What’s Your Team Player Type?

When it comes to discussing the various personality types of the individuals we interact with—whether in a professional setting or during leisure activities—there are numerous frameworks and methodologies we can employ. Some popular approaches include:

  • Initials-Based Systems: The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is one of the most widely recognized assessments, categorizing personalities based on preferences in four dichotomies.
  • Color-Coded Models: Personality Dimensions, which assign colors to different personality traits, provide a visual and intuitive way to understand individual differences.
  • Edutainment Approaches: Programs like True Colors combine education with entertainment, making the exploration of personality types engaging and accessible.
  • Animal Analogies: Some frameworks use animal characteristics to describe personality traits, making it easier to remember and relate to different types.
  • Philosophical References: Others draw inspiration from Greek philosophers, associating personality traits with the ideas and characteristics attributed to these historical figures.

These various methods all point to the existence of foundational temperaments that influence how we relate to one another and how we prefer to interact. The scientific basis for these personality assessments traces back to the pioneering work of Carl Jung. His theories have gained credibility through extensive research, with tens of thousands of individuals completing and validating his questionnaires. This body of work underscores the relevance of understanding personality types as a means to enhance communication, collaboration, and overall interpersonal dynamics.

By recognizing and appreciating the diverse personality types within our teams and social circles, we can foster a more harmonious and productive environment. This awareness not only helps in managing conflicts but also enhances teamwork by leveraging the unique strengths that each personality brings to the table.

Scoring Example

Add the total number of points that you wrote beside each letter of the alphabet in the questionnaire. Pay close attention, since the letters are not always in order!

Scale

  • 4 = Most like you
  • 3 = A lot like you
  • 2 = Somewhat like you
  • 1 = Least like you

Questionnaire (write down your scores on a piece of paper)

  1. A driving need for you is:

 

 

C

To find meaning in life

 

A

To learn and gain knowledge

 

B

To belong

 

D

Freedom to do what you want

 

  1. A primary need for you is:

 

 

D

Making an impact

 

A

Maintaining calm

 

C

Relationships

 

B

Responsibility and duty

 

  1. Which of these things interests you?

 

 

C

People

 

A

Ideas

 

B

Information

 

D

Actions

 

  1. You respect:

 

 

B

Authority

 

A

Intellect

 

D

Performance 

 

C

Relationships

 

  1. You:

 

 

C

Stick up for what you believe

 

D

Are constantly busy

 

A

Look to the future

 

B

Like to provide for others

 

  1. You like:

 

 

A

Exploring

 

B

Security

 

C

Cooperation

 

D

Seizing opportunities

 

 

  1. You are good at:

 

 

D

Making quick decisions

 

B

Looking after details

 

C

Inspiring others

 

A

Solving complicated  problems

 

  1. You want:

 

 

D

Variety

 

A

Logic

 

C

Harmony 

 

B

Stability

 

  1. You prefer to focus on:

 

 

B

Structure

 

C

Relationships

 

D

Action

 

A

Knowledge

 

 

 

  1. You value:

 

 

D

Action

 

B

Security

 

C

Self- improvement

 

A

Intelligence

 

  1. You make decisions by relying on:

 

 

C

Intuition

 

D

Senses

 

A

Data

 

B

Tradition

 

  1. You enjoy:

 

 

D

Adventure

 

B

Social gatherings

 

C

Meaningful interactions

 

A

Theories and data

 

 

 

  1. Your work stressors are:

 

 

D

Inefficiency

 

C

Boredom

 

B

Injustice

 

A

Not knowing

 

  1. You appreciate:

 

 

C

Skilled performance

 

A

Research and investigation

 

B

Cooperative interaction

 

D

Respect for policy and tradition

 

  1. Your leadership style is:

 

 

D

Firm, fair, respectful

 

C

Relaxed, flexible, open

 

B

Patient, supportive, encouraging

 

A

Logical, inspirational, direct

Your Score

A

 

B

 

C

 

D

 

 

Total A’s _________ Total B’s __________            Total C’s __________             Total D’s __________

 

The letter with the highest total is most like you. Write it here: ___________________

The other letters are your next preferred styles. If your numbers are close to each other (within five points), you probably find it easy to flex your style to those other categories. If your numbers are far apart, or one is much lower than the others, that is the area you will find it challenging to work within. You will have the knowledge of how to do it once you work through the material below.

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