Personality Shapes Workshop

Do not expect others to be like you! About the exercise Recognize that we are born with personality preferences that make us unique Understand why others do not value or want the same things we do Recognize that among our families, friends and co-workers there are many different personalities and each are valuable Use the results to help you understand yourself and others Celebrate Diversity Do not expect others to be like you!

Instructions-1 Read each “shape” description carefully Rank the shapes from the one that you are most like to the one that you are least like Attach a percentage to the ranking Write down your rankings on your resume

Instructions-2 Get into groups by shape and answer the following questions: What are the advantages of your shape? What are the disadvantages of your shape? What characteristics do you think you can improve this semester?

CIRCLE Dependable and balanced Focused on fixed point; drawn to the traditional, orderly and continuous Focused on detail Cautious but moves forward with assertiveness/ confident once actions planned Irritated by injustice and “flakiness” Works and plays hard, but doesn’t rush or breaks rules Loyal and devoted and takes commitments seriously An achiever and sets high standards

CIRCLE These employees need: To be given clear directions and expectations To receive opportunities to lead and excel To know that consistency and integrity are valued To receive affirmation for their work ethic To be treated with respect and fairness

DIAMOND Multifaceted, intricate, precise and complex Highly structured and exhibits tenacity and durability Unique Independent and competitive Values knowledge and logic Willing to challenge authority if has a valid point Calm, reserved and pensive Needs time to analyze and reflect before expressing thoughts Frank, direct and concise More interested in data, technology, ideas and concepts than “small talk”

DIAMOND These individuals need: To understand the theory and relevance of concepts To devise new ways to solve problems To be perceived as intelligent and competent To work and learn independently To challenge concepts and theories

HEART Avoids extreme and high-pressure situations and people Prefers not to have the spotlight glaring on me Dislikes hypocrisy, deception and insincerity Fears lack of acceptance Great listener and others appreciate sharing ideas with him/her Creative and life-giving force. Provides nourishment and encouragement to others. A symbol of compassion and inspiration, meaning and devotion Comfortable taking the middle road Peacemaker rather than decision maker

HEART These employees need: To work on imaginative and creative assignments To be valued, affirmed and encouraged To be verbally challenged To have their contributions positively acknowledged, and To be treated kindly and gently

STAR Provides light, influence and direction Significance lies in being recognized, followed and admired Acts on impulse Comfortable with technology and can be academically minded Enjoys people Seeks new ways to solve a problem Risk taker Proverbial optimist and others enjoy having him/her around for stimulation Competitive and assertive Focused on overall picture rather than fine details Unpredictable Stressed out by lots of rules, schedules, etc

STAR These individuals need: To receive variety and stimulation To have opportunities to “perform” and channel their energy To be given clear direction and focus To receive immediate feedback To be held accountable and understand proper boundaries