Insights into allsorts

This week, the team went on an Insights training course, which whilst a lot of it can be taken with a pinch of salt (how you can fill out 25 questions and define the exact characteristics of each complex individual I will never know) there was a lot of truth found.

You are plotted on a map and assigned a colour, each colour represents a personality type (as with Myers Briggs and so far, not that inspiring), the part that I liked was that you were able to see which colours were assigned to your team members and then there were explicit statements of what each person liked, and did not like and if you want a positive result from any interaction a simple list of do’s and do nots.

I was an ‘Inspirer Motivator’ - which whilst is a lovely sunshine yellow colour and is ‘out-going, can develop and maintain contacts, able to create enthusiasm, verbally effusive, optimistic and sees the good in others’ there are obviously some down sides!

Broadly speaking, strengths are:

• Outwardly directed energy ensures a fast friendly pace.
• Becomes involved in many activities.
• Will look for the good in people and events.
• Participative and involved team player.
• Can be bubbly, effusive and spontaneous.
• Ability to see options and alternatives.
• Will try anything at least once.
• Has an outgoing nature and builds relationships quickly.

Weaknesses:

• May take criticism of her work personally.
• Generally speaking, she is speaking generally!
• Will set unrealistic deadlines for herself and others.
• May ignore others who contribute in a less energetic style.
• Easily distracted from the routine.
• Does not enjoy working or being alone for long periods.
• Generates so many ideas that chaos often ensues.
• Can appear insincere.

Value to the team:

• Sees the “big picture”.
• Creates considerable activity.
• Can organise the social calendar.
• Is seen as a good team builder.
• Exudes high drive, direction and sociability.
• Boosts self-esteem in others.
• Brings a fresh outlook.
• Is innovative and imaginative.
• Leads by personal example.

When communicating with me do:

• Keep the conversation lively.
• Don’t be too serious, dull or severe.
• Omit unnecessary and intricate details.
• Provide for both flexibility and structure within the meeting.
• Use colourful and bold language in conversing.
• Maintain a positive and open stance.
• Be spontaneous and harmonious.
• Be clear on completion details.

When communicating with me, don;t:

• Speak too slowly or hesitantly.
• Be mundane, boring or dismissive.
• Expect her to respond favourably if you dictate to her on policy or procedures.
• Take issue with her demeanour or jaunty disposition.
• Leave her out of the picture.
• Limit her range or scope of activity.
• Be dismissive of her feelings and emotions.
• Appear slow, sluggish or too formal.