Understanding Human Nature and Behaviour Presented by Muhammad

Today’s Objectives • To develop an understanding about human nature and its influence on behaviour • Becoming more self-aware and have a deeper understanding about others • To develop an appreciation for diversity © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

We will cover: • What is personality? • What makes us what we are? • What are the key elements of personality? • Are there generic types or classes? • Is this personality “good” or “bad”? • Is diversity a “curse” or a blessing? • Application of what we have learnt © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

Why Bother? © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

Know thyself The unexamined life is not worth living! © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start.

• Self-awareness • People are the most important organizational resource • Improving predictability and selfconfidence • Building relationships • Effective utilization of human resources • Avoiding or managing conflicts • Improving the quality of life and work environment © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

Reflection • Have you ever faced a person whom you failed to understand? • Have you ever been misunderstood (as a person)? • Have you ever been frustrated by people who looked, behaved, thought or felt very different than you? • Have you ever looked down on someone who behaved, thought or felt differently? © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

What is Personality? © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

Personality • “Every man is in certain respects like all other men, like some

Personality • Personality describes the character of emotion, thought, and behavior patterns unique to a person • It is a particular pattern of behaviour and thinking prevailing across time and situations that differentiates one person from another • Personality is the sum total of ways in which an individual react and interacts with others © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

Personality • Personality is that which permits a prediction of what a person will do in a given situation • It explains how each individual is unique • Personality is one of the key determinants of human behaviour – but there also other factors of behaviour e. g. situation, attitude, cognition, motivation, belief etc. © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

What makes us what we are? How do we become “us”? © 2007 -2008

The Development of Personality • Nature vs. Nurture § Heredity and biology - genes, nervous system, endocrine system and other systems § Environment and life experiences • Identical twins share the same template but have different “states” • Twins raised in different families have often demonstrated similar tastes, choosing the same profession and even using the same brands of products © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

The Development of Personality • Some traits may be more strongly linked to heredity than others • The initial few years are critical in the formation of personality • Plaster vs. Plasticity hypothesis § Set like plaster § Changes throughout adulthood © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

Views on Personality • Trait Theories – personality is a set of mental structures/systems, different for each individual, resulting in characteristic responses to situations • Humanist Theories – difficult to predict behaviour – lives are not scripted – personalities are defined by their own different perceptions and experiences • Behavioural Theories – Personality is the constantly changing set of learned behaviour, influenced by reinforcements © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

Interactionism • Human behaviour is influenced by: § Personality traits § The situation § The interaction between personality and situation • How one perceives or defines a situation is a critical factor of behaviour © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

CASE • Doctors report that the child would never be able to play any physically exerting sport… the child grows to be the fittest athlete in the world • How did the parents define the situation? • How did the child define the situation? • How did it influence their behaviour? © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

Other Attributes • Locus of Control (internal/external) The degree to which people believe they are in control of their own fate • Self-Esteem - Feelings of self-worth stemming from the individual's positive or negative beliefs about being valuable and capable • Self-awareness - being aware of oneself, including one's traits, feelings, behaviours and limitations • Risk Taking - a person’s willingness to take chances or risks © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

Personality Models © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

Is this Personality Good or Bad? • Before we examine various types of personalities we should remember: § There is no “right”, “wrong”, “good” or “bad” type § Each type has “strengths” and “weaknesses” § A personality may however be more “suitable” for a given role or situation § Personality traits may shift over time § Behaviour/performance is not dependent on personality alone © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

Personality Models • The Big Five • Cattell’s 16 Primary Factors • Myers-Briggs Type

The Big Five Neuroticism § Anxiety § Angry hostility § Depression § Self-consciousness § Impulsiveness § Vulnerability Extraversion § Warmth & Sociability § Assertiveness § Activity § Positive emotions § Talkativeness § Boldness § Spontaneity § Adventure & Enthusiasm Agreeableness § Trust § Straightforwardness § Altruism § Compliance § Modesty § Tender-mindedness Conscientiousness § Competence § Order § Dutifulness § Achievement striving § Self-discipline § Deliberation (reflection) § § § § Openness Fantasy Aesthetics Feelings Actions Ideas Values © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

Cattells’ 16 Primary Factors Factor Low High Warmth Reserved, impersonal, cool, detached, formal Warm, outgoing, kindly, easygoing, participating, likes people Reasoning Concrete-thinking, less intelligent Abstract-thinking, more intelligent, bright, fast learner Emotional Stability Emotionally stable, Reactive, emotionally less adaptive, mature, faces stable, easily upset reality, calm Dominance Respectful, humble, cooperative, avoids conflict, obedient Liveliness Lively, spontaneous, Serious, restrained, enthusiastic, cheerful, prudent, thoughtful, silent expressive, impulsive Dominant, assertive, aggressive, competitive, stubborn, bossy © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

Cattells’ 16 Primary Factors Factor Low High Rule. Consciousness Expedient, nonconforming, disregards rules Rule-conscious, dutiful, conscientious, moralistic, rule-bound Social Boldness Shy, threat-sensitive, timid, hesitant, intimidated Socially bold, venturesome, thickskinned, uninhibited Sensitivity Utilitarian, objective, unsentimental, toughminded, rough Sensitive, aesthetic, sentimental, tenderminded, intuitive, refined Vigilance Trusting, accepting, unconditional, easy Vigilant, suspicious, skeptical, distrustful, oppositional Abstractedness Grounded, practical, solution-oriented, steady, conventional Abstracted, imaginative, absent-minded, absorbed in ideas, impractical, © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

Cattells’ 16 Primary Factors Factor Low High Privateness Straightforward, genuine, open, naive Private, tactful, nondisclosing, shrewd, worldly, diplomatic Apprehension unworried, secure, complacent, free of guilt, confident Apprehensive, selfdoubting, worried, guiltprone, insecure, selfblaming Openness to Change Open to change, Traditional, attached to experimenting, liberal, familiar, conservative analytical, flexible Self-Reliance Group-oriented, affiliative, follower, dependent Self-reliant, solitary, individualistic, self-sufficient © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

Cattells’ 16 Primary Factors Factor Low High Perfectionism Tolerates disorder, flexible, careless, impulsive Perfectionist, organized, compulsive, self-disciplined Tension Relaxed, easy going, calm, lazy, patient, low drive Tense, high energy, impatient, frustrated, high drive, time-driven © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) • 4 Scales § Extraversion - Introversion § Sensing – Intuition § Thinking – Feeling § Judging - Perceiving • 16 Types © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

MBTI Scales Extraversion § Outer world § People/Things § Active § Breadth of Interest § Live, then understand § Interaction § Outgoing Introversion § Inner World § Thoughts/Concepts § Reflective § Depth of Interest § Understand, then live § Concentration § Inwardly directed Sensing § Facts § Data § Details § Reality based § Actuality § Here and now § Utility/Purpose Intuition § Meanings § Associations § Possibilities § Hunches/Speculations § Theoretical § Future § Fantasy © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

MBTI Scales Thinking § Analysis § Objective § Logic § Impersonal § Critique § Reason § Criteria Feeling § Sympathy § Subjective § Humane § Personal § Appreciate § Values § Circumstances Judging § Organized § Settled § Planned § Decisive § Control own life § Set goals § Systematic Perceiving § Pending § Flexible § Spontaneous § Tentative § Let life happen § Undaunted by surprise § Open to change © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

MBTI – 16 Personality Types ISTJ ISTP ISFJ ISFP Serious and quiet, interested in security and peaceful living. Extremely thorough, responsible, and dependable. Welldeveloped powers of concentration. Usually interested in supporting and promoting traditions and establishments. Well-organized and hard working, they work steadily towards identified goals. They can usually accomplish any task once they have set their mind to it. Quiet, kind, and conscientious. Can be depended on to follow through. Usually puts the needs of others above their own needs. Stable and practical, they value security and traditions. Well-developed sense of space and function. Rich inner world of observations about people. Extremely perceptive of other's feelings. Interested in serving others. Quiet and reserved, interested in how and why things work. Excellent skills with mechanical things. Risk-takers who they live for the moment. Usually interested in and talented at extreme sports. Uncomplicated in their desires. Loyal to their peers and to their internal value systems, but not overly concerned with respecting laws and rules if they get in the way of getting something done. Detached analytical, they excel at finding solutions to practical problems. Quiet, serious, sensitive and kind. Do not like conflict, and not likely to do things which may generate conflict. Loyal and faithful. Extremely well-developed senses, and aesthetic appreciation for beauty. Not interested in leading or controlling others. Flexible and open-minded. Likely to be original and creative. Enjoy the present moment. © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

MBTI – 16 Personality Types INFJ INFP INTJ INTP Quietly forceful, original, and sensitive. Tend to stick to things until they are done. Extremely intuitive about people, and concerned for their feelings. Welldeveloped value systems which they strictly adhere to. Well-respected for their perserverence in doing the right thing. Likely to be individualistic, rather than leading or following. Independent, original, analytical, and determined. Have an exceptional ability to turn theories into solid plans of action. Highly value knowledge, competence, and structure. Driven to derive meaning from their visions. Long-range thinkers. Have very high standards for their performance, and the performance of others. Natural leaders, but will follow if they trust existing leaders. Quiet, reflective, and idealistic. Interested in serving humanity. Well-developed value system, which they strive to live in accordance with. Extremely loyal. Adaptable and laid-back unless a strongly-held value is threatened. Usually talented writers. Mentally quick, and able to see possibilities. Interested in understanding and helping people. Logical, original, creative thinkers. Can become very excited about theories and ideas. Exceptionally capable and driven to turn theories into clear understandings. Highly value knowledge, competence and logic. Quiet and reserved, hard to get to know well. Individualistic, having no interest in leading or following others. © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

MBTI – 16 Personality Types ESTP ESTJ ESFP ESFJ Friendly, adaptable, action-oriented. "Doers" who are focused on immediate results. Living in the here-and-now, they're risk-takers who live fast-paced lifestyles. Impatient with long explanations. Extremely loyal to their peers, but not usually respectful of laws and rules if they get in the way of getting things done. Great people skills. People-oriented and fun-loving, they make things more fun for others by their enjoyment. Living for the moment, they love new experiences. They dislike theory and impersonal analysis. Interested in serving others. Likely to be the center of attention in social situations. Welldeveloped common sense and practical ability. Practical, traditional, and organized. Likely to be athletic. Not interested in theory or abstraction unless they see the practical application. Have clear visions of the way things should be. Loyal and hard-working. Like to be in charge. Exceptionally capable in organizing and running activities. "Good citizens" who value security and peaceful living. Warm-hearted, popular, and conscientious. Tend to put the needs of others over their own needs. Feel strong sense of responsibility and duty. Value traditions and security. Interested in serving others. Need positive reinforcement to feel good about themselves. Well-developed sense of space and function. © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

MBTI – 16 Personality Types ENFP ENFJ ENTP ENTJ Enthusiastic, idealistic, and creative. Able to do almost anything that interests them. Great people skills. Need to live life in accordance with their inner values. Excited by new ideas, but bored with details. Open-minded and flexible, with a broad range of interests and abilities. Creative, resourceful, and intellectually quick. Good at a broad range of things. Enjoy debating issues, and may be into "one-up-manship". They get very excited about new ideas and projects, but may neglect the more routine aspects of life. Generally outspoken and assertive. They enjoy people and are stimulating company. Excellent ability to understand concepts and apply logic to find solutions. Popular and sensitive, with outstanding people skills. Externally focused, with real concern for how others think and feel. Usually dislike being alone. They see everything from the human angle, and dislike impersonal analysis. Very effective at managing people issues, and leading group discussions. Interested in serving others, and probably place the needs of others over their own needs. Assertive and outspoken - they are driven to lead. Excellent ability to understand difficult organizational problems and create solid solutions. Intelligent and well-informed, they usually excel at public speaking. They value knowledge and competence, and usually have little patience with inefficiency or disorganization. © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

Application • Self-management § Understand strengths, weaknesses and preferences § Predict, plan and avoid failures § Self-optimize, excel and adapt • Managing relationships § Understand strengths, weaknesses and preferences § Predict, plan and avoid conflict and failures § Adapt and support © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

Application • Try to accommodate type mismatch § Remember, type mismatch is unavoidable § Remember, 50% of the mismatch is caused by you § Do not blame the person for something s/he hasn’t done § Do not forget that the perceived weakness could be a real advantage in a different situation © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

Application • Diversity § Recognizing differences as natural § Appreciating diversity § Developing complementary work teams § Expertise and task assignment Caution: other components of behaviour + development of others • Synergy § n 1 + n 2 = k x (n 1 + n 2) where k > 1 © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

Application: Other Considerations • For those traits that are not dominant § Avoid over exposure and over commitment § Understand the consequences § Cognition (thinking) § Self-monitoring § Positive attitude § Learning and practice § Changes in socio-technical environment © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

Exercise: Trait Recognition Can you visualize someone who: • would panic under stress, is a frequent worrier or would be intensely tense on slightest criticism • is very open to change, new idea or suggestion • would do all it takes to get the job done, on time, even if it involves taking on enormous stress • Enjoys parties and gatherings, is talkative even with strangers, is adventurous and is action oriented • Is very considerate and sympathetic, and works hard to ensure that others feelings are not hurt © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

Exercise: “Undesirable” Traits • Identify a trait that you perceive as a “weakness”, then think of a situation where it could be utilized as a strength © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

Afterthoughts • Awareness and recognition is the first step towards change • After self-evaluating your personality, observe other available templates and see how that may help you in adapting into a “new” person or adopting a different response set • If no traits are absolutely bad, then recognize that differences, perspectives and conflicts are actually opportunities to broaden our thinking and prospects © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

Final Word • While dealing with people, lose your spectacle and put on their

Thank you © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

Q&A © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.

Further Reading • http: //www. personalitypathways. com/MBTI_intro. html • http: //www. personalitypathways. com/MBTI_geyer-2. html • http: //www. jungtype. com/types/infp. htm • http: //changingminds. org/explanations/personality. htm • http: //www. apa. org/releases/personality. html • http: //www. centacs. com/quickstart. htm • What Color is Your Personality, by Carol Ritberger © 2007 -2008 Lets. Start. Thinking. org. All rights reserved.