Here's more MBTI responses, from Rochelle:
Andrea, I will share a few exercises that I have found successful, in hopes
that I will learn in exchange, which is the purpose of the list. The following
exercises have almost always provided clear, understandable examples to
debrief the particular style. No exercise is always successful, but I have
settled on these.
I try to always take the strongest preferences, when I have the size group
that makes it possible. Don't expect the separate responses to be totally
different. You will get overlap on each preference sheets, but point out that
we all have part of all styles, and there will be a number of similarities.
Focus on the differences.
E/I: Separate the two preferences with chart sheets, ask each to record their
responses. "You have just been given a day off with no pressing obligations.
What will you do with this free time?" (Monitor and take notes, because you
can draw some excellent examples from how they approach the task, e.g., with
Es usually talking more and more quickly, getting more ideas up faster.)
S/N: Separate the two preferences with chart sheets, ask them to describe
"Time." Ss will give you factual descriptions, e.g., minutes, hours, seconds,
while Ns will give you will pick up a few global terms like eternity,
infinity.
T/F: Select three strong participants from each type, send one group outside
and have the other three people sit in chairs facing each other in the midst
of the group. This fishbowl method allows everyone to experience the exercise.
Explain, "You have just been told by your director that you will have to trim
your personnel costs by 15%. You will have to have your rough proposal to him
in 15 minutes. How will you do it?"
Record the responses of the group on a flipchart so you can debrief it with
the group later, out of sight, of course.
Bring in the second group and seat them, giving them the same question.
Capture their responses.
Prior to the session, brainwrite on your own the responses you could envision
each group giving so you will be prepared to capture the distinctive
statements as they pop up. It will go quickly so you have to think and write
quickly.
In debriefing, review what each said and invite participants to point out the
differences. Help out to make sure they get the real learning examples.
J/P: Select three strong participants from each type, send one group outside
and have the other three people sit in chairs facing each other in the midst
of the group. This fishbowl method allows everyone to experience the exercise.
Explain, "You have all just won a two week trip to England, all expenses paid.
What will you do?"
I like to have J go first. They do the detailed planning bit, pretty obvious,
unless you have a closet P in there. If so, I point that out to the group
later, as a contrast to the others.
The Ps may be through with their conversation in 30 seconds. Someone may just
say, "Let's go right not, with all expenses paid, we'll buy what we need when
we get there." It is often quite stark. Not always, which is why you have to
be prepared to pick out the typical P behaviors, but this group can often be
the clearest one of all.
There are a number of other exercises,but these have consistently worked in my
sessions. You will have different levels of success with the different groups
you use, just be prepared in advance to know what you are need to be looking
for, capture those when they come up, and any surprises, don't be buffaloed by
the similarities and focus on the differences. I think these ideas will enable
you to be successful conducting a program.
I usually try to get a minimum of 3 hours for this program, and it can go 3.5.
I hope these ideas are helpful.
Robert Rochelle
The People Skills Company
rrochelle@jenkens.com