Lovely .$ (2006) Setting Leadership Priorities-wwhat's necessary, what's nice, and what's gotto go. ‘Thousand Oaks. California,Corwin Resource D: Who Is Riding Our Bus? PERSONAL INVENTORY Directions: Put an X next to the word or phrase in each box that best describes you in your work environment. There are no right or wrong answers. 1. 3. 4 2. __ Uncertain a. __ Careful a. __ Principled b. Adventurous b, Enthusiastic |b, Warm c __ Kdealist ©. Sympathetic | c, __ Loyal , __Selt-assured Dependable | d. Hardworking | 5. 6. . 6. | a Cautious | a. Authentic | a. __ Restrained 2. __Nonchalant b. Playful b. __ Popular b. Sociable b. __ Lighthearted <. __ Steady ©. __ Neighborly — Reliable & Content d. Decisive | d. Faithful Assertive d. Risk taker 9. 10. 1. i a Logical | a, __ Diplomatic | a. __Tactiul a. __ Honest b. Carefree |b. __ Jovial b. Talkative b, Confident © Predictable | c. _Considerate | c, Modest c. __ Eager to please Sensible | 6. __Pasitve | d. Outspoken | d. Caring 13. 4, 5. 16, | a. Humble | a. __ fair a. __ Fussy 2. __Accurate b. Expressive | b. Imaginative |b. —Funloving | b. Charming © Satisfied | c __Bffcient | c. People centered | c. Adaptable d. Bold d.__ Thorough | d. __Results oriented | d. Persuasive 7, 10. 19. 20. a Curious | a, _just @ __Nonconformist. | a, __ Conventional b. tively b, Optimistic | b, Trusting b, _—Admirable c. Sincere | . __ Gentle © ___ Obedient ©. Sensitive d. Productive | d. Stable d 4d, __ Competitive SOURCE: Adapted from Lowey (1992). NOTE: Personal survey available at http:/evonneweinhaus.convsurvey htm,Lovely ,$ (2006) Setting Leadership Priorities-what's necessary, what's nice, and what's got to go. ‘Thousand Oaks. California. Corwin Personal Profile Summary Add up your responses in each category (2, B, c, or d) and record the totals below. Each letter is worth one point. Circle your highest score. This represents the primary style you display most often in the workplace. The second-highest score is your backup style. Analyzer Builder Collaborator Driver a a b. 3 d. Once your scores are tabulated, read the style descriptors below. For a staff to analyze its findings together and optimize team performance, use the Who Is Riding Our Bus? activity on the following page. Style Descriptors Analyzer (The Technician): Analyzers seek facts, prefer order, and are not afraid to challenge the logic of things. As independent thinkers, they are willing to disagree with the group leader. Analyzers excel at mining data. By exploring new concepts, they are able to build systems and create models that satisfy organizational needs. Most people appreciate the value of an analyzer's intellect, accuracy, and morals, but feel that sometimes they don’t know when to back off or move on. At times, analyzers are seen as perfectionists and overly cautious because they don’t like to be wrong. People describe analyzers as inventive, global thinkers, ethical, conventional, and candid. Builder (The Harmonizer): Builders are goal oriented and believe the team’s vision is important, yet are flexible and open to new ways of doing business. As troubleshooters, they are comfortable working outside defined roles and providing creative solutions to the group. Builders rely on their charm, optimism, and wit to influence others, which makes them excel at selling and promoting concepts. At times, however, builders neglect to put enough effort into a task or consider the needs of teammates. Because they don't like to be bogged down by details, they constantly search for shortcuts, ‘This lack of discipline can exasperate colleagues. People describe builders as pioneers, natural storytellers, impulsive, jovial, and confident. Collaborator (The Gatekeeper): Collaborators are process-oriented team players and seck areas of agreement. As respectful listeners, they strive to facilitate involvement, build consensus, and promote group stability— all in a relaxed atmosphere. Collaborators value their personal andLovely ,S (2006) Setting Leadership Prirites-shat's necessary, what's nice, and what's got to go. ‘Thousand Oaks. California Corwin professional relationships with others. However, their unhurried style can be frustrating to those who prefer structure and results, After all, their focus is on process, not product. Collaborators tend to shy away from confrontation and conflict. Such avoidance may lead to bigger problems later. People describe collaborators as adaptable, patient, considerate, relaxed, and good-natured. Driver (The Backbone): Drivers are achievement-oriented individuals who like to lead. They enjoy risks and try to push a group to set high stan- dards by providing a sense of safety and security. Drivers are dependable, are punctual, and come to meetings prepared to solve problems, However, (heis focus on completing tasks may come at the expense of maintaining a positive team climate. Their competitive nature can also make others uncomfortable, Because drivers thrive on being busy and efficient, they need to develop a little more patience, humility, and interdependence Feople describe drivers as steadfast, responsible, practical, persistent, and dedicated. TEAM ACTIVITY Who Is Riding Our Bus? Total Time: 30-40 minutes Assessing Group Profiles (11-15 minutes): Once team members have completed their personal inventory and read the style descriptors, ask them to form like groups (Le, all the drivers together, all the analyzers, and s0 on). Each team should respond to the following questions. A recorder can list the team responses on chart paper: 1. What do you like about working with others who have the same primary style as your own? 2. What frustrates you about working with others who have a different pro- file or primary style? Share-Out (6-10 Minutes): Have a reporter from each group share his or her team’s responses to the two questions, Although this will generate plenty of laughter, it also allows people to openly discuss their preferred style of play and lets others know what bothers them when they work on a team. Raising awareness of our wants and needs in a lighthearted, safe manner nudges group culture in a positive direction,