Personal Approach Workshop
Are you an extrovert, an introvert, or a little of both? Your assessment results will tell you whether you’ll thrive working with a team of people or interacting with the public; or whether you’ll be happier in a solo endeavor. They can also predict whether remote work will take an emotional toll on you, or do wonders for your mental health.
Are you a “generalist” who looks for opportunities to work with and through others, or a “specialist” who seeks to make contributions that bear the stamp of your individuality? This trait helps determine your work style. Generalists are highly collaborative and happiest when facilitating, managing, or guiding a team toward a shared goal.
Introverted Specialist
Enjoys independent research; often become noteworthy experts in their field.
You are an expert who devotes yourself to your work. |
Blended Specialist
Enjoys sharing their expertise with an attentive audience; often make excellent tour guides and coaches.
You know how to share your passions with others. |
Extroverted Specialist
Enjoys being public experts; they make great advocates for a cause.
You know how to stand up for something you believe in. |
Introverted Liaison
Enjoys independent research while keeping current on developments in their field.
You know when to “come up for air” after being immersed in your work. |
Blended Liaison
Enjoys a flexible approach to work, which allows them to both lead and follow.
You know when it’s time to step up or follow someone else’s lead. |
Extroverted Liaison
Enjoys representing a cause they care about while listening to others’ perspectives and opinions.
You know how to stand your ground while considering others’ opinions. |
Introverted Generalist
Enjoys collaborating on small teams or one-on-one.
You know how to listen to others and keep an open mind. |
Blended Generalist
Enjoys teamwork and networking with others.
You know how to communicate with all types of people. |
Extroverted Generalist
Enjoys gather and sharing perspectives and knows how to build relationships.
You know how to bring people together to work toward a common goal. |
Based on the content from Your Hidden Genius, here's a special team-building exercise for understanding work approach characteristics:
Objective:
To help team members understand their work approach characteristics (Generalist, Liaison, Specialist) and how these approaches can complement each other in a team setting.
Materials Needed:
Large chart paper or whiteboard
Markers
Sticky notes in two colors (e.g., blue and yellow)
Printed descriptions of Generalist, Liaison, and Specialist characteristics
A timer
Steps:
1. Introduction (10 minutes):
Begin with a brief introduction about the importance of understanding different work approaches.
Explain the difference between Generalists, Liaisons, and Specialists using examples from Your Hidden Genius.
2. Self-Awareness (15 minutes):
Hand out the printed descriptions of Generalist, Liaison, and Specialist characteristics to each participant.
Ask team members to read the descriptions and reflect on their type.
Provide sticky notes (blue for Generalists, yellow for Liaisons, red for Specialists) and ask each participant to write their name on a sticky note.
3. Continuum Placement (10 minutes):
Draw a large continuum line on the chart paper or whiteboard with "Generalist" on one end and "Specialist" on the other, and “Liaison” in the middle.
Invite participants to place their sticky note on the continuum.
4. Group Discussion (20 minutes):
Facilitate a discussion around the placement of sticky notes.
Encourage team members to share experiences where their work approach has either helped or hindered their work.
5. Pair and Share (15 minutes):
Pair up Generalists with Specialists.
Ask pairs to discuss how their different approaches can complement each other in a work project.
Have them brainstorm potential challenges and benefits of working together.
6. Group Activity (30 minutes):
Form small groups with a mix of Generalists, Liaisons, and Specialists.
Assign a hypothetical project that requires both broad vision and deep expertise (e.g., planning a company event, launching a new product).
Ask each group to come up with a plan that leverages the strengths of Generalists, Liaisons, and Specialists.
Have each group present their plan to the whole team.
7. Reflection and Feedback (10 minutes):
Conclude the workshop with a reflection session.
Ask participants to share what they learned about their own work approach and how they can better collaborate with others.
Collect feedback on the exercise to improve future team-building activities.
Follow-Up:
Encourage ongoing discussions about work approaches in regular team meetings.
Provide opportunities for team members to practice leveraging each other’s strengths in real projects.