personality, thinking, and learning differences...and meetings

Changing Meetings From the Inside Out

Tyra Hilliard, PhD, JD, CMPTyra.Hilliard@gmail.com

www.tyrahilliard.com@DrTyra

Why We’re Here..

Taking care of Introverts and Extroverts Adult Learning Thinking Styles Networking

Shallow pool, deep pool - image

Introverts & Extroverts

• Which (where) are you?• How do we meet the needs of both at

meetings?

Extroverts

You Know You’re Probably An Extrovert if you…

Thrive on being the center of attention When problem-solving, like to “talk it

out” Are the first to volunteer for something Have been called “enthusiastic” Have ever told a dirty joke

Introverts

You Know You’re Probably An Introvert if you…

Often need your “alone time” Have been called a “good listener” Need time to think before you answer

or act Can’t stand “small talk” Have been called “detached” or “aloof”

ACTIVITY 1: Which (Where) Are YOU?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

I E

Myths & Misconceptions

Introverts are “shy” Introverts avoid social interaction Extroverts make better leaders Everyone is either an introvert or an

extrovert

The Big Five

Extraversion (Introversion)

Agreeableness

Conscientiousness

Neuroticism

Openness

Introverts & Extroverts Action Steps• Be aware of your own nature as an

Extrovert or Introvert and how you come across to others.

• Notice when others appear to be exhibiting characteristics of Extroversion or Introversion and act accordingly.

• Think about how you can address these differences in meetings you plan, host, or service.

Adult Learning

• How do YOU like to learn?• What is the perfect presentation format?

Characteristics of Adult Learners

Problem-centered Results-oriented Self-directed Often skeptical Must apply to their current needs Accept responsibility for their own

learning

Learning preferences

Visual – graphics, images, demos

Read-Write - words

Auditory – lecture, discussion

Kinesthetic – notes, hands-on activities

Environmental – information must be presented in a way that matches learner preferences

Brain Dominance

Left-BrainSystematicLinearSequentialSchedulesListsVerbal

Right-BrainBig pictureIntuitiveAh-ha’s!AestheticsNon-verbal

ACTIVITY 2

What are the do’s and don’t’s of an education session for adult learners?

Education “Do’s”

10 minute “chunks” Use visuals Images are universal Provide context,

practical application Allow small group

interaction or individual reflection time

Education Don’t’s

Don’t use “gimmicky” names for session types without explaining how they will work

Don’t “talk at” people* Don’t “call on” just anyone* Don’t make people change seats* Don’t expect immediate interaction

among all attendees*

(*unless that’s the kind of session it is promoted as)

Adult Learning Action Steps• Treat adults like adults, not like kids in a

classroom.

• Know what they need and give it to them…in a way they want to receive it.

• Provide learning in ways that will make the left- and right-brain happy.

• Mix it up!

Thinking Styles

• How do YOU process information?• Thinking relates to learning and networking.

Thinking Styles

Reflective Thinkers

View information subjectively, based on past experiences

Often ask “why?” Examine their feelings

Creative Thinkers

Like to play with new information ALWAYS ask “why” Good troubleshooters, create

solutions/shortcuts

Practical Thinkers

Simplest, most efficient way to work Not satisfied until they know how to

apply info to their job

Conceptual Thinkers

Have to see the big picture Want to know how things work, not just

the outcome

ACTIVITY 3

Conferences are more than just sessions. How else can we structure conference activities to meet the diverse needs of attendees?

Conference-Specific Ideas

Provide quiet seated areas for deeper conversations or recharging

Allow people to network using social media—but make sure it’s interactive and meaningful

Create one-to-one networking opportunities

Thinking Styles Action Steps• Thinking doesn’t stop when someone

leaves a session. Provide opportunities for interaction.

• Innovative ideas germinate best given time and opportunity.

• Don’t ignore the “non-education” portion of your conference. It may be the most important part of all!

Let’s Focus on People First…

Introverts & extroverts have different needs, preferences, comfort zones.

Adults learn differently. They seek out and process information in different ways for different reasons. One size doesn’t fit all.

Networking can be one of the best—or worst—parts of the conference depending on how it’s structured.

Thank you!