Team Building and
Transition
The role of personality assessment
Session M 4.3
Kacey Higgins
Registrar
Hardin-Simmons University
Abilene, Texas
Role of Personality Assessment
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Correctly identify problem
Useful for Team Building or Transition Planning
Maximizes strengths of staff
Creates team cohesion
Team Building and Transition
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The problem with the dog
Transition
Personality Assessments
Implementation
Benefits
Session Outline
The dog is out….again!
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Problem
How you identify the problem determines
solutions
Problem Identification
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Problem
How you identify the problem determines
solutions
 Gate is open because…
Problem Identification
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Problem
How you identify the problem determines
solutions
 Gate is open because…
 Staff member is not doing a good job…
Problem Identification
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Solution
◦ Only works if addresses source of problem
 If solution doesn’t work, it may not be addressing
real problem
Solution
Choose job title
 Admissions Counselor/Recruiter
 Graduation Coordinator/Degree Auditor
 VA Representative
 Transcript Production
 Transfer Articulation Coordinator
 Publications Coordinator
 Catalog/Curriculum Specialist
Activity – Identify Characteristics
List top 5 characteristics – such as…
Outgoing
Quiet
Detail oriented
Reflective
Energetic
Analytical
Logical
Strategic
Creative
Reflective
Methodical
Accommodating
Focused
etc.
Activity – Identify Characteristics
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Do more with less
◦ Budget cuts
◦ Staffing reductions
◦ Unfulfilled vacancies
Greater efficiency
 More effective
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Transitions
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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
Personality Assessments
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
(short version)
  in blank by the statement that most
resembles you (51%>)
 Count  and put number beside letter
score
 Put letters of highest score in each
category in blanks at bottom of page
Assessment
Example
Prefers working
Comfortable
with others
___ __ working alone
Action oriented ___ __ Likes quiet
Likes to see
Results
E score
Interested in
_  ___ ideas
_1_ _2_ I score
Sample scoring
Extrovert
Introvert
Sensing
INtuition
Feeling
Judging
Perceiving
Type Identifiers
Thinking
16 Types
Job
characteristics
+
MBTI
descriptors
Align with Job Title
=
Job
Match
Job
characteristics
+
MBTI
descriptors
=
Job
Match
Strength and Satisfaction
Assessment
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Strengths
◦ What are the natural strengths and abilities of
your staff?
◦ What/who works well together?
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Opportunities for Growth
◦ What needs improvement?
◦ Is the mission clearly understood?
◦ What are the gaps in staff strengths and
abilities?
Evaluate Situation
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People working aligned with personality
traits and natural strength areas are more
effective, efficient, and satisfied with their
jobs.
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Transition is an opportunity to realign job
duties.
Opportunities
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Team Building
◦ Staff Retreat
 Informal setting
 Consultant
 Visual representation
 Identify weakness or gaps
Implementation
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Transition – Increase Efficiency
◦ Realign Job Duties
 Match job descriptions to characteristics
 Match staff to characteristics needed for task
 Open process – invite staff to participate
Implementation
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Affirmation of personal strengths
Greater understanding of co-workers
Appreciation of differences – supportive
Deeper sense of “office” mission
Understanding of specific tasks in fulfilling
mission
Prepares staff for change
Benefits
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Makes change enjoyable
Provides positive affirmation of
contributions
Improved job satisfaction
Improved quality of services
Cross-training in multiple functional areas
Benefits
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Year two – Build on success
◦ New Assessment - Strengths Finder
Build on Success
Role of Personality Assessment
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Correctly identify problem
Useful for Team Building or Transition Planning
Maximizes strengths of staff
Creates team cohesion
Conclusion, Q & A
Session M4.3