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PERSONALITYImproving workplace processes by understanding and adapting to different personality styles

Cori Wittman

Wittman Consulting

WORKPLACE CHALLENGES

Communication “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place”

George Bernard Shaw

Goal: fill each others’ buckets!

Work style differences – right vs. wrong way Over-achiever vs. procrastinator

Messy desks and label-makers

Attitude Debbie-downer vs. naïve optimist

WHAT IS PERSONALITY? (AND WHAT ISN’T IT?)

It’s NOT an excuse!

It’s more than a box

It’s a combination of unique characteristics that make us who we are

When understood, can help improve communication, teamwork and productivity

Type A Type BIntrovert Extrovert

Type A Type B

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MANAGING PERSONALITY

We can’t control others’ behavior, but we can control our understanding and our reactions

Communicate more effectively

Diffuse conflict

Invest in personal growth/development – capitalize on strengths

TOOLS

Myers-Briggs

DiSC

KolbeStrengthsFinder 2.0

ColorCode

MYERS-BRIGGS TYPE INDICATOR (MBTI)

Theory: behavior is “orderly and consistent” based on how we use perception and judgment Perception = awareness

Judgment = conclusion about what is perceived

Four elements Favorite world: prefer to focus on “inner world” or “outer world”

Information: focus on basic information or prefer to interpret/add meaning

Decisions: look at logic/consistency or look at people and special circumstances

Structure: prefer hard/fast decisions or staying open to new info/options

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Busi

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Improving interpersonal communication in a team environment

Insights into behavioral strengths and challenges People-pleaser vs flirt; slow vs methodical; bossy vs

direct/decisive

Practical applications for self and teammates

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https://discpersonalitytesting.com/

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KOLBERather than measuring IQ/thinking or personality/feelings,

measures how you DO things

Multiple tests A-Index - instinctive traits; discover your M.O. in preventing problems,

responding to opportunities, initiating solutions

B-Index - job-related self-expectations (compare A and B to see where there may be incongruences)

C-Index - for supervisors - uncovers areas of job-related stress

Kolbe.com

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Implementor Instinct: ENVISIONExample Results: Kolbe

STRENGTHS FINDER 2.0

Departing from the “Rudy” mentality

Rather than explaining personality and behavioral inclinations, focuses on personal development by pointing out ways to capitalize on innate strengths

Helps ensure self, employees are in the right seat on the bus

"Hide not your talents. They for use were made. What's a sundial in the shade?”

- Benjamin Franklin

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COLOR CODE

Advantages Simple to interpret/apply

Free basic analysis to reveal “core color”

Great team-building exercise

www.colorcode.com

DO’S AND DON’TS

Don’t put people in a box Don’t judge which personality type is “best”Don’t use to make excuses for poor behavior

DO seek first to understandDO accept that there aren’t right/wrong styles, just differentDO develop a “common language” on your team to diffuse

conflict and facilitate teamworkDO facilitate the use & development of unique strengths

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TAKEAWAYS

Understanding personalities on the team is vital to effective communication and workplace productivity

Assessment tools can be helpful for individuals and teams

Different tools have different advantages; the team process, sharing and adoption is vital

Pick one and get started!

SWITCHING GEARS

THE FAMILY MEETING

Quality Discussion Civil – relationships maintained, maybe even with new depth in

understanding/empathy

Productive – increased understanding of future opportunities, direction and action plan

BUT HOW!? Clearly defined goals – communicated in advance

Clearly defined agenda

Rules of engagement

If necessary, professional mediation

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PURPOSE OF MEETING

TO GATHER FAMILY INPUT before making formal plans

Share potential horizons on future plans for retirement

Familiarize family with issues related to both succession planning and estate planning personal and business financial situation

scope of business issues

We are NOT making decisions on formal plans

No, I don’t have cancer

MEETING AGENDA

Retirement goals – mom and dad

Financial Situation Personal, Farm, Philosophy of Gifts/Distribution

Farm Succession Staffing, Transfer of capital, Future governance, buyout agreements

Family Input Goals, expectations, interest in involvement and potential roles

Estate Planning Issues Tax, Retirement, Wills, Gifting, Residences