Human Connection at the Core of Work with Pertti Ratilainen.
We’ve all been there: a simple comment gets taken the wrong way, a meeting ends in weird tension, or a teammate seems to be speaking a totally different language. According to workplace expert Pertti Ratilainen, these aren’t just “personality clashes”—they are misunderstandings of motivation.
With 18 years of experience as a therapist and workplace coach, Pertti joined our Waffle Wednesday to dive deep into how we can turn workplace conflict into a competitive advantage.
🔍 The Secret Sauce: Self-Awareness
Most workplace drama doesn’t come from bad intentions; it comes from misunderstandings. We operate on different wavelengths. Pertti argues that the key to a thriving team isn’t just “working harder,” but understanding how we and our colleagues are wired.
What’s Your Motivational Color?
Pertti uses the SDI (Strength Deployment Inventory) to help teams “decode” each other. Which one sounds like you?
| Color | Core Motivation | Focus |
| 💙 Blue | Altruistic & Nurturing | Wants to help others and ensure well-being. |
| ❤️ Red | Assertive & Directing | Wants to achieve results and take action. |
| 💚 Green | Analytic & Autonomizing | Wants order, logic, and clear data. |
| ⚪ Hub | Flexible & Cohesive | The “Chameleons” who adapt to any situation. |
Pro-Tip: No color is “better” than another. digital self-awareness tools should never be used for entertainment or to label people permanently. Their purpose is to increase understanding of individual motivations and behavioral patterns. The magic happens when a team has a balanced mix! For example, many leaders are a Red-Blue mix (results + people), while teachers often lean Blue-Green (people + logic).
⚡ When Strengths Go Rogue
Did you know your greatest strength can become your biggest weakness? Pertti introduced the concept of “overused strengths.” * Under stress, Confidence can look like Arrogance.
* Methodical work can look like Rigidity.
* Supportiveness can look like People-pleasing.
By using digital tools like SDI, we can see these shifts coming and adjust our behavior before a conflict starts.
🏗️ The 3 Pillars of a Healthy Community
As remote work and busy schedules pull us apart, genuine interaction is declining. To fight burnout and build a “thriving” community, Pertti leaves us with three cornerstones:
* Trust: The foundation of everything.
* Truth: Honesty is what builds that trust.
* Authenticity: natural outcomes once trust is established
The takeaway? Stop labeling people and start understanding their motivations. When we create space to truly see each other, the work doesn’t just get done—it gets better.
Which color do you think you are?
Home | Pertti Ratialainen | Mental Coaching and Training
Finnish Workplace Therapists – Business Development Services