Sometimes rather closed minded, he may believe that someone else's ideas will not work as
well as his own. Seen by many as a smooth talking persuader, Peter Muster may seem
indifferent to people who appear to be less of an extraverted achiever than himself. Perhaps
best thought of as one of life's natural organisers, he is practical, strong willed and needs to get
his own way or he may become rebellious. He sometimes has difficulty in absorbing other
peoples' points of view. It is difficult to know what to expect from him next. He would much
rather engage in quick intellectual banter than complete some mundane task or consider
spending quiet time on his own.

As a logical and impersonal analyst, he doesn't always consider the impact of his decisions on
others. He may rely on personal forcefulness and, if necessary, intimidation to achieve his
aims. Peter Muster has a strong active conscience and may not be prepared to even consider
others' values and opinions, particularly if they are not prepared to follow his lead.

Personal Notes

Insights Group Deutschland: www.insights-group.de


© Copyright 1992-2009 Andrew Lothian, Insights, Dundee, Scotland. All rights reserved. www.insights.com
Insights Discovery 3.5 Peter Muster Page 15

Opposite Type
The description in this section is based on Peter Muster's opposite type on the Insights Wheel.
Often, we have most difficulty understanding and interacting with those whose preferences are
different to our own. Recognising these characteristics can help in developing strategies for
personal growth and enhanced interpersonal effectiveness.

Recognising your Opposite Type:

Peter Muster’s opposite Insights type is the Supporter, Jung’s “Introverted Feeling” type.
Supporters are affable, amiable, steady, loyal individuals who get on well with others. They
build a close relationship with a small group of associates in the work environment. Peter
Muster will see the Supporter’s efforts being directed at retaining the familiar and predictable.
Supporters look for constant appreciation from others and may be slow to adapt to change.
They will often go the “extra mile” to help someone they consider as a friend.
Peter Muster may suspect the Supporter requires assistance in eliminating the old and
embracing the new. Supporters are cautious, conventional, diplomatic and sincere and may
avoid decision making until many of the facts and details are available to them. The
Supporter is intent on maintaining a low profile. In order to perform well, the Supporter needs
specific and detailed instructions before starting a job.
Peter Muster will experience frustration when the Supporter, if challenged, becomes stubborn
and defiant. Supporters are easy going and low key people and like to feel needed and
significant in other peoples’ lives. Even if a mistake has been made by someone else the
Supporter may spend a lot of time sympathising and attempting to diffuse responsibility.
Disagreements or opposing views can be stressful to Supporters. If the conflict in the
workplace becomes too great they may become restless and uneasy, often withdrawing to avoid
further conflict.

Personal Notes

Insights Group Deutschland: www.insights-group.de


© Copyright 1992-2009 Andrew Lothian, Insights, Dundee, Scotland. All rights reserved. www.insights.com
Insights Discovery 3.5 Peter Muster Page 16

Opposite Type
Communication with Peter Muster's Opposite Type
Written specifically for Peter Muster, this section suggests some strategies he could use for
effective interaction with someone who is his opposite type on the Insights Wheel.

Peter Muster: How you can meet the needs of your Opposite Type:

Seek confirmation of willingness to undertake new tasks.

Mirror his normally calm and even-tempered nature.

Give him time to reflect inwardly.

Gaining obedience is not enough - ensure you have co-operation.

Allow time for him to respond to your requests and questions.

Listen to and value his suggestions and contributions.

Peter Muster: When dealing with your opposite type DO NOT:

Assume he knows he has chosen well.

Exert unnecessary pressure.

Assume passivity is tacit acceptance.

Ask him to make a group presentation without ample preparation time.

Ignore his authority for the sake of it.

Question his loyalties or genuine interest.

Personal Notes

Insights Group Deutschland: www.insights-group.de


© Copyright 1992-2009 Andrew Lothian, Insights, Dundee, Scotland. All rights reserved. www.insights.com
Insights Discovery 3.5 Peter Muster Page 17

Suggestions for Development


Insights Discovery does not offer direct measures of skill, intelligence, education or training.
However, listed below are some suggestions for Peter Muster’s development. Identify the most
important areas which have not yet been addressed. These can then be incorporated into a
personal development plan.

Peter Muster may benefit from:

Reducing the level of activities in his life.

Being more prepared to acknowledge his mistake.

Respecting ways of doing things that differ from his own.

Exploring work that gets in touch with the inner self.

Arguing the opposing position to recognise the value of it.

Allowing people to do their own thing.

Not constantly demanding perfection of self and others.

Remembering that he is also vulnerable.

Sitting back, saying little and observing.

Gently asking some quieter people to express their point of view.

Personal Notes

Insights Group Deutschland: www.insights-group.de


© Copyright 1992-2009 Andrew Lothian, Insights, Dundee, Scotland. All rights reserved. www.insights.com
Insights Discovery 3.5 Peter Muster Page 18

Effective Selling Chapter


Effective selling has three main requirements:
First, the salesperson must understand him or herself, and how to build on strengths and
develop any areas of weakness, aware of how different customers perceive him or her.
Secondly, the salesperson must understand others - particularly customers - who are different.
Customers will often have opposing needs, expectations, desires and motivations than those of
the salesperson. These distinctions need to be appreciated and respected.
Thirdly, the salesperson must learn to adapt his or her behaviour to relate to, connect
effectively with, and influence, the customer.
This chapter is designed to support the development of each of these requirements at each
stage of the sales process.

The model below illustrates the conceptual overview of each of these different stages and the
corresponding sections explored in this chapter.

Use the Effective Selling Chapter to develop strategies for improved customer relationships,
greater self-understanding and more & greater sales.

6. Follow-up & Follow-Through

5. Gaining Commitment

4. Dealing with Buying Resistance

3. Proposing The Solution

2. Identifying Needs

1. Before The Sale Begins

Insights Group Deutschland: www.insights-group.de


© Copyright 1992-2009 Andrew Lothian, Insights, Dundee, Scotland. All rights reserved. www.insights.com
Insights Discovery 3.5 Peter Muster Page 19

Selling Style Overview


These statements provide a broad understanding of Peter Muster's selling style. Use this
section to gain a better understanding of his approaches to his customer relationships.

Peter Muster's ingenuity allows him to proceed through the sales process with great confidence.
He is very effective in an assertive role, able to persuade others of the value of his vision.
Although he can take issue with a customers' view, he is unlikely to bear a grudge. He is able
to respond to others' emotions and interests and finds little difficulty in handling emotional
customers, although he may tend to take criticism personally. During all stages of the sale, he
should first listen to others' input, and then make an effort not to be defensive or reject
feedback that he perceives to be critical or irrelevant. He may take issue with both colleagues
and customers when his expectations are not met, but is unlikely to bear a grudge for long.

He is not usually perceived as a person who is likely to "hide his light under a bushel"! He is
adept at handling complex or difficult people. Peter Muster is a verbally skilled communicator
who can present appealing images to people, excelling in bringing future or intangible benefits
into the present. He likes to lead rather than manage day-to-day aspects of the sales process. He
may benefit from being more open to calling on the team for their help when the going gets
tough.

He needs to constantly work at taking the feelings of others into account. Learning to express
more readily his genuine appreciation for his customer may be of benefit in altering their
perception of him. Peter Muster relates to colleagues who appreciate his outgoing, talkative
manner. Routine account management may not hold his interest, because he needs freedom to
explore new opportunities that creativity in selling brings. He will ask good questions, but will
sometimes forget to wait for the answer!

Personal Notes

Insights Group Deutschland: www.insights-group.de


© Copyright 1992-2009 Andrew Lothian, Insights, Dundee, Scotland. All rights reserved. www.insights.com
Insights Discovery 3.5 Peter Muster Page 20

Before The Sale Begins


The sale begins long before the formal sales process starts and continues long after it ends.
Here are some of the key ideas that Peter Muster needs to be aware of in the initial stages
when planning and approaching the customer.

Peter Muster's key strengths before the sale begins:

Thinks quickly in adapting to changing situations.

Identifies key priorities at the planning stage.

Has a high closure rate in securing appointments.

Uses his imagination to create high value leads and opportunities.

Adopts a positive mental attitude.

Is tough, thorough, strong-willed and persevering.

Before the sale begins Peter Muster could:

Be less critical of the customer's position if he disagrees with it.

Consider the best ways to build a deep relationship with the customer.

Involve others in preparation more often.

Listen carefully, slow down, and seek to adapt and connect systematically.

Take a flexible approach, without pre-judging outcomes.

Avoid being too single-minded about immediate results.

Personal Notes

Insights Group Deutschland: www.insights-group.de


© Copyright 1992-2009 Andrew Lothian, Insights, Dundee, Scotland. All rights reserved. www.insights.com
Insights Discovery 3.5 Peter Muster Page 21

Identifying Needs
In identifying needs, the goal is to find out what the customer's real problems are. Here is an
overview and some advice relating to how Peter Muster may identify customer needs.

Peter Muster's key strengths in identifying sales needs:

Motivates his customers to extend his or her horizons.

Challenges prospective customers to recognise the need for imminent change.

Recognises and adapts well to the customer's buying style.

Persists until the real problems are rooted out.

Can use a direct questioning style to progress quickly.

Determinedly pursues his needs-analysis strategy.

When identifying needs Peter Muster could:

Avoid asking closed questions during the discovery process.

Step out of his head and into his heart from time to time.

Make fewer assumptions about knowing what's best for his customer.

Avoid the temptation to identify the answer before the question is asked.

Spend more time developing trust with potential customers.

Occasionally ask, "I don't understand, can you clarify that please?".

Personal Notes

Insights Group Deutschland: www.insights-group.de


© Copyright 1992-2009 Andrew Lothian, Insights, Dundee, Scotland. All rights reserved. www.insights.com
Insights Discovery 3.5 Peter Muster Page 22

Proposing
Having identified the customer's needs, the proposing phase should close the gap between their
needs and the current situation. Here are some of the keys for Peter Muster to develop a
powerful and effective proposing style.

Peter Muster's key strengths in proposing:

Maintains control throughout the proposal process.

Doesn't let more trivial matters divert his focus on the preferred solution.

Displays an intelligent and authoritative demeanour.

Creates imaginative and innovative ways of proceeding.

Maintains his high standards in telling it like it is.

Exhibits a certainty that he has the right solution.

When proposing Peter Muster could:

Limit the options that he presents.

Ask for regular feedback around how the customer is "feeling".

Support his statements with written evidence.

Occasionally "Ask" rather than "Tell" when proposing.

Reflect on his customer's values, rather than his own.

Rely more on emotional content as well as logical argument.

Personal Notes

Insights Group Deutschland: www.insights-group.de


© Copyright 1992-2009 Andrew Lothian, Insights, Dundee, Scotland. All rights reserved. www.insights.com
Insights Discovery 3.5 Peter Muster Page 23

Handling Buying Resistance


If the customer relationship has been built effectively, buying resistance should be low.
However, this section suggests strategies for Peter Muster to deal effectively with buying
resistance.

Peter Muster's key strengths in dealing with buying resistance:

Reacts in a direct and quick-thinking way when questioned.

Presents logical and sensible responses to objections.

Takes personal responsibility to handle objections and progress the sale.

Relishes the opportunity to demonstrate his speed of thought.

Prepares for and plans responses to likely objections.

Controls his emotional responses well.

When dealing with buying resistance Peter Muster could:

Remember the importance of asking more questions and really listening to the answers.

Stick with the issues in hand and avoid generalisations.

Modify his approach to sympathise with less rational customer concerns.

Investigate the emotions behind the objection before dealing with the objection itself.

Be less controlling to avoid being seen as arrogant.

Avoid attempting to score points over the customer!

Personal Notes

Insights Group Deutschland: www.insights-group.de


© Copyright 1992-2009 Andrew Lothian, Insights, Dundee, Scotland. All rights reserved. www.insights.com
Insights Discovery 3.5 Peter Muster Page 24

Gaining Commitment
The close should be the natural progression of the sale, not the conflict at the end! When your
customer trusts you, is clear about what they are buying and needs what you have to sell, you
are ready to propose commitment. Here are the strengths and suggestions for development in
Peter Muster's closing style.

Peter Muster's key strengths in gaining commitment to the sale:

Drives for results and speedy outcomes.

Closes sales with a positive expectation.

Is alert to buying signals and responding to them.

Enthusiastically and assertively leads customers to the sale conclusion.

Tough and persistent in closing on needs.

Highly confident in asking for the business.

When gaining commitment Peter Muster could:

Concentrate on progressively, rather than spontaneously, closing the sale.

Seek clarification even when he thinks it may not be necessary.

Respect that certain customers need more time to reflect before deciding.

Minimise any perception of risk by the customer.

Review what has been agreed before progressing.

Give concessions graciously and willingly.

Personal Notes

Insights Group Deutschland: www.insights-group.de


© Copyright 1992-2009 Andrew Lothian, Insights, Dundee, Scotland. All rights reserved. www.insights.com
Insights Discovery 3.5 Peter Muster Page 25

Follow-up and Follow Through


It is your job, having built a relationship with your customer, to continue that relationship and
to be of service to your customer beyond the initial sale. Here are some ideas which Peter
Muster can use to support, inform and follow-up with the customer.

Peter Muster's key strengths in sales follow-up and follow through:

Strongly commits to the value of the product or service.

Transforms customer needs to new business opportunities.

Adheres to tried and tested systems and procedures.

Remains constantly aware of further sales opportunities.

Will take action quickly to resolve service issues.

Leads throughout the servicing process.

When following-up and following through Peter Muster could:

Agree the next step clearly with the customer.

Moderate his sometimes brusque verbal style.

Allocate more time to the face-to-face aspects of the follow-up process.

Send customers thank-you letters more often.

Be relaxed about the fact that things go wrong.

Be particularly sensitive to differing customer needs.

Personal Notes

Insights Group Deutschland: www.insights-group.de


© Copyright 1992-2009 Andrew Lothian, Insights, Dundee, Scotland. All rights reserved. www.insights.com
Insights Discovery 3.5 Peter Muster Page 26

Sales Preference Indicators


Before The Sale Begins

Researching 5.8

Building Trust 3.5

Clear Objectives 6.4

Getting Appointments 5.6

Identifying Needs

Listening 2.3

Questioning 3.7

Encouraging 5.1

Creating Opportunities 6.7

Proposing

Focused & Relevant 6.6

Enthusiastic Presentation 5.4

Shows Understanding of Needs 2.7

Organisation & Accuracy 3.2

Dealing With Buying Resistance

Direct Handling of Objections 7.7

Persuasion 6.7

Clarifying Details 6.2

Meeting Concerns 3.6

Gaining Commitment

Closing 6.8

Flexibility 3.6

Minimising Risks 2.6

Meeting Clients' Needs 4.2

Follow-up And Follow Through

Maintains Contact 3.3

Account Planning 6.4

Relationship Maintenance 4.4

Developing the Account 7.6

Insights Group Deutschland: www.insights-group.de


© Copyright 1992-2009 Andrew Lothian, Insights, Dundee, Scotland. All rights reserved. www.insights.com
Insights Discovery 3.5 Peter Muster Page 27

The Insights Wheel


Peter Muster
26.05.2007

BLUE R E F ORM E R RED


R 16 1 D
E 116 101 I
V R
R E
E C
S 15 2 T
B O
O 36 21 R
136 121
14 3
35 22

34 56 41 23
113 156 141 104
55 42
C 133 54 43 124
O M
O 153 144 O
13 4
R 33 24 T
D 53 44 I
I V
N 52 45 A
A 32 25 T
T 12 5 O
152 145
O R
R 132 51 46 125
50 47
112 149 148 105
31 49 48 26

30 27
11 6
129 128
S 29 28 R
U E
P 7 R
P 10
O I
R P
T S
E 109 108 N
R I
9 8

GREEN HE L PER
YELLOW
Conscious Wheel Position
42: Reforming Director (Accommodating)

Personal (Less Conscious) Wheel Position


2: Reforming Director (Focused)

Insights Group Deutschland: www.insights-group.de


© Copyright 1992-2009 Andrew Lothian, Insights, Dundee, Scotland. All rights reserved. www.insights.com
Insights Discovery 3.5 Peter Muster Page 28

Insights Colour Dynamics


Peter Muster
26.05.2007

Persona Preference Persona


(Conscious) Flow (Less Conscious)
BLUE GREEN YELLOW RED BLUE GREEN YELLOW RED
6 100 6

50

3 0 3

50

0 100 0
3.52 1.96 3.32 4.68 2.68 1.32 2.48 4.04
28.1%
59% 33% 55% 78% 45% 22% 41% 67%

(Conscious) (Less Conscious)

Insights Group Deutschland: www.insights-group.de


© Copyright 1992-2009 Andrew Lothian, Insights, Dundee, Scotland. All rights reserved. www.insights.com
Insights Discovery 3.5 Peter Muster Page 29

Jungian Preferences
Peter Muster
26.05.2007

Attitude/Orientation:

100 0 100

Introversion (I) Extraversion (E)

Rational (Judging) Functions:

100 0 100

Thinking (T) Feeling (F)

Irrational (Perceiving) Functions:

100 0 100

Sensing (S) Intuition (N)

(Conscious) (Less Conscious)

Insights Group Deutschland: www.insights-group.de


© Copyright 1992-2009 Andrew Lothian, Insights, Dundee, Scotland. All rights reserved. www.insights.com

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