In the work that we do with large organisations & corporate clients we often talk about the diagonal axes on the Grid. We find these are particularly relevant in an organisational setting, but I want to share them with you too - in case it helps you think about where you might best fit when you do enter the workplace.

It may even help in your personal life, and in any self-directed projects / entrepreneurial ventures you may be working on…


Before we get onto the diagonals, let me remind you of the basic dimensions on the Grid.

The Grid Dimensions

The vertical axis indicates Direct / Indirect Communication & Involvement. While the horizontal axis indicates Task / People Focus. These dimensions gives us 4 ‘regions’ on the map or Grid.

  • Direct + Task Focus = Red (Production)
  • Direct + People Focus = Green (Selling)
  • Indirect + People Focus = Blue (Innovation)
  • Indirect + Task Focus = Yellow (Systems)


Red / Blue Axis

The Red / Blue diagonal covers Production and Innovation, and in an organisational setting can be summarised as being the ‘New Product Axis’.

That means that team members who fall primarily within these colours (in terms of their Interest & Focus scores) are likely to be those who will naturally focus on creating, developing & building new ‘products’.

Whether that means literal, physical new products, or new content, new materials, new solutions to customer / client issues, new methods of getting things done & creating value…

New Product Axis


Green / Yellow Axis

The Green / Yellow diagonal covers Systems and Selling, and in an organisational setting can be summarised as being the ‘Doing the Business Axis’.

That means that team members who fall primarily within these colours (in terms of their Interest & Focus scores) are likely to be those who will naturally focus on keeping things on track, engaging with customers, and making sure that the business side of the business is running smoothly.

Doing the Business Axis


So that’s how we frame these axes within an organisational context, but how might they help you in whatever stage you’re at right now?

Think about the fundamental perspective these axes suggest. Do your Interests fall across one of these diagonals? What does that mean for you? And what might it suggest in terms of potential ‘blind spots’ around the opposite axis…?

Think about whatever goals you’re working towards, and any career paths you might be considering. Do you recognise yourself as a New Product or Doing the Business kind of person? Does this give you a new perspective of where you may fit in a workplace context?