A brief look at group dynamics and how it affects interpersonal communications in work environments.

1. Group Dynamics
The Personality Puzzle
Designed and Presented By:
Phoenix R. Cavalier
BSC-O March 2011

2. Group Dynamics: The Personality Puzzle
‣ The goal of this session is to identify and recognize
behaviors related to specific personality types in
group settings. You will also be able to recognize
your own personality type and identify a simple
technique for resolving conflict in a positive manner.
‣ Groups can have as many as 17 different personality types!
Putting all these personalities together can be a challenge at
times. To create harmony within a group it’s best to start by
identifying the personality, or ‘shape’ you are in the puzzle that
is group dynamics.

3. Group Dynamics: The Personality Puzzle
‣ What personality traits shown below seem like your
own? 1. Initiator/Contributor: Presents new ideas or perspectives
2. Information Seeker: Asks for opinions to survey general climate
3. Opinion Seeker: Asks for opinions to survey general climate
4. Information Giver: Supplies facts and opinions
5. Opinion Giver: Imparts values and opinions
6. Elaborator: Provides references and explanations, builds on group statements
7. Coordinator: Identifies the connections between ideas
8. Orienter: Clarifies ideas by integrating them with the group’s focus
9. Evaluator: Analyzes the group’s decisions
10. Energizer: Stimulates the group to higher productivity
11. Procedural Technician: Handles mechanical tasks and physical accommodations
12. Recorder: Chronicles the group’s decisions and progress
13. Encourager: Gives positive reinforcement to group members
14. Harmonizer: Mediates group conflict
15. Compromiser: Attempts to resolve conflicts within the group
16. Gatekeeper: Keeps channels of communication open by supporting discourse
17. Standard Setter: Establishes group norms and accepted patterns of behavior
LEARNING ACTION:
Use a pen and paper to write down up to five (5) numbers that
reflect personality traits you feel describe you, most of the time.

4. Group Dynamics: The Personality Puzzle
‣ How do so many personalities work together?
‣ Good news! Most people
are easy to work with
and get along well with
others. While some LEARNING ACTION:
people do not get along Think of a group you are in
well, they are in the currently and use a pen and
9%
paper to create your own pie-
minority. 1%
chart describing the
personalities you work with as
Reasonable
‣ This pie chart shows percentages totalingDifficult
100%.
Impossible
how personalities
occur in most groups
as a percentage. 90%

5. Group Dynamics: The Personality Puzzle
‣ Working with others is often exciting and productive,
yet at times conflict can arise. When conflict does
occur ask yourself three (3)questions to help you
create a positive outcome.
1. “How am I 2. “What can
contributing to I learn from this
the conflict?” conflict?”
3. “Do I want
to be right or
happy?”
LEARNING ACTION:
Use a pen and paper to write a brief summary of a time when you
resolved a conflict with another person in a calm and effective
manner. Describe how you came to the resolution and how you

6. Group Dynamics: The Personality Puzzle
‣ Here’s a quick recap...
17 personality types in most groups...
9%
1%
Reasonable
90% of people are reasonable... Difficult
Impossible
90%
1
2
Three (3) questions can help resolve conflicts.
1. “How am I contributing to the conflict?” 3
2. “What can I learn from this conflict?”
3. “Do I want to be right or happy?”

7. Conclusion: Thank You!
Group Dynamics
The Personality Puzzle
Designed and Presented By:
Phoenix R. Cavalier
BSC-O March 2011