personality, thinking, and learning differences...and meetings
DESCRIPTION
Introverts and extroverts, thinking styles, learning preferences, and other personality traits make each of us unique. Yet meetings, conferences, and events are planned as though everyone is the same. Something needs to change to make our meetings person-centric. Improve education and networking by focusing on people first.TRANSCRIPT
Changing Meetings From the Inside Out
Tyra Hilliard, PhD, JD, [email protected]
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!