Personality Shapes Workshop

Recognize that we are born with personality preferences that make us unique

Understand why others do not value or want the same things we do

Recognize that among our families, friends and co-workers there are many different personalities and each are valuable

Use the results to help you understand yourself and others

About the exercise

Celebrate DiversityDo not expect others to be like you!

Instructions-1 Read each “shape” description

carefully Rank the shapes from the one that

you are most like to the one that you are least like

Attach a percentage to the ranking Write down your rankings on your

resume

Instructions-2 Get into groups by shape and

answer the following questions: What are the advantages of your

shape? What are the disadvantages of your

shape? What characteristics do you think you

can improve this semester?

CIRCLE Dependable and

balanced Focused on fixed point;

drawn to the traditional, orderly and continuous

Focused on detail Cautious but moves

forward with assertiveness/ confident once actions planned

Irritated by injustice and “flakiness”

Works and plays hard, but doesn’t rush or breaks rules

Loyal and devoted and takes commitments seriously

An achiever and sets high standards

CIRCLEThese employees need: To be given clear directions and

expectations To receive opportunities to lead and excel To know that consistency and integrity are

valued To receive affirmation for their work ethic To be treated with respect and fairness

DIAMOND Multifaceted, intricate,

precise and complex Highly structured and

exhibits tenacity and durability

Unique Independent and

competitive Values knowledge and

logic

Willing to challenge authority if has a valid point

Calm, reserved and pensive

Needs time to analyze and reflect before expressing thoughts

Frank, direct and concise More interested in data,

technology, ideas and concepts than “small talk”

DIAMONDThese individuals need: To understand the theory and relevance

of concepts To devise new ways to solve problems To be perceived as intelligent and

competent To work and learn independently To challenge concepts and theories

HEART Creative and life-giving

force. Provides nourishment

and encouragement to others.

A symbol of compassion and inspiration, meaning and devotion

Comfortable taking the middle road

Peacemaker rather than decision maker

Avoids extreme and high-pressure situations and people

Prefers not to have the spotlight glaring on me

Dislikes hypocrisy, deception and insincerity

Fears lack of acceptance Great listener and others

appreciate sharing ideas with him/her

HEARTThese employees need: To work on imaginative and creative

assignments To be valued, affirmed and encouraged To be verbally challenged To have their contributions positively

acknowledged, and To be treated kindly and gently

STAR Provides light, influence

and direction Significance lies in being

recognized, followed and admired

Acts on impulse Comfortable with

technology and can be academically minded

Enjoys people Seeks new ways to solve a

problem Risk taker

Proverbial optimist and others enjoy having him/her around for stimulation

Competitive and assertive

Focused on overall picture rather than fine details

Unpredictable Stressed out by lots of

rules, schedules, etc

STARThese individuals need: To receive variety and stimulation To have opportunities to “perform” and

channel their energy To be given clear direction and focus To receive immediate feedback To be held accountable and understand

proper boundaries