Adapted from the original version published in the NZPBA Magazine (2022).
Illustrations by Kayleigh Geyer
By Dr SANDY GEYER
As pipe bands gather in Scotland and begin their final preparations for the World Pipe Band Championships at Glasgow Green, there’s a familiar shift in the air, rehearsals intensify, emotions heighten, and pressure builds.
In these high-stakes moments, every strength becomes sharper – but so can every flaw. Tempers may flare. Misunderstandings can grow from whispers to walk-offs. Even small interactions – a glance interpreted as a glare, a request taken as an order – can land heavily when stress is peaking.
“We don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are.” – Anaïs Nin
What you’re seeing isn’t only nerves or bad behaviour. You’re seeing communication styles under pressure.
Based on research in behavioural science (references below) we identify four core communication styles that show up again and again, in boardrooms, in classrooms… and of course, in pipe bands. To understand the four types we look in two places; how each of these styles reasons through difficult situations (using facts or feelings); and how they respond when faced with a room crowded with people they do not know (stepping forwards confidently, or standing back quietly to observe first).
So, I had some fun with these. Meet the McPersonalities. Think of these as default settings we revert to, especially under stress. They’re not boxes, they’re starting points to self-regulate behaviour and adjust to the behaviour of others. These are the building blocks of emotional intelligence and self-regulation. Maybe you will recognise them in your bandmates… and in yourself. Understanding these “defaults” can help you lead/self-lead effectively, play better, and maybe even be better – not just on the day, but on the road that gets you there.
McBrave
First up is a style, common to the foreground; McBrave
(Steps forward with confidence | Reasons with facts)
- Values: Respect, strength, results
- Best self: Decisive, visionary, committed, brave
- Under pressure: Domineering, tactless, controlling. This version of McBrave is well described as McStroppy
As leaders: They lead from the front and expect others to keep up.
As players: Direct, opinionated, and not afraid to voice their opinion.
How to communicate with a McBrave:
- Stick to facts when explaining your position
- Respect their time
- Be direct and solution-focused
- Acknowledge their contribution – don’t over explain or waffle
McAnalyse
Next up is a more reserved style; McAnalyse
(Stands back and observes | Reasons with facts)
- Values: Accuracy, clarity, quality
- Best self: Diligent, precise, considered
- Under pressure: Overly critical, withdrawn. This version of McAnalyse is well described as McOverComplicate
As leaders: Quiet but thorough. They expect well-prepared rehearsals.
As players: Independent and analytical. Prefer logic over emotion.
How to communicate with a McAnalyse:
- Be structured and clear
- Give them time to process
- Back your points with evidence
- Avoid emotional over-explanation
McInspire
We tend to hear the next style coming long before we see them; McInspire
(Steps forward with flair | Reasons with feelings)
- Values: Recognition, fun, energy
- Best self: Charismatic, positive, uplifting, motivating
- Under pressure: Moody, reactive. This version of McInspire is best described as McMoody.
As leaders: They bring the buzz, they motivate and thrive on enthusiasm.
As players: Social glue. Loudest laugh, biggest cheer.
How to communicate with a McInspire:
- Be open and warm
- Let them express emotion
- Avoid detail overload – keep it punchy, personally relevant and interesting
- Recognise their energy and spirit
McCaring
The last style up, looks after the team, McCaring
(Stands back and observes | Reasons with feelings)
- Values: Loyalty, inclusion, harmony
- Best self: Supportive, empathetic, observant
- Under pressure: Avoidant, resentful, unsure. This version of McCaring is well described as McNoDecision or worse, McGossip.
As leaders: Consultative and gentle – sometimes overly so.
As players: Reliable, loyal, often quietly guiding newcomers.
How to communicate with a McCaring:
- Be kind and unhurried
- Ask their opinion and listen fully
- Don’t force fast decisions that they do not feel ready for. Talk them through processes.
- Offer support, especially during change
Why it matters to know about these styles – especially now
As bands prepare to give it everything on competition day, the real differentiator isn’t just technical precision or years of experience – it’s cohesion under pressure.
Every McPersonality brings something vital to the circle. But when the stress peaks – in the tuning area, during the final warm-up, or as results are read – an overused strength can flip into a weakness, and friction can replace flow. Understanding your own wiring is a great start. Understanding each other’s paves the road to a strong finish.
So:
Don’t let your inner McBrave demand more than others can give.
Don’t let your McAnalyse spiral into nitpicking.
Don’t let your McInspire ride the highs and lows too hard.
And if you’re a McCaring, don’t go quiet, stew on unspoken slights or gossip.
When tensions rise – in the circle or during the lead up, pause and ask yourself:
Am I seeing the problem as it is – or as I am?
Stay open. Choose your words carefully. Extend grace.
These styles aren’t flaws – they’re lenses. And when we understand and honour them, we don’t just play better.
We play as one.
Dr. Sandy Geyer is an author, educator, business leader and competitive piper living in New Zealand. She holds a doctorate in entrepreneurial leadership preparation (DPP) and works internationally in leadership development for students, teachers, and business owners.
Research Snapshot:
- Schwartz (2011): Values are shaped by age 9 and rarely shift after 21
- Bargh (2017): Subconscious values drive our decisions and reactions
- Lefrançois (2020); Wiley (2007): Behavioural styles help decode surface traits
- Geyer (2013): Circles of Empowerment framework for emotional intelligence