Team Building and Transition The role of personality assessment Session M 4.3 Kacey Higgins Registrar Hardin-Simmons University Abilene, Texas

Team Building and Transition Role of Personality Assessment ◦Correctly identify problem ◦Useful for Team Building or Transition Planning ◦Maximizes strengths of staff ◦Creates team cohesion

Session Outline The problem with the dog Transition Personality Assessments Implementation Benefits

The dog is out….again!

Problem Identification Problem How you identify the problem determines solutions

Problem Identification Problem How you identify the problem determines solutions  Gate is open because…

Problem Identification Problem How you identify the problem determines solutions  Gate is open because…  Staff member is not doing a good job…

Solution Solution ◦Only works if addresses source of problem  If solution doesn’t work, it may not be addressing real problem

Activity – Identify Characteristics Choose job title Admissions Counselor/Recruiter Graduation Coordinator/Degree Auditor VA Representative Transcript Production Transfer Articulation Coordinator Publications Coordinator Catalog/Curriculum Specialist

Activity – Identify Characteristics List top 5 characteristics – such as… Outgoing Quiet Detail oriented Reflective Energetic Analytical Logical Strategic Creative Reflective Methodical Accommodating Focused etc.

Transitions Do more with less ◦Budget cuts ◦Staffing reductions ◦Unfulfilled vacancies Greater efficiency More effective

Personality Assessments Help teams engage in transition and make them more productive ◦Resources – inventory of team strengths ◦Strengths – align tasks with strengths ◦Identify weakness or gaps in team strengths

Assessment Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (short version) in blank by the statement that most resembles you (51%>) Count and put number beside letter score Put letters of highest score in each category in blanks at bottom of page

Sample scoring Example Prefers working Comfortable with others____ _working alone Action oriented____ _ Likes quiet Likes to see Interested in Results _ ___ideas E score_1__2_I score

Type Identifiers Extrovert Sensing Feeling Perceiving Introvert INtuition Judging Thinking

16 Types

Align with Job Title Job characteristics MBTI descriptors + = Job Match

Assessment Job characteristics MBTI descriptors + = Job Match Strength and Satisfaction

Evaluate Situation Strengths ◦What are the natural strengths and abilities of your staff? ◦What/who works well together? Opportunities for Growth ◦What needs improvement? ◦Is the mission clearly understood? ◦What are the gaps in staff strengths and abilities?

Opportunities People working aligned with personality traits and natural strength areas are more effective, efficient, and satisfied with their jobs. Transition is an opportunity to realign job duties.

Implementation Team Building ◦Staff Retreat  Informal setting  Consultant  Visual representation  Identify weakness or gaps

Implementation Transition – Increase Efficiency ◦Realign Job Duties  Match job descriptions to characteristics  Match staff to characteristics needed for task  Open process – invite staff to participate

Benefits Affirmation of personal strengths Greater understanding of co-workers Appreciation of differences – supportive Deeper sense of “office” mission Understanding of specific tasks in fulfilling mission Prepares staff for change

Benefits Makes change enjoyable Provides positive affirmation of contributions Improved job satisfaction Improved quality of services Cross-training in multiple functional areas

Build on Success Year two – Build on success ◦New Assessment - Strengths Finder

Conclusion, Q & A Session M4.3 Role of Personality Assessment ◦Correctly identify problem ◦Useful for Team Building or Transition Planning ◦Maximizes strengths of staff ◦Creates team cohesion