When I started on staff at NorthStar Church back in 2004, I completed a comprehensive personality profile. The goal was to not only help our church management understand how I may best fit in, but also to help me understand myself a little better.
It has been nearly eight years, and I pulled out that file today. I couldn't even remember if I still had it, and I was thankful that I was able to find it. What I read was absolutely spot-on (well, probably 95 percent accurate). Here are some highlights:
- I like to develop people and build organizations
- I am sensitive to criticism of my work
- I influence people with my warmth
- I prefer a "team approach"
- I like quality social relationships
- I like managers to make quick decisions
- I like to be involved in the decision-making process
- I will not be overlooked nor uninvolved
- I am deadline-conscious
- I have a positive sense of humor
- I verbalize my feelings
- I am a good mixer
- I need systems to follow
- I need strokes for my involvement
- I need time for relating and socializing
- I am a good "team player"
- I enjoy participation in meetings on future planning
There's much more, but this list is dead-on when it comes to identifying ways to motivate me and to provide my ideal work environment.
Reading this list was a great way to remind me of how I need to fit in, but the report also gave me some valuable techniques on how to more positively interact with others, and how I can communicate more effectively with them.
