Team Building and Transition

The role of personality assessment

Session M 4.3

Kacey HigginsRegistrar

Hardin-Simmons UniversityAbilene, 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 dogTransitionPersonality AssessmentsImplementationBenefits

The dog is out….again!

Problem Identification

ProblemHow you identify the problem determines solutions

Problem Identification

ProblemHow you identify the problem determines solutions

Gate is open because…

Problem Identification

ProblemHow 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 titleAdmissions Counselor/RecruiterGraduation Coordinator/Degree AuditorVA RepresentativeTranscript ProductionTransfer Articulation CoordinatorPublications CoordinatorCatalog/Curriculum Specialist

Activity – Identify Characteristics

List top 5 characteristics – such as…Outgoing Quiet

Detail orientedReflective Energetic

Analytical Logical StrategicCreative Reflective

Methodical AccommodatingFocused

etc.

Transitions

Do more with less◦Budget cuts◦Staffing reductions◦Unfulfilled vacancies

Greater efficiencyMore 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

scorePut letters of highest score in each

category in blanks at bottom of page

Sample scoring

ExamplePrefers working Comfortablewith others ___ __ working alone

Action oriented___ __ Likes quietLikes to see Interested inResults _ ___ 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 strengthsGreater understanding of co-workersAppreciation of differences – supportiveDeeper sense of “office” missionUnderstanding of specific tasks in fulfilling

missionPrepares staff for change

Benefits

Makes change enjoyableProvides positive affirmation of

contributionsImproved job satisfactionImproved quality of servicesCross-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