Where do you get your energy? How do you gather and interpret information? How do you make decisions?
Believe it or not, the answers to all these questions are most likely based on your personality type.
You have a unique set of personality traits that determine how you do everything, from problem-solving to approaching new projects. Understanding these traits and your own personality style can go a long way in improving your ability to work with your executive and co-workers.
For example, I prefer short, direct, to-the-point messages with a bulleted list of what’s needed from me. My friend Lisa needs a warm, fuzzy opening followed by a softer request for the information and a brief description of why I need it. Lisa is a heart-based decision-maker. I am a head-based decision-maker. Neither is right nor wrong. It’s how we each work our way to a solution. I come at it problem first, people second. Lisa comes at it people first, problem second. We both address both important factors — people and the problem. But the order in which we reason through things is the opposite. Appreciating and understanding this difference in one another makes a huge difference in our interactions.
When you don’t understand this about those you work with, they can come across as mean or harsh when that’s not the case at all. This week’s feature article dives deeper into the benefits of understanding your own personality type, as well as others’. We’re also discussing it in more detail on our Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages, and giving you additional resources on understanding personality types. Plus, this month’s AdminPro Training Series takes an in-depth look at personality type and the impact it has on your ability to communicate, work, and lead more effectively in your company.
While you might not always see eye-to-eye with your executive or co-workers, being able to interpret and understand why they do and say things the things they do and why they act certain ways can help create a more harmonious and productive work environment!
Supporting your administrative success,
Julie Perrine
P.S. Are you interested in learning more about your personality type? Check out our Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Personality Assessment Tool!
