HUMAN FACTORS
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST OF
YOUR TEAM ASSETS
PERSONALITY FACTORS
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Personality factors play a critical role in
determining interaction among
programmers and in the work style of
individual programmers
WHAT IS PERSONALITY ?
TEMPERAMENT
CHARACTER
TEMPERAMENT VS.
CHARACTER
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Temperament is the inborn form of human
nature; a set of inclinations we are born with
(temperament is predisposition, hardwired in
from birth)
Character, the emergent form, which develops
through the interaction of temperament and the
environment; a set of habits we acquire as we
grow and mature (character is disposition,
developed over a lifetime)
Personality—your unique personal style—is a
combination of the two.
A …software perspective…
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Put another way, our brain is a sort of computer which
has temperament for its hardware and character for its
software.
Our hardware is the physical base of our personality,
placing on each of us an unmistakable temperament
signature, some facets of which can be observed from a
very early age.
Our software, on the other hand, is made up of our
individual experience and social environment, the forces
around us that, with time and occasion, give shape to
our individual character.
Temperament is a given – cannot be changed!
All we can do is to ‘unlearn’ some habits – that is to
work on our beliefs and by this to re-mold our character.
What’s the point?
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People differ from each other in
fundamental ways, including their
thoughts and feelings, their wants and
beliefs, their words, their values, and their
talents.
People are born with different
personalities, and that these differences
are central to nearly every aspect of their
lives
TEMPERAMENT TYPES
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Artisan - (SP)s
Guardian (SJ)s
Rational (NT)s
Idealist - (NF)s
S – Sensing
N – Intuitive
T – Thinking
F – Feeling
J – Judging
P – Perceptive
E – Extraversion
I - Introversion
Sensation (S) vs. Intuition (N)
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The S-N scale on the Keirsey Temperament
Sorter differentiates between two distinct worlds
of human interest or focus.
People who score high in Sensation pay more
attention to what is going on outside themselves
in the world of concrete things;
People scoring high in Intuition pay more
attention to what is going on inside themselves
in the abstract world of ideas.
SENSING
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People given to Sensation (the vast majority, maybe
85%) seem more at home in the physical, material
world, where they spend their time looking after the
business of everyday living-food and clothing,
transportation and shelter, job and family, recreation and
social life. With their eye on reality, they tend to see all
the particulars of what is right in front of them, focusing
on what is happening in the here and now, or what has
happened in the past, rather than speculating about
what might be or what would happen if. These are
practical, down-to-earth people who want facts, trust
facts, and remember facts, and who deal with situations
as they are. They believe in common sense and that
experience is the best teacher.
INTUITIVES
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In contrast, people strong in Intuition seem more at
home in the abstract, conceptual world of ideasinferences, theories, daydreams, musings, speculations,
symbols-all those things that can only be seen with the
mind's eye. Focused as they so often are in their internal
world, these persons can miss a great deal of what's
going on right around them; for them, reality is not solid
and present, but is more a mental image, or a stage of
development toward some future ideal. The possible is
always in front of these people: whatever "is" can be
better, and they are fascinated by hypotheses and
potentials. Because they listen so intently to their inner
voice, even from an early age, they often seem to have
"their head in the clouds," absorbed in their vivid and
complex imaginations.
Judgement (J) vs. Perception (P)
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The J-P scale measures how people
process information and arrange their
lives.
Those who score high on Judgment tend
to make up their mind quickly and commit
to schedules;
Those scoring high on Perception prefer to
keep their options open and their
timetables flexible.
JUDGING
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People strong in Judgment waste no time forming
opinions or drawing conclusions. They report they feel a
sense of urgency until a decision is made, and can rest
only after everything is settled, with all loose ends tied
up. Closure or finality is important to them, as is orderly
procedure. They are quick to make schedules, agendas,
timetables, and so on, for themselves and others to
follow. They tend to establish deadlines and to take
them seriously, expecting others to do the same. They
are comfortable with routines, and are willing to do all
sorts of maintenance and cleaning up after a task, just
because these are necessary to see the job through to
its conclusion. Neatness also counts. These people are
unhappy when their personal space-workplace, house,
car-is a mess, and straightening things up is often near
the top of their list.
PERCEPTIVE
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Tend to keep their eyes open, gathering information and
looking for opportunities and alternatives that might be
available to them. They feel no hurry to nail things
down, or settle on a finished product, but prefer to
explore the possibilities and just see what happens.
These people are often playful and spontaneous in
action. Schedules make them feel hurried and overcontrolled, and they tend to look upon deadlines as mere
reminders to get on with the job. Also, they prefer their
work to be enjoyable and to the purpose. If their task is
mere routine maintenance or clean up, they may balk at
doing it, or leave it to someone else. Easy-going, even
somewhat impulsive, these people are usually quite
tolerant of mess. Their personal spaces are often
cluttered with an assortment of things they have picked
up, used, then dropped and forgotten about.
Thinking (T) vs. Feeling (F)
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The T-F scale assesses how people govern
themselves and make decisions. We all
have both thoughts and feelings, of
course, but those who score high on
Thinking tend to use their head, while
those scoring high on Feeling tend to
follow their heart.
THINKING
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Are more comfortable with an impersonal, objective
basis for action. They can be critical and exacting, both
with themselves and others, and they are convinced only
by hard data and sound reasons. They tend to be frank
and straightforward, willing to speak their minds and
stick to their guns even if it causes conflict with others.
And they are tough-minded in their decisions, preferring
to keep their emotions and desires as much as possible
out of the process. They have powerful feelings,
certainly, but a strong show of emotion usually
embarrasses them. And so, rather than appear to be
losing self-control, they keep their feelings in check,
even at the risk of seeming hard-nosed or cold.
FEELING
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Are more comfortable with a personal, emotional basis
for what they do. When considering their course, they
consult their feelings first and always show concern for
others. These people are sympathetic and sentimental,
and can be swayed by powerful desire or a touching
appeal. And they are softhearted when making
decisions, basing their choices on gentle, kindly
considerations, hoping never to hurt anyone's feelings.
They may not have more or deeper emotions than those
on the Thinking end of the scale, but they let their
feelings show more easily, and this makes them seem
warmer and friendlier, and so usually gives them an
easier time getting along with others.
EXTRAVERTS
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Seem more comfortable socializing with groups
than when alone. They report that they are
energized-charged up, fired up-by contact with
other people. They usually have a large circle of
friends, and are happy to approach others, even
strangers, and talk to them, finding this an easy
and pleasant thing to do, something that makes
them feel alive. Quiet and seclusion actually
exhaust such persons, and they report feelings
of loneliness (or power drain) when not in
contact with others.
INTROVERSION
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Seem more comfortable alone than in a crowd.
They draw energy from private, solitary
activities, reading, listening to music, working by
themselves on their latest project or favorite
hobby. They tend to have a few, long-time
friends, and can remain in contact with larger
groups only so long before their energies are
depleted. If required by their job, family, or
social responsibilities to be outgoing or on stageto make a great social effort-they are soon
exhausted and need "down time" in quiet places
to rest and recharge their batteries.
ARTISAN (SP)
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The Artisan Portrait
Composers (ISFP) | Crafters ((ISTP) | Performers (ESFP)
| Promoters(ESTP)
All Artisans (SPs) share the following core
characteristics:
Artisans tend to be fun-loving, optimistic,
realistic, and focused on the here and now.
Artisans pride themselves on being
unconventional, bold, and spontaneous.
Artisans make playful mates, creative parents,
and troubleshooting leaders.
Above all, Artisans need to be free to do what they wish,
when they wish. They resist being tied or bound or
confined or obligated; they would rather not wait, or
save, or store, or live for tomorrow. In the Artisan view,
today must be enjoyed, for tomorrow never comes.
Learning Style
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Artisans like their schoolwork to be fun and practical. If
it's not directly applicable to their personal aims, expect
to see a bored and/or frustrated student. Hands-on,
active learning is preferred to sitting in a chair and
listening to a teacher talk. If their lessons are not
directly applicable to their aims, they become bored and
frustrated. Artisans prefer focus on details rather than
leaping from thought to thought or concept to concept.
In high school and college, Artisans choose courses and
college majors that will teach a skill they will use,
whether that's business administration, diesel
mechanics, or chiropractic.
GUARDIANS (SJ)
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The Guardian Portrait
Inspectors (ISTJ) | Protectors (ISFJ) | Providers (ESFJ) |
Supervisors (ESTJ)
All Guardians (SJs) share the following core
characteristics:
Guardians pride themselves on being dependable,
helpful, and hard-working.
Guardians make loyal mates, responsible parents,
and stabilizing leaders.
Guardians tend to be dutiful, cautious, humble,
and focused on credentials and traditions.
Guardians are concerned citizens who trust
authority, join groups, seek security, prize
gratitude, and dream of meting out justice.
Guardians are meticulous about schedules and have a
sharp eye for proper procedures.
Learning Style
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Guardians respect their teachers' decisions about
what the content of their learning should be.
They need and appreciate systematic
presentation of facts and ideas, and clear
expectations for assignments -- what is
demanded of them and what the standards are.
Teachers who leap from concept to concept will
frustrate their Guardian students. Like Artisans,
Guardians are likely to choose practical courses
of study that will lead to secure careers.
RATIONALS (NT)
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The Rational Portrait
Architects (INTP) | Fieldmarshals (ENTJ) | Inventors (ENTP) | Masterminds
(INTJ)
All Rationals (NTs) share the following core characteristics:
Rationals tend to be pragmatic, skeptical, self-contained, and
focused on problem-solving and systems analysis.
Rationals pride themselves on being ingenious, independent, and
strong willed.
Rationals make reasonable mates, individualizing parents, and
strategic leaders.
Rationals are even-tempered, they trust logic, yearn for
achievement, seek knowledge, prize technology, and dream of
understanding how the world works.
Rationals are the problem solving temperament, particularly if the problem
has to do with the many complex systems that make up the world around
us.
RATIONALS…
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Rationals have an insatiable hunger to accomplish their
goals and will work tirelessly on any project they have
set their mind to. They are rigorously logical and fiercely
independent in their thinking--are indeed skeptical of all
ideas, even their own--and they believe they can
overcome any obstacle with their will power. Often they
are seen as cold and distant, but this is really the
absorbed concentration they give to whatever problem
they're working on. Whether designing a skyscraper or
an experiment, developing a theory or a prototype
technology, building an aircraft, a corporation, or a
strategic alliance, Rationals value intelligence, in
themselves and others, and they pride themselves on
the ingenuity they bring to their problem solving.
Learning Styles
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Like Idealists, Rationals are self-directed
learners. They want to be challenged and
provided with the means to pursue the ideas
that are important to them. They are highly
autonomous, and so don't generally seek
discussion. Teachers can support Rationals by
sharing expertise and resources for learning and
by giving them honest feedback as the students'
knowledge and expertise grows. In college,
Rationals often choose majors in science,
mathematics, philosophy, or technology.
IDEALISTS (NF)
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The Idealist Portrait
Healers (INFP) | Counselors (INFJ) | Champions (ENFP)| Teachers
(ENFJ)
All Idealists (NFs) share the following core characteristics:
Idealists are enthusiastic, they trust their intuition, yearn
for romance, seek their true self, prize meaningful
relationships, and dream of attaining wisdom.
Idealists pride themselves on being loving, kindhearted,
and authentic.
Idealists tend to be giving, trusting, spiritual, and they are
focused on personal journeys and human potentials.
Idealists make intense mates, nurturing parents, and
inspirational leaders.
Highly ethical in their actions, Idealists hold themselves to a strict
standard of personal integrity. They must be true to themselves and
to others, and they can be quite hard on themselves when they are
dishonest, or when they are false or insincere. More often, however,
Learning Style
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Idealists are excited and motivated by ideas,
particularly those relating to people and
relationships or an understanding of "Life." They
seek out learning about topics, causes, and
ideas they value. They prefer that teachers act
as coaches or mentors who direct the Idealists'
own self-directed learning. School, for Idealists,
is merely the launch pad for independent
thinking, a place to discuss concepts with peers,
and a resource for books, information, and
guidance. In college, Idealists often choose
majors in the fine arts, literature, psychology, or
the humanities.
PERSONALITY FACTORS
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assertive/passive -- often an assertive individual who
is not afraid to ask questions, has initiative to get things
done is seen as better;
introverted/extroverted -- good programmers may
be either, a warm cooperative style for work in teams is
often preferred.
internal/external locus of control -- people with
strong internal locus of control can dominate situations,
they feel able to influence the world and control events;
people with external locus of control feel victims of
events and tend to allow others to dominate them;
high/low anxiety -- moderate levels improve
performance, high levels lead to more errors which lead
to higher anxiety, a vicious circle;
FACTORS (cont…)
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high/low motivation -- highly motivated people can
accomplish much more, managers usually try to improve
morale and motivation;
high/low tolerance for ambiguity -- early stages of
program design need a tolerance for ambiguity, decisions
must be made on limited data, risks must be taken;
compulsive precision -- later stages of program
composition require a precise attention to detail;
humility -- a successful programmer should not be too
ego-involved, a more humble approach leaves a
programmer open to suggestion;
tolerance of stress -- projects may fall behind
schedule and pressures build up, a good programmer
can work well in stressful situations.
COGNITIVE STYLE
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analytic implies sequential, linear, verbal
symbolic processing, left-brain oriented;
heuristic implies intuitive, global, pictorial
processing, right-brain oriented.
http://sern.ucalgary.ca/courses/cpsc/451/
F00/HumanPerf.html
Myers-Briggs
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Intuitive needs a sensing type:
to bring up pertinent facts
to apply experience to problems
to read the fine print in a contract
to notice what needs attention now
to have patience
to keep track of essential detail
to face difficulties with realism
to remind that the joys of the present are
important
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Sensing needs an intuitive:
to bring up new possibilities
to supply ingenuity on problems
to read the signs of coming change
to see how to prepare for the future
to have enthusiasm
to watch for new essentials
to tackle difficulties with zest
to show that the joys of the future are worth
working for
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Feeling type needs a thinker:
to analyse
to organize
to find the flaws in advance
to reform what needs reforming
to hold consistently to a policy
to weigh "the law and the evidence"
to fire people when necessary
to stand firm against opposition
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Thinker needs a feeling type:
to persuade
to conciliate
to forecast how others will feel
to arouse enthusiasm
to teach
to sell
to advertise
to appreciate the thinker