1. Virginia District Fall Council September 24, 2011
What Shape Are You?
Virginia District Fall Council
September 24, 2011

2. What shape are you?
Let’s find out…

3. What does it all mean? All of us have a DOMINANT shape which helps us
understand our own communication and
behavioral style.
While we do have one dominant shape, we are a
often a combination of shapes, depending
on current situations, environment, etc.
By understanding your shape, you can learn
how to adapt to others

4. The Box Positive Negative organized meticulous
detail-oriented nit-picking
knowledgeable procrastinating
analytical cool, aloof
persevering resistant to change
perfectionist loner
patient complaining

5. What the Box says…. Working with a box…. “The policy clearly states…”
“We’ve always done it this way.”
“That’s not my problem or job.”
Working with a box….
Provide a basic, dependable, predictable environment
Be sure the box knows that he/she is respected
Don’t surprise a box. Let him/her in on plans.
Don’t argue in public with a box. Wait for a private time.

6. The Triangle Positive Negative leader self-centered focused overloaded
decisive dogmatic
ambitious status oriented
competitive political
bottom-line oriented impatient
athletic driven

7. What the Triangle says…
“More bang for the buck.”
“What’s in it for me?”
“Get to the point!”
Working with a Triangle….
Provide a basic, dependable, predictable environment
Be sure the box knows that he/she is respected
Don’t surprise a box. Let him/her in on plans.
Don’t argue in public with a box. Wait for a private time.

8. The Rectangle Positive Negative state of transition confused
exciting low self-esteem
searching inconsistent
inquisitive gullible
growing ingenuine
courageous unpredictable

9. What the Rectangle says…
“What do YOU think about it.”
“I just can’t decide.”
“Is this important? Should I take notes?”
Working with a Rectangle…
Present a “Sure Front.” Because rectangles are unsure, they are more easily swayed by people who seem to have it all together.
Initiate the confrontation; if you must get it worked out, you will have to insist upon the discussion.
Keep it focused.
Don’t let the argument disintegrate into an emotional battle. (continue it at a later time)

10. The Circle Positive Negative friendly overly personal
nurturing melancholy
persuasive manipulative
empathic gossipy
generous self-blaming
stabilizing apolitical
reflective indecisive
lazy

11. What the Circle says… Working with a Circle…
“We’re one big happy family around here.”
“I’m snowed under, but I’ll find a way to help you out.”
“Let’s sit down and talk it over.”
Working with a Circle…
Be honest. Circles want and need to trust others.
Trust the circle’s judgment, particularly about people. Circles read people well and are usually very accurate.
Show genuine concern. Circles will put you first.
Be open to compromise. Whenever there is a conflict, the circle will seek a win/win solution.

12. The Squiggle Positive Negative creative disorganized
conceptual impractical
futuristic unrealistic
intuitive illogical
expressive uninhibited
motivating evangelistic
witty eccentric
sensuous naïve

13. What the Squiggle says…
“Why can’t you see what is as clear as the nose
on your face?”
“Wait ‘till you hear this one!”
“I’ve got the best idea of all!”
Working with a Squiggle…
Squiggles seek new experiences.
Working in a ‘Box’ group/organization will drive a squiggle crazy!
Change is good! Squiggle thrive on change.
They constantly are looking for stimulation; they are a typical Type A personality and proud of it!

14. Leadership… SHAPING things up !
Figuring out how to work with others is key as leader.
The box prefers objective information presented in sequential order.
The triangle is the rule-maker, and life is a matter of right/wrong and black and white.
Because the rectangle is the shape in transition, it can behave like any of the other shapes at any given moment.
The circles are most easily swayed by an emotional appeal.
The squiggle will usually make decisions on what is right or wrong based on the creative process.

15. Pilots come in all shapes….
Love ‘em anyway!!!