Transcript Personality-Driven Communication Preferences

Personality-Driven
Communication Preferences
Jennifer C. Manuel
Via Consulting Group
March 9, 2016
© Via Consulting Group, 2016
Agenda
• MBTI®: What is it?
• Activity: Your Communication Preferences
• Personality, Communication & PerspectiveTaking: What do I need to know?
• Communication in the Digital Era: What
works?
• Tying It All Together
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MBTI®
• The Myers-Briggs Type Inventory (MBTI®) is the most
widely-used personality assessment in the world
• The assessment is based off of Carl Jung’s theory of
personality, and indicates our innate preferences on
four pairs of opposite “dichotomies”
Extraversion
E
or
I
Sensing
S
or
N Intuition
Thinking
T
or
F
Judging
J
or
P Perceiving
Introversion
Feeling
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MBTI® cont’d
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MBTI® cont’d
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MBTI® cont’d
• We all use both sides of each pair, but we have a
natural preference for one or the other – a
preference captured by the MBTI®
• Disclaimer: You are more than your type!
DOES yield:
• Preferences
• Innate Tendencies
Does NOT measure:
• Skills
• Environment
• Aptitude
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Your Communication
Preferences
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Extraversion (E) or
Introversion (I)
“Where do I focus my attention & get energy?”
People who prefer
Extraversion (E)
People who prefer
Introversion (I)
• Are energized by interacting
with others
• Are sociable and expressive
• Prefer to communicate face-toface
• Work out ideas by talking them
through
• Are energized by opportunity to
reflect
• Are private and contained
• Prefer to communicate by
writing
• Work out ideas by thinking them
through
“Let’s talk this over.”
“I need to think about this.”
®
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Source: Introduction to Myers-Briggs Type (7th ed.), I. B. Myers, p. 5.
Extraversion (E) or
Introversion (I)
“What is my preferred communication approach?”
People who prefer Extraversion (E)
People who prefer Introversion (I)
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Seek frequent interactions
Share thoughts freely in lively group
discussions
Can discuss a wide range of topics
Think out loud
Share ideas or information
immediately
Respond rapidly
Talk more than listen
Interrupt and may finish other
people’s sentences
Ask lots of spur-of-the-moment
questions
•
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Seek calm, quiet time to reflect
Prefer one-to-one interactions
Like to understand topics in depth
Process information internally
Prefer to have information ahead of
time
Wait for a pause before speaking
Listen more than talk
Are comfortable with silence
Share well-thought-out ideas or
questions
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Source: Introduction to Type in Communication (7th ed.) D. Dunning, p. 7.
Extraversion (E) or
Introversion (I)
Given the choice, which do you prefer:
Extraversion or Introversion?
 your self-assessment
Extraversion
Introversion
®
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Source: Introduction to Myers-Briggs Type (7th ed.), I. B. Myers, p. 5.
Sensing (S) or Intuition (N)
“How do I take in information, and what information
do I trust?”
People who prefer
People who prefer
Sensing (S)
Intuition (N)
• Focus on what is real and actual
• Observe and remember specifics
• Are factual, concrete, and
sequential
• Are specific & literal
• Trust experience
“Just the facts, please.”
• Focus on patterns and meanings
• Remember specifics when they
relate to a pattern
• Are abstract and imaginative
• Use metaphors & analogies
• Trust insight
“I can see it all now.”
®
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Source: Introduction to Myers-Briggs Type (7th ed.), I. B. Myers, p. 5.
Sensing (S) or Intuition (N)
“What is my preferred communication approach?”
People who prefer Sensing (S)
People who prefer Intuition (N)
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Seek facts, details, and concrete
examples
Link information to immediate
applications
Want specific plans and procedures
Like step-by-step explanations
Prefer practical, plain language
Focus on the here and now
Don’t trust long-term, strategic
communications
Trust what has already been tried and
proven to be true
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Want to know implications and relationships,
not just facts
Become bored or impatient with details
Like to brainstorm or play with ideas and
imagine what could be
Focus on the future and long-term aspects
See patterns and understand the big picture
Use metaphors & symbolic language
In conversations, may jump across topics
exploring links
Trust and are eager to apply theories,
models, and frameworks
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Source: Introduction to Type in Communication (7th ed.) D. Dunning, p. 7.
Intuition (N) or Sensing (S)
Given the choice, which do you prefer:
Intuition or Sensing?
 your self-assessment
Intuition (N)
Sensing (S)
®
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Source: Introduction to Myers-Briggs Type (7th ed.), I. B. Myers, p. 5.
Thinking (T) or Feeling (F)
“How do I prefer to make decisions?”
People who prefer
Thinking (T)
People who prefer
Feeling (F)
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Step back to get an objective view
of things
Analyze
Use cause-and-effect reasoning
Solve problems with logic
Fairness means everyone is
treated equally
“Head” first
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“Is this logical?”
Step in to identify with those
involved
Empathize
Are guided by personal/group values
Assess impacts of decisions on
people
Fairness means everyone is treated
individually
“Heart” first
“Will anyone be hurt?”
®
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Source: Introduction to Myers-Briggs Type (7th ed.), I. B. Myers, p. 6.
Thinking (T) or Feeling (F)
“What is my preferred communication approach?”
People who prefer Thinking (T)
People who prefer Feeling (F)
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Use logic and analysis to spot flaws or
weaknesses
Need to know why
Prefer information that is presented
objectively as a matter of fact
Debate or challenge information List
and consider pros and cons
Create or use clearly defined criteria
Trust competence and expertise
Like competition and want to win
Use precise and concise language
Are task and goal focused
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Focus on situational beliefs and values
See strengths and positive attributes
Enjoy encouragement and positive
feedback
Share personal situations, case histories,
stories, and examples
Want to get to know someone personally
Like collaboration and want to cooperate
Are warm, supportive, expressive, and
affirming
Focus on positive atmosphere and
harmony
Are interested in people and their needs
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Source: Introduction to Type in Communication (7th ed.) D. Dunning, p. 7.
Thinking (T) or Feeling (F)
Given the choice, which do you prefer:
Thinking or Feeling?
 your self-assessment
Thinking (T)
Feeling (F)
®
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Source: Introduction to Myers-Briggs Type (7th ed.), I. B. Myers, p. 5.
Judging (J) or Perceiving (P)
“What’s my attitude toward the external world, and
how do I orient myself to it?”
People who prefer
People who prefer
Judging (J)
Perceiving (P)
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•
•
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Organized
Systematic
Methodical
Make short- and long-term
plans, and then follow them
Look to avoid last-minute
stresses
“Just do something.”


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
Adaptable and curious
Casual
Open-ended
Adjust flexibly to new information
and changes
 Are energized by last-minute
pressure
“Let’s wait and see.”
®
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Source: Introduction to Myers-Briggs Type (7th ed.), I. B. Myers, p. 6.
Judging (J) or Perceiving (P)
“What is my preferred communication approach?”
People who prefer Judging (J)
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Reach conclusions quickly, make decisions,
and provide closure
Establish clear expectations, time lines,
and objectives
Are punctual and expect others to be on
time
Communicate well-defined assignments
and consequences
Like organized and efficient
communications
Prefer structured and scheduled
interactions
Are uncomfortable with open-ended,
free-flowing discussions
Want to have information ahead of time,
especially if it is needed to complete tasks
People who prefer Perceiving (P)
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Seek new information and explore options
Include lots of data and ideas in the decisionmaking process
Have a flexible, spontaneous, and unstructured
communication style
Are open to responding to unexpected requests
or opportunities
Can postpone decisions or make tentative
decisions that can change
Seek input from others exactly when they need
it
Feel boxed in if immediate decisions are
requested
Prefer open-ended discussions and language to
conclusive statements
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Source: Introduction to Type in Communication (7th ed.) D. Dunning, p. 7.
Judging (J) or Perceiving (P)
Given the choice, which do you prefer:
Judging or Perceiving?
 your self-assessment
Judging (J)
Perceiving (P)
®
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Source: Introduction to Myers-Briggs Type (7th ed.), I. B. Myers, p. 5.
Your Communication
Preferences
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Personality, Communication &
Perspective-Taking
Why is perspective-taking important?
• Recognizes individual & team differences in communication preferences
• Allows us to be heard & understood with greater clarity
• Heeds our mothers’ advice: “It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it!”
A 4-Step Reflection:
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In our meetings, is this person generally talkative or reserved?
When this person asks me to explain something, what kind of info are they looking for?
Does this person make decisions with their head or their heart?
Does this person prefer to make a plan & stick to it, or play things by ear?
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Personality, Communication &
Perspective-Taking
Communicating with an Extraversion (E) Preference
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Acknowledge that you’re listening; use cues to show that you’re preparing to respond
Provide immediate feedback and verbal acknowledgment
Express overt interest and enthusiasm: lean forward, nod, smile, and maintain eye
contact
If you need it, ask for time to think about something, then set a time to communicate
Anticipate that they will want feedback and be prepared to share information right away
Talk in-person rather than communicating through writing
Take the initiative to introduce yourself or start a conversation
Deal with conflict and be willing to confront issues when they occur
Extraverts think out loud; don’t assume that what they say is fully-formed/final
Extraversion Communication Strengths
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Active, energetic, and enthusiastic
Think on their feet
Establish networks of contacts
Have a broad range of interests
Provide extensive information & feedback
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Personality, Communication &
Perspective-Taking
Communicating with an Introversion (I) Preference
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Let them finish their thoughts; don’t interrupt them
Think before speaking or let them know that you are thinking out loud
Respect their need for privacy, build trust, and ensure confidentiality
Choose a time and place to communicate with a minimum of distraction
Pause and wait for a response; don’t jump in to fill silence, especially with small talk
Have one-to-one conversations rather than communicating in a group setting
Don’t come across as imposing or demanding an immediate response
Provide information ahead of time and allow time and space for processing
When possible, provide written information that they can consider in their own time
Introversion Communication Strengths
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A quiet and calming presence
Respond carefully and thoughtfully
Get to know a few people well
Have in-depth knowledge about key areas
of interest
Listen to others without interrupting23
Personality, Communication &
Perspective-Taking
Communicating with a Sensing (S) Preference
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Be practical and find ways to bring ideas down to earth
Talk about how to immediately apply information
Provide concrete examples to prove that ideas work
Share your observations and experiences
Present information sequentially and include relevant facts and details
Show a plan and a procedure when initiating change
Link new ideas to what is happening now, and what’s working well
Avoid extensive use of abstract metaphors and analogies
Use words that relate to sensory and real-life images
Sensing Communication Strengths
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Anchored in current realities and common
sense
Are practical and realistic
Are observant and attend to details
Retain and learn best from experiences
Immediately apply what is communicated
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Personality, Communication &
Perspective-Taking
Communicating with an Intuition (N) Preference
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Integrate and link concepts when sharing information
Offer alternative ideas and perspectives to stimulate their thoughts
Provide an overview or thumbnail sketch before presenting details
Be willing to brainstorm and generate ideas with them
Share only as much detail as necessary to get your point across
Discuss far-reaching implications and consequences of ideas or decisions
Show how your ideas and decisions will create possibilities for the future
Listen as they share their ideas, visions, and dreams for the future
Help them test and strengthen their ideas by providing a reality check
Intuition Communication Strengths
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Open to possibilities
Anticipate and create change
Are future oriented; see trends
Link and integrate information
Generate ideas
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Personality, Communication &
Perspective-Taking
Communicating with a Thinking (T) Preference
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Be calmly objective and demonstrate your competence
Offer honest and frank corrective feedback as well as positive comments
Detach from situations and view them logically and objectively
Support your opinions with logical reasoning and clear thinking
Avoid becoming emotional or passionate when discussing issues
Be straightforward, reasonable, clear, precise, and concise
Focus on tasks and objectives as well as on individuals involved in the situation
Be prepared to sometimes engage in competitions, debates, or challenges
Show cause-and-effect relationships and pros and cons
Provide data and ideas only from credible information sources
Thinking Communication Strengths
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Assess situations and ideas impartially
Provide honest, frank feedback
Analyze, evaluate, and critique
Are objective and principled
Deal with situations in a direct manner26
Personality, Communication &
Perspective-Taking
Communicating with a Feeling (F) Preference
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Take time to get to know them and develop rapport
Avoid critiquing and evaluating when you are listening
Focus on people in the situation; find out what is valued and important
Foster harmony and create a positive atmosphere and setting
Be friendly and approachable; offer encouragement and support
Provide corrective feedback selectively; do this gently and critique behaviors, not people
Connect first, then challenge later; find areas of agreement
Include personal needs as criteria in decision making; consider how people may be
affected
Create win-win solutions to problems
Feeling Communication Strengths
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Empathize and develop rapport
Can often see and appreciate others’
perspectives
Are supportive & nurturing of others
Enjoy cooperating and collaborating
Connect with others and create a
harmonious environment
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Personality, Communication &
Perspective-Taking
Communicating with a Judging (J) Preference
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Set and follow a schedule
Offer conclusions and your rationale to facilitate decision making,
Share information in a structured and organized way
Avoid sharing too many open-ended options; focus on what is most important
Negotiate specific time lines and deadlines
Consistently meet commitments; show up on time and deliver results
Provide clear roles and expectations when assigning tasks
Make and follow through with plans
Avoid adding unexpected tasks or options to a project, especially at the last minute
Judging Communication Strengths
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Decisive
Share decisions, then move ahead
Are organized and efficient communicators
Are task and goal focused
Provide clear expectations and time lines
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Personality, Communication &
Perspective-Taking
Communicating with an Perceiving (P) Preference
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Provide lots of information before expecting them to decide
Give them time to explore without coming to a conclusion
Accept that they will want to make changes to schedules or plans
Establish mutual time lines and deadlines rather than trying to direct them
Check to ensure that you are not making conclusions when speaking
Consider multiple options and ask questions to gather information
Be willing to take initial steps without making a complete plan
Be open to accommodating unexpected opportunities
Perceiving Communication Strengths
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Flexible and adaptable
Respond to the situation as needed
Are open to new information
Generate and consider a wide range of
options
Take an easygoing approach to change
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Communication in the Digital Era
Email
Meetings
Presentations
• Determine if email is
the best mode of
communication
• Use methods to
• Ensure opportunities
engage introverts and
for discussion and
extroverts
reflection
• Understand the
importance of “small
talk”
• Encourage a “devil’s
advocate” role in an
area the team might
overlook
• Know your audience,
the information do
they trust, and how
they prefer to make
decisions
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Tying It All Together
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Questions?
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Thank you!
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