Bridging Personality Differences in the Workplace
- 1. Kyle Danzey, M.S.Ed. Assistant Director for Career and Professional Development [email protected]
- 2. Workshop Objectives 1. Introduction to MBTI personality types 2. Exploration of own type 3. Understand how team working can be affected by difference in personality 4. An opportunity to explore strategies to develop own approach to working with others.
- 3. Myers Briggs Type Indicator
- 4. What is the MBTI The Myers Briggs Type Indicator is a tool or framework for understanding our own Personality Type and that of others. It is an indicator not a test so there are no right or wrong answers It looks at normal behavior It identifies preferences rather than competencies, abilities or skills.
- 5. Basic Assumptions The MBTI questionnaire assesses preferences. Preferences are not absolutes: everyone uses all eight. Preferences are not abilities: MBTI preferences do not tell you what you can and can’t do. There are no better or worse types: all types have potential! People are the best judges of their own type
- 6. Why Understanding Personality can have a positive impact in the workplace. 1. Avoid and resolve conflicts 2. Play to an individual’s strengths 3. Identify gaps in the team 4. Enable self-understanding and so reduce stress 5. Help you learn to relax 6. Aid career development 7. Assist communication strategies 8. Provide managers with the understanding to give effective feedback 9. Inform personal development plan
- 7. The Basics (4 Scales) Favorite World: Do you prefer to focus on the outer world or your own inner world? This is called Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I) Information: Do you prefer to focus on the basic information you take in or do you prefer to interrupt and add meaning? This is called Sensing (S) or Intuition (N) Decisions: When making decisions, do you prefer to first look at logic and consistency or first look at the people and special circumstances? This is called Thinking (T) or Feeling (F) Structure: In dealing with the outside world, do you prefer to get things decided or do you prefer to stay open to new information and options? This is called Judging (J) or Perceiving (P)
- 8. Preference Type When combined your preferences indicate your Preference Type: E or I S or N T or F J or P There are 16 preference types (e.g. ESTP, INTJ, ENFP, INTJ etc)
- 11. Four Main Type Groups Spontaneous, connect with surroundings, think on their feet
- 12. Four Main Type Groups Empathy and cooperation, counseling, imaginative, issues when there is a need to rely exclusively on cold rationality or make difficult decisions
- 13. Four Main Type Groups Rational and impartial, excel in intellectual debates, independent, strategic, difficulty with social pursuits
- 14. Four Main Type Groups Highly practical, embracing and creating order, security and stability wherever they go, tend to be hard working, meticulous and traditional, and excel in logistical or administrative fields
- 15. Job Stressors I • Working with others • Interacting with others frequently • Having to act quickly without reflection • Too many concurrent tasks and demands E • Working alone • Having to communicate mainly by email • Lengthy work periods with no interruptions • Getting feedback in writing only N • Having to do things the proven way • Checking the accuracy of facts • Needing to focus on past experiences S • Having to do old things in new ways • Having to give an overview without details • Focusing on possibilities
- 16. Job Stressors T • Adjusting to individual differences and needs • Using empathy and personal values to make decisions • Using personal experience to assess situation F • Analyzing situations objectively • Setting criteria and standards • Being expected to use logic alone to make decisions J • Waiting for structure to emerge from process • Too much flexibility around time frames and deadlines • Dealing with surprises P • Working within timeframes • Developing contingency plans • Being required to plan ahead
- 18. Group Activity: Bridging the Office After splitting into 4 different groups you will be assigned a scale of the MBTI. Within your group, review the traits of both personality types on the scale. Then consider your work environment and develop a list of best practices that will support both personality types. List the best practices on the flip chart provided and prepare to present to the group.
- 19. Key Take Aways We can all do everything—type tells us about our preferences, not our abilities. None of the preferences exist in isolation. Type is dynamic and “the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.” The best guide to your preferences is how you behave in situations where you feel most natural and at ease. Type should not be used as an excuse for doing or not doing anything, or for criticizing or typecasting others. Type is probably inborn, but its expression is affected by a person’s personal circumstances, life stage, culture, upbringing, etc.
- 21. For More Information Center for Career and Professional Development University Center, Suite 206 [email protected] 540-654-5646
Editor's Notes
- #10: After everyone has finished, they will follow the Poll Everywhere instructions and text their results.
- #11: Poll Title: What is your MBTI? https://www.polleverywhere.com/multiple_choice_polls/hhEIh9adv3H1P8R
- #12: Each group will be instructed to write their group type on the blank name tag provided.
- #19: Will have a handout with type traits and stressors. Responses will be typed up and sent to everyone via email.
- #20: Will add in instructions.
- #21: http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp