Effective communication is the cornerstone to a successful team. That is one of the tenets of WITS Team Building. Here are a few ways to better understand your team!
MYERS-BRIGGS
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) was first published in 1943. It has become the world’s most popular personality test. The test is utilized in hundreds of situations. From marriage counseling to executive development, the Myers Briggs helps people gleam valuable insight into how they communicate, evaluate, and function.
Harvard University’s Marjorie North elaborates on how personality type can influence communication style:
“(A)re you an introvert who needs time to process and reflect, or an extrovert who wants to think out loud and get immediate feedback?
You will need to apply different approaches with decision makers who are described as “thinkers” or “feelers” in the MBTI. Thinkers are guided by cause-and-effect reasoning. When communicating with thinkers, you will want to focus on the facts and logic. Feelers, on the other hand, are guided more by personal values. When engaging with feelers, you will want to appeal to those values and stress their impact on others.”
Communication Styles
Just as people function and communicate in different ways, it is important to understand how people retain information. There are Seven Learning Styles: physical, aural, visual, logical, verbal, social and solitary. Physical learners are hands on, and learn best with their hands. Aural and Visual learners focus on audio and visuals(images, spatial understanding) respectively. Logical learners prefer systems and patterns. Verbal prefer speech and writing. Social learners thrive in group learning settings. Solitary learners work alone and are self starters.
One can engage multiple learning styles in a presentation. A guided powerpoint can engage verbal, visual, social learners. Solitary, physical, aural and logical learners may not benefit from this presentation style.
Get to know your workforce! Our San Diego Team Building, Los Angeles Team Building and New York Team Building workshops engage participants across their learning styles. Book a workshop today!
