#Question One
You are about to begin a group project. It will be <span class="emphasis">complicated</span>, and take several weeks to complete. Of the four options below, what would you rather focus on?
[[What are the different approaches or methodologies we could use to achieve a good outcome? What can we put in place now to set us up for success? |RQ1]]
[[What are the specific outcomes this project needs to deliver? How could we gather necessary data? |BQ1]]
[[What are the different strengths of everyone in the team? Are we all on the same page about this project? |YQ1]]
[[Who is going to be responsible for the different areas of the project? |GQ1]](enchant:?passage,(b4r:"dotted")+(b4r-colour:red))
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This is the INTUITIVE answer. By thinking about the final product already, you're showing that you think about the overall impact on the future rather than getting lost in the immediate problem. By thinking about gathering data, you're making efficient plans about how to move forward.
[[Go to Question Two |Question Two]]
(enchant:?passage,(b4r:"dotted")+(b4r-colour:blue))
(set: $blue to it +1)
This is the ANALYTICAL answer. Focusing on methodologies is a logical approach, and making a clear plan right at the beginning shows that you care about getting the details right.
[[Go to Question Two |Question Two]](enchant:?passage,(b4r:"dotted")+(b4r-colour:yellow))
(set: $yellow to it +1)
This is the PERSONAL answer. Taking the time to consider the strengths of everyone on the team suggests a good level of emotional intelligence, and the fact you're interested in everyone's opinion about the project shows you think in a people-centred way.
[[Go to Question Two |Question Two]]
(enchant:?passage,(b4r:"dotted")+(b4r-colour:green))
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This is the FUNCTIONAL answer. Focusing on responsibilities shows you care about process and //how// things get done.
[[Go to Question Two |Question Two]](enchant:?passage,(b4r:"dotted")+(b4r-colour:white))
#Question Two
On the first day of the new project, your team meets for the first time. You don't know these people very well, and the others are making "small talk", about the weather, what they did at the weekend etc. How do you feel about this?
[[I'm glad we're being friendly, but I don't need your life story. |RQ2]]
[[This is pointless, we have work to do and we'd be better off using this time to get started. |BQ2]]
[[I love this, it's so nice that the team are getting to know each other better. |YQ2]]
[[I don't mind chatting like this, as long as it doesn't cut into the time we have to get this work done. |GQ2]](enchant:?passage,(b4r:"dotted")+(b4r-colour:red))
(set: $red to it +1)
This is the INTUITIVE answer. You can handle some flex in your plan to accommodate teambuilding, but you still have one eye on the future and the overall plan for the project.
[[Go to Question Three |Question Three]]
(enchant:?passage,(b4r:"dotted")+(b4r-colour:blue))
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This is the ANALYTICAL answer. You prefer to deal with practical details than ambiguous conversations.
[[Go to Question Three |Question Three]](enchant:?passage,(b4r:"dotted")+(b4r-colour:yellow))
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This is the PERSONAL answer. You understand that the team will likely support each other better and maybe even avoid conflict if you can build a strong rapport.
[[Go to Question Three |Question Three]](enchant:?passage,(b4r:"dotted")+(b4r-colour:green))
(set: $green to it +1)
This is the FUNCTIONAL answer. You can see some value in this kind of conversation, but only as long as it still allows for the overall plan to stay on track - luckily, you're methodical and organised enough that you can keep an eye on this!
[[Go to Question Three |Question Three]](enchant:?passage,(b4r:"dotted")+(b4r-colour:white))
#Question Three
Partway through the project, you realise there's a problem with the approach you've chosen - essentially, if you keep going as you are, you're going to miss one of the key outcomes you need to hit. There are two possible other options you could take, but they have their own pros and cons.
Which of the below most closely matches what you would consider when deciding how to proceed?
[[What's the bigger picture here? What are the implications of each of the two possibilities? |RQ3]]
[[What is the data saying about this? Are there any facts, figures, or projections I could use to make a decision? |BQ3]]
[[How might the other people on the team be impacted by these two options? |YQ3]]
[[Which of the two options will be the most efficient, and get us on track the quickest? |GQ3]](enchant:?passage,(b4r:"dotted")+(b4r-colour:red))
(set: $red to it +1)
This is the INTUITIVE answer. Focusing on the big picture means you might avoid problems like the one that's stalled progress this time. Also, because you're cool with a bit of ambiguity, this sudden change of plan might concern you a bit less than other people.
[[Go to Question Four |Question Four]](enchant:?passage,(b4r:"dotted")+(b4r-colour:blue))
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This is the ANALYTICAL answer. This response shows you are data-driven and want to use all the information possible to come up with a logical plan. This will require clear focus on complex details, which is just as well, since that's something that works for you.
[[Go to Question Four |Question Four]](enchant:?passage,(b4r:"dotted")+(b4r-colour:yellow))
(set: $yellow to it +1)
This is the PERSONAL answer. You are considering your teammates closely, which suggests it's a priority for you to be supportive when making a decision here.
[[Go to Question Four |Question Four]](enchant:?passage,(b4r:"dotted")+(b4r-colour:green))
(set: $green to it +1)
This is the FUNCTIONAL answer. Your main priority is setting your process up again, so you can get the project organised as quickly as possible.
[[Go to Question Four |Question Four]](enchant:?passage,(b4r:"dotted")+(b4r-colour:white))
#Question Four
Unfortunately, one of your teammates just isn't pulling their weight. They've been late to team meetings a few times, and they're being cagey about sharing any proof of progress on their part of the work, which is making you nervous that they might not be on track. You get an opportunity to catch them alone and decide to talk to them about the issue.
How would you handle this?
[[Motivate them! Explain how important their role is and make sure they know how important they are to the team. |RQ4]]
[[Be direct. Explain exactly what you need from them to move forward. |BQ4]]
[[Check in! They could be overwhelmed, or there might be other things going on with them, and it's important to find out if they need support. |YQ4]]
[[Clarify. Explain the plan to them again so they definitely understand it. |GQ4]](enchant:?passage,(b4r:"dotted")+(b4r-colour:red))
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This is the INTUITIVE answer. You are making sure your teammate can see the overall picture the way you do, so they understand the ripple effect their lack of work will cause, and the consequences for the whole project if they don't make a change.
[[Go to Question Five |Question Five]](enchant:?passage,(b4r:"dotted")+(b4r-colour:blue))
(set: $blue to it +1)
This is the ANALYTICAL answer. You are making sure your teammate has the appropriate information about what needs to be different from now on.
[[Go to Question Five |Question Five]](enchant:?passage,(b4r:"dotted")+(b4r-colour:yellow))
(set: $yellow to it +1)
This is the PERSONAL answer. You are expressing that your priority is to support your teammate, and you are considering how their internal and personal realities may be affecting their external behaviour.
[[Go to Question Five |Question Five]](enchant:?passage,(b4r:"dotted")+(b4r-colour:green))
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This is the FUNCTIONAL answer. You have a clear process, and you want to make sure your teammate has a good understanding of it, in case they don't realise how their lack of work is impacting the plan.
[[Go to Question Five |Question Five]](enchant:?passage,(b4r:"dotted")+(b4r-colour:white))
#Question Five
Which of the following options is closest to how your friends would describe you?
[[Creative |RQ5]]
[[Focused |BQ5]]
[[Friendly |YQ5]]
[[Organised |GQ5]](enchant:?passage,(b4r:"dotted")+(b4r-colour:red))
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This is the INTUITIVE answer. Creative people are often good at "thinking outside the box" over focusing on step-by-step processes, and are often comfortable with a bit of ambiguity.
[[See your overall results! |Results]](enchant:?passage,(b4r:"dotted")+(b4r-colour:blue))
(set: $blue to it +1)
This is the ANALYTICAL answer. Focus is important for dealing with complex details, and for puzzling out logical conclusions to tricky problems.
[[See your overall results! |Results]](enchant:?passage,(b4r:"dotted")+(b4r-colour:yellow))
(set: $yellow to it +1)
This is the PERSONAL answer. Being friendly and approachable is a great attribute necessary for bringing people together, understanding their needs and preferences, and helping teams come to a consensus.
[[See your overall results! |Results]](enchant:?passage,(b4r:"dotted")+(b4r-colour:green))
(set: $green to it +1)
This is the FUNCTIONAL answer. Organisation helps with creating clear processes, and making plans that a thorough and well-considered.
[[See your overall results! |Results]](enchant:?passage,(b4r:"dotted")+(b4r-colour:white))
Below is an image with keywords relevant to each of the four categories used for this quiz.
[image]
I hope you've found this exercise helpful, whether it's given you a clearer understanding of your preferences, or because it's sparked a conversation about team strengths. There is no one correct or incorrect way to communicate, and ultimately it can be helpful to develop a flexible attitude to suit different circumstances.
We all do this already to some extent - it's sometimes called "code switching", for example the language we use around friends might be different to the way we speak to our parents, lecturers at university, or our boss at work.
Thanks so much for using this resource, and please check the [[credits]] where I link the resources used in making it.(enchant:?passage,(b4r:"dotted")+(b4r-colour:white))
CREDITS!(enchant:?passage,(b4r:"dotted")+(b4r-colour:white))
(if: $red is > 2) [Your responses suggest you align most closely as INTUITIVE.
Intuitive communicators tend to cope well with ambiguity and consider the "big picture" when setting priorities. They often focus on efficiency and the future when communicating with others.
You might want to watch out for potential frustrations when communicating with ANALYTICAL and FUNCTIONAL communicators, who may be slower to make decisions or rigidly married to their original plan.
Typically, INTUITIVE communicators get on well with PERSONAL communicators, although they can clash over when to move on from teambuilding into team-doing.
Be aware that sometimes a more detailed approach might be necessary, and that sometimes a plan with too much flexibility is no longer a plan at all!]
(elseif: $blue is > 2) [Your responses suggest you align most closely as ANALYTICAL.
Analytical communicators tend to cope well with data and consider small details that others might miss. They often focus on logical approaches when communicating with others.
You might find it frustrating at times to communicated with INTUITIVE and PERSONAL communicators, who may want to make decisions without waiting for data or prioritise feelings over facts.
Typically, ANALYTICAL communicators get on well with FUNCTIONAL communicators, although they can clash over whether to stick to the original plan or make changes based on findings throughout the project.
Be aware that sometimes a more creative, less data-driven approach might be necessary, and that sometimes people-centred communication can be more persuasive than pure fact.]
(elseif: $green is > 2) [Your responses suggest you align most closely as FUNCTIONAL.
Functional communicators tend to be methodical and organised, and plan thoroughly before embarking on new projects. They are often informed by process when communicating with others.
You might find it frustrating at times to communicated with INTUITIVE and PERSONAL communicators, who may struggle to stick to one defined plan or prioritise feelings over processes.
Typically, FUNCTIONAL communicators get on well with ANALYTICAL communicators, although they can clash over whether to stick to the original plan or make changes based on findings throughout a project.
Be aware that sometimes a more flexible approach might be necessary, and that sometimes communicating in a person-centred way can help teams work well together.]
(elseif: $yellow is > 2) [Your responses suggest you align most closely as PERSONAL.
Personal communicators tend tobe supportive of others and expressive in the way they communicate, putting emphasis on people when setting priorities. They often use emotional intelligence when communicating with others.
You might want to watch out for potential frustrations when communicating with ANALYTICAL and FUNCTIONAL communicators, who may prioritise data and specified processes over feelings.
Typically, PERSONAL communicators get on well with INTUITIVE communicators, although they can clash over when to move on from teambuilding into team-doing.
Be aware that sometimes small talk cuts into time that should be used for project work, and that in some cases a set agenda for meetings can save time over a free-flowing, conversational style.]
(else:) [Your responses indicate there might not be one communication style that aligns closely with you - and that's absolutely okay! Most people don't stick rigidly to one style over another, because we tend to understand that different situations call for different approaches.]
To be clear, the four categories I've suggested here are essentially arbitrary - it's 100% possible for someone to be highly emotionally intelligent //and// care about data, for example, or to be fine with ambiguity in a project while still generally being very methodical in a day-to-day setting.
Understanding your //preferences// and //natural inclinations// in the way you like to work and therefore the way you like to communicate can help you establish what role you might be a good fit for in a team, or what you should avoid because it doesn't match how you work.
It can also be useful to establish how //other people// like to work, because a) you can use their strengths to enhance your team where there's a gap, and b) because you can use your knowledge of them to communicate more effectively with them. You can consider how to talk in //their// language, which, if it's different to yours, might also encourage you to think about problems in a fresh way too.
With that in mind, then -
[[What are the other types?]]
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}
#What kind of communicator are you?
[[Take the quiz |Question One]] to find out!