Welcome to the Managing Challenging Personalities series! In this three part series we will focus on resolving some of the issues presented by different personalities. We will discuss identification of personality traits (including ours), increasing positive communication skills and coping and conflict management techniques.
In the first part of the series, we will focus on developing an understanding of our personality traits and how the personalities of our peers work together. Some of the tools and concepts covered are:
- Personality Assessment Tools
- Identifying Spiritual Temperaments
- Understanding the Personality Trait Mix
- Discovering Positive Communication Techniques Based on Personality
- Conflict Management Strategies
- Pulling it all Together – Get out There and Make it Work
One of the most important aspects of how we get things done is our personality. You may not realize that some of your attributes are directly related to your personality.
Personality Assessment Tools
One of the best ways to determine a close approximation of your personality traits are assessment tools. I used the Disc assessment and spiritual temperaments to discover a deeper of who I am. Let me tell you, they were right on.
Disc Personality Assessment
This assessment is based on the work of William Moulton Marston Ph.D. . It indicates that different people prefer to manage different social situations based on certain styles and preferences. (wikipedia, 2009)
Wikepedia lists the following personality types:
Dominance: People who score high in the intensity of the “D” styles factor are very active in dealing with problems and challenges, while low “D” scores are people who want to do more research before committing to a decision. High “D” people are described as demanding, forceful, egocentric, strong willed, driving, determined, ambitious, aggressive, and pioneering. Low D scores describe those who are conservative, low keyed, cooperative, calculating, undemanding, cautious, mild, agreeable, modest and peaceful.
Influence: People with high “I” scores influence others through talking and activity and tend to be emotional. They are described as convincing, magnetic, political, enthusiastic, persuasive, warm, demonstrative, trusting, and optimistic. Those with low “I” scores influence more by data and facts, and not with feelings. They are described as reflective, factual, calculating, skeptical, logical, suspicious, matter of fact, pessimistic, and critical.
Steadiness: People with high “S” styles scores want a steady pace, security, and do not like sudden change. High “S” individuals are calm, relaxed, patient, possessive, predictable, deliberate, stable, consistent, and tend to be unemotional and poker faced. Low “S” intensity scores are those who like change and variety. People with low “S” scores are described as restless, demonstrative, impatient, eager, or even impulsive.
Conscientious: People with high “C” styles adhere to rules, regulations, and structure. They like to do quality work and do it right the first time. High “C” people are careful, cautious, exacting, neat, systematic, diplomatic, accurate, and tactful. Those with low “C” scores challenge the rules and want independence and are described as self-willed, stubborn, opinionated, unsystematic, arbitrary, and careless with details.
Usually, people carry a combination of one or more of each preference or style. I found that I am a DC combination with more preference for either trait considering the situation. The funny thing is, both D and C are in some situations, conflicting traits. How can I be forceful yet diplomatic?
Anyway, once I realized my personality preferences, I was better able to understand how I responded to certain situations. Once I gained the knowledge of my co-workers personality traits, I was definitely in a better position to manage conflict as I understood which approach to take considering my co-workers personality.
The Power of Knowing Your Personality
Once you have identified your personality traits and those around you, you have a deeper understanding how to manage conflict if it arises. You are able to connect those surface tendencies with more concrete reasoning. For example, I had a colleague who was very straightforward. At times he was considered abrasive. We used to clash all the time. I found out he was a DC as well which shed great light on our tendency to disagree. Low and behold, after reconsidering my approach, we managed to complete some pretty intense projects – together.
The bottom line is, once you have a firm understanding of your personality traits, and those around you, you have a leg up in resolving conflict, motivational techniques and managing productivity concerns.
In the next part of the series, we will focus on spiritual temperaments. You’d be surprised how your spiritual temperament reflects who you are. Additionally, knowledge of both spiritual temperaments and personality trait assessments provides each of us an opportunity for success in building positive relationships and managing challenging ones.
2 Responses
Leave a Reply
-
Next: Search Engine Optimization
Subscription Options:
Hi there, I found your blog via Google while searching for first aid for a heart attack and your post looks very interesting for me.
Just got a chance to leave a comment so here it is! Excellent post and very interesting stuff! Hope all the best for your blog and your making money online ventures…
Just letting you know that I’ve signed up for your blog newsletter and looking forword to your future posts. It would be great if you’d do the same for my blog at : Earn Extra Cash with Dino Vedo. I’ve also created a few products that I promote on my blog and would love if you’d consider promoting them on yours for some quick affiliate cash!
All the best,
Dino Vedo
PS: Like my Facebook fan page and follow me on Twitter and I’ll do the same for you!