Leading From Any Position I, Day One
This two day workshop was sponsored by the state's Division of Library Development & Services (DLDS) and presented by Schreiber Shannon Associates. Before we even attended, we had homework. We took an enneagram test to see which of nine personality types we most closely resembled. The nine types are (taken from Enneagram Workbook presenters gave out):
One-Reformer/Perfectionist/Achiever
Ones are reasonable, objective, and principled. They are constantly striving to achieve their high standards. In doing so, they can become judgmental of themselves and others, and get angry when they or others don't meet expectations.
Two-Helper/Giver
Twos are compassionate, caring, generous and thoughtful, tending to go out of their way to help other people. They need to be needed and sometimes remind others of their service to elicit gratitude from them.
Three-Motivator/Performer/Achiever
Threes are adaptable, energetic, ambitious, and desire to improve themselves. They know how to fit into their situation. They are sometimes overly competitive and can be very image-conscious.
Four-Individualist/Artist/Romantic
Fours are individualistic, emotionally sensitive, and self-expressive. They share their feelings in such a way that others can relate. However, they may become too aware of their negative emotions and imagination, reducing their self-esteem.
Five-Thinker/Observer/Sage
Fives are alert, curious, original learners. They want to understand everything around them. But as they become insecure in their environment, they feel they have to be totally certain about something before they can do it. Thus, they sometimes think about doing something rather than doing it.
Six-Loyalist/Traditionalist/Devil's Advocate
Sixes are faithful, committed, and loyal to people or ideas with which they identify. However, as they become insecure, they seek permission from some type of authority figure (person or belief) before they act.
Seven-Enthusiast/Generalist/Adventurer
Sevens are very enthusiastic and are typically accomplished in a wide range of fields. They tend to go into the world seeking new experiences and sensations. Sometimes they get a bit greedy for experiences, wanting to do everything at once.
Eight-General/Challenger/Boss
Eights are self-confident, courageous, using their strength to lead others. They tend to be resourceful and action-oriented. Power may go to their heads if they become domineering and aggressive toward others.
Nine-Peacemaker/Mediator/Preservationist
Nines are receptive, peaceful, and create a harmonious atmosphere which most find very comforting. Nines have a tendency to get too accommodating, wanting to keep the peace rather than raise their own voice. Thus, they go along, but don't develop their own identities.
The analysis of my responses to the test indicated that I'm a three with mid-range influences (40-48%) from one, eight, nine, six, and seven. A few years ago, my responses indicated that I was a one with a strong three influence and mid-range influences from five, seven, four, and nine; either way, that sounds about right.
We spent most of the first day of the workshop talking about the difference between the personality types and how you can use this information to help you in daily interactions with co-workers, especially if there is someone with whom you're having a problem. It could be that you're dealing with this person in a way counterproductive to his/her personality type. When trying to persuade someone to your way of thinking, consider what motivates that person, and pitch your "arguments" to the focus of their motivation. For instance, threes are motivated by status, so when trying to persuade a three, suggest that your way of doing things will bring status or recognition; a seven would need it to be fun or new & exciting, etc.
We also learned about the five disciplines of a learning organization, which BCPL embraced several years ago, but it was a good review. We discussed the importance of the library having a vision/mission statement. If your library has one, can you see your daily jobs contribute to that statement?
One-Reformer/Perfectionist/Achiever
Ones are reasonable, objective, and principled. They are constantly striving to achieve their high standards. In doing so, they can become judgmental of themselves and others, and get angry when they or others don't meet expectations.
Two-Helper/Giver
Twos are compassionate, caring, generous and thoughtful, tending to go out of their way to help other people. They need to be needed and sometimes remind others of their service to elicit gratitude from them.
Three-Motivator/Performer/Achiever
Threes are adaptable, energetic, ambitious, and desire to improve themselves. They know how to fit into their situation. They are sometimes overly competitive and can be very image-conscious.
Four-Individualist/Artist/Romantic
Fours are individualistic, emotionally sensitive, and self-expressive. They share their feelings in such a way that others can relate. However, they may become too aware of their negative emotions and imagination, reducing their self-esteem.
Five-Thinker/Observer/Sage
Fives are alert, curious, original learners. They want to understand everything around them. But as they become insecure in their environment, they feel they have to be totally certain about something before they can do it. Thus, they sometimes think about doing something rather than doing it.
Six-Loyalist/Traditionalist/Devil's Advocate
Sixes are faithful, committed, and loyal to people or ideas with which they identify. However, as they become insecure, they seek permission from some type of authority figure (person or belief) before they act.
Seven-Enthusiast/Generalist/Adventurer
Sevens are very enthusiastic and are typically accomplished in a wide range of fields. They tend to go into the world seeking new experiences and sensations. Sometimes they get a bit greedy for experiences, wanting to do everything at once.
Eight-General/Challenger/Boss
Eights are self-confident, courageous, using their strength to lead others. They tend to be resourceful and action-oriented. Power may go to their heads if they become domineering and aggressive toward others.
Nine-Peacemaker/Mediator/Preservationist
Nines are receptive, peaceful, and create a harmonious atmosphere which most find very comforting. Nines have a tendency to get too accommodating, wanting to keep the peace rather than raise their own voice. Thus, they go along, but don't develop their own identities.
The analysis of my responses to the test indicated that I'm a three with mid-range influences (40-48%) from one, eight, nine, six, and seven. A few years ago, my responses indicated that I was a one with a strong three influence and mid-range influences from five, seven, four, and nine; either way, that sounds about right.
We spent most of the first day of the workshop talking about the difference between the personality types and how you can use this information to help you in daily interactions with co-workers, especially if there is someone with whom you're having a problem. It could be that you're dealing with this person in a way counterproductive to his/her personality type. When trying to persuade someone to your way of thinking, consider what motivates that person, and pitch your "arguments" to the focus of their motivation. For instance, threes are motivated by status, so when trying to persuade a three, suggest that your way of doing things will bring status or recognition; a seven would need it to be fun or new & exciting, etc.
We also learned about the five disciplines of a learning organization, which BCPL embraced several years ago, but it was a good review. We discussed the importance of the library having a vision/mission statement. If your library has one, can you see your daily jobs contribute to that statement?
posted by Rose Frase | 3:13 PM
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