Is It a Performance Issue or an Energy Misalignment? How Human Design Can Tell You
What Human Design can teach you about unlocking your team’s true potential.
Not all team challenges are about skill, strategy, or communication.
Sometimes, the real issue is energetic misalignment — and until you spot it, it can quietly sabotage performance, morale, and trust.
I saw this firsthand with a senior leader I recently worked with.
They were growing increasingly frustrated with a team member who wasn’t showing “initiative.”
Despite coaching, encouragement, and delegated responsibility, nothing changed.
“I’ve given them freedom and support. They still don’t step up.”
So we looked at things through a different lens — their Human Design.
What we found changed everything.
That team member was a Projector — a Human Design type that’s not wired to initiate action like other types.
Projectors are here to guide, to see systems, and to offer insight — but only when they’re invited in.
They weren’t underperforming.
They were being misunderstood.
Once the leader adjusted their approach, everything shifted:
Expectations were recalibrated
The employee received the recognition they needed
Their contributions increased — not because they changed who they were, but because the pressure to pretend was removed
What’s a Projector, really?
Projectors make up around 20% of the population. They’re intuitive, perceptive, and incredibly valuable when given the right environment. But they’re not designed for constant hustle or initiating action.
They thrive when:
– They are recognised for their strengths
– They’re invited to lead, guide, or contribute
– Their work rhythm includes rest and space to recalibrate
When misunderstood, they can come across as withdrawn, disengaged, or even lazy — when in reality, they’re simply operating out of sync with their energy.
Leadership Tip:
Before assuming someone lacks drive or isn’t “stepping up,” ask yourself:
– Am I expecting them to lead like me?
– Have I clearly invited them to take ownership or contribute?
– Do they know what I truly value about them?
Sometimes, the problem isn’t performance.
It’s misaligned expectations.
Common energy mismatches (and how to spot them):
Here’s a quick look at how each Human Design type can be misunderstood — and what they actually need to thrive:
Generator
Often Misread As - “They lack initiative”
What They Actually Need - A clear problem to respond to
Manifesting Generator
Often Misread As -“They’re scattered”
What They Actually Need - Freedom to move fast + change direction
Projector
Often Misread As - “They’re disengaged”
What They Actually Need - Recognition + an invitation to contribute
Manifestor
Often Misread As - “They’re going rogue”
What They Actually Need - Autonomy + trust to act independently
Reflector
Often Misread As - “They’re indecisive”
What They Actually Need - Time + a calm, aligned environment
This is why I bring Human Design into leadership.
It’s not about labels or boxes.
It’s about seeing people clearly — and leading them in a way that energises rather than drains.
Ready to lead with more clarity and less guesswork?
Start by understanding your own design.
You can download your free Human Design chart here.
And if you lead a team — imagine what could shift if you understood the energetics behind each person’s way of working. That’s where the real leadership magic begins.
Let’s stop trying to fit everyone into the same mold — and start leading with alignment.
