Communicating

Beyond our

Differences

Presented by Administrative Support

Staff

Undergraduate Studies

AG

EN

DA

Welcome Jeannette Jones

Introduction Admin Support Team

Overview Barb Spencer

Communication Eric Stiffler

Activity Step One Barb Spencer

Shapes Admin Support Team

Activity Step Two Barb Spencer

Flexing to Other Shapes Eric Stiffler

Introduction Kellie King Taylor

Guest Speaker Dr. Keith Wisdom

Reflection Dr. Keith Wisdom

Conclusion Jeannette Jones

FocUS Award/Lunch Dr. Eboni Pringle

Administrative Support Staff Undergraduate Studies

Barb SpencerStudent Success

Programs

Jeanne ElyExploratory

Advising

Eric StifflerUniversity Advising

Jeannette JonesOffice of the

Dean

Kellie King TaylorOEECE Alexsa Wanchick

Academic Success Center

Dennis RuleAcademic

Success Center

Ahari SalalExploratory

Advising

Conti

nuati

on o

f th

e

Pow

er

of

Kin

dness

and

The U

nex

pect

ed B

enefits

of

Leadin

g a

Com

pass

ionate

Life b

y C

ari

ng f

or

Oth

ers TRUST

Patience

warmth

fl exibility

MINDFULNESS

Service

Com

munica

tion

and U

S

Division of Undergraduate Studies

• 7 Departments

• Over 65 full-time staff and graduate assistants (not including student workers)

Today’s presentation will help US:

• Create communication that brings more favorable results with others at work

• Help in understanding yourself and your communication style

• Understand why we may have difficulty communicating with certain people

Better communication helps collaboration within the division

ONE PRINCIPLE OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION…

KNOW THYSELF

• Pick a shape that you feel represents your personality – label that shape with the number 1

• Pick a second shape that you feel represents your personality – label that shape with the number 2

• Write your selections on your worksheetMost people are predominately one shape but you can “change

shapes” depending upon life circumstances or situations.

You have an 86% chance of being right when choosing.

Pers

onalit

y Ty

pes

The “shape” concept was developed by Susan Dellinger when she was a management trainer for GTE.

Alternative for the MBTI because it is quick, simple, easily understood, fun, interactive and immediately useful.

This is not a heavily academic and intellectual method that you must study for years to understand.

According to Dr. Susan Dellinger, your choice indicates a distinct personality type. Every person has a preferred shape.

Introduction of Shapes

BO

X Organized

Logical and Practical

Prefer Rules Over Guidelines

Consistent

Disciplined

Loyal

Flexing to a Box:

Meet all deadlines, memorize policy manuals, pay attention to detail, use formality, and be to work on time.

TR

IAN

GLE

Leaders

Focused

Goal-Oriented

Decisive

Skilled Communicators

High Energy

Great Visionaries

Flexing to a Triangle:

Do your job well, show leadership, do the little extras, and use “I” statements rather than “you”.

REC

TAN

GLETransitional

Open-Minded

Empathetic, Caring

Period of Growth

Everyone’s Been There and will be there again – People are not permanent rectangles

Flexing to a Rectangle:

Do not expect anything, give time and space, offer suggestions, avoid arguments, and put proposals in writing.

CIR

CLE

People Person

Good Communicators

Listeners

Peacemakers

Pleasant/Happy

Accommodating

Relationship-Oriented

Flexing to a Circle:

Be willing to stop and chat, expect a lot of meetings, do not break confidence, share the credit, and do not expect quick answers.

SQ

UIG

GLE Creative

Always Asking “What If”

Idea Producers

Motivators

Energetic

Conceptual

Flexing to a Squiggle:

Be a self-starter, talk fast, be enthusiastic, have great new ideas, and allow them the freedom to use their imagination and be innovative.

It takes every shape working together

to form a successful and balanced

organization.

Left Brain

Thinkers

Right Brain

Thinkers

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CO-WORKERS

• Identify someone you work closely with. Thinking of that person, write their name on the shape that most represents their personality.

• Identify someone you work occasionally with. Thinking of that person, write their name on the shape that most represents their personality.

• Record this information on your worksheet and answer questions 1-4.

• The Administrative Support staff will gather those shapes at each table.

• You can collect your shapes at the end of the meeting.

Dr. Keith Wisdom

Interim Executive Director

AALANA Initiatives

Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

CONCLUSION

Conclusion Jeannette JonesFocUS Award/Comments Dr. Eboni Pringle

Lunch

Dellinger, S., Communicating Beyond our Differences…Introducing The Psycho Geometrics System. Prentice Hall, Inc.

www.drsusan.net

www.psychogeometrics.com/aboutdrsusan.php