I was recently on a conference call with people talking bout coronavirus, their feelings and their coping strategies. I started to think about the link between personality and behaviour and wondered if there are some generalities we can learn and some prescriptions we can offer.
PERSONALITIES
At its most simple we can consider William Moulton Marstons DISC model and perhaps look at peoples disc profile (Dominance (D), Inducement (I), Submission (S), and Compliance (C)) and then examine their habits, feelings and strategies.
Dominance
Person places emphasis on accomplishing results, the bottom line, confidence
Behaviours - Sees the big picture - Can be blunt - Accepts challenges - Gets straight to the point
Influence
Person places emphasis on influencing or persuading others, openness, relationships
Behaviours - Shows enthusiasm - Is optimistic - Likes to collaborate - Dislikes being ignored
Steadiness
Person places emphasis on cooperation, sincerity, dependability
Behaviours - Doesn't like to be rushed - Calm manner - Calm approach - Supportive actions
Conscientiousness
Person places emphasis on quality and accuracy, expertise, competency
Behaviours - Enjoys independence - Objective reasoning - Wants the details - Fears being wrong
This seems a simpler model than MBTI. The purpose of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality inventory is to make the theory of psychological types described by C. G. Jung understandable and useful in people's lives, but with 16 combinations although apparently more sophisticated it possibly does not lend itself to a survey.
THE SURVEY
In Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi book Flow: Living at the Peak of your Abilities he described how he used a pager (this was the 1980s) at different times of the day to get people to fill in a sheet detailing what they were doing and how they were feeling at that time.
This seems to be far more objective than completing an end-of-day or end-of-week assessment where the ebbs and flows even-out or are even forgotten. Life sometimes is about the details, single moments of significance, of activity and habit throughout the day rather than the overall 24 hours in the day.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO PARTICIPATE?
I would like to run an anonymous survey along similar lines during the Coronavirus period to examine patterns or behaviour and feelings in the context of events. At different times of the day (not too often!) people will be invited to complete a very simple form or very few questions.
I am interested that PERSON555 did this, or that, or felt happy or sad or over a period of doing x every day found that they felt differently. I do not need to know who PERSON555 is but in order to see patterns I would want that person to retain the same identifier for each submission.
I think I would need at least 20 and ideally 100 people to participate over at least one week, and ideally 10 weeks to see patterns, correlation and changes. Would you be interested in participating?
The commitment would involve a short questionnaire to find out about PERSON555 (age, gender, social background, health, education and personality) and then the daily updates (perhaps 1 or 2 per day at different times on different days). This could easily be done using a webpage for people to complete a form (no email or login which would identify you). You simply give your ID which is chosen by you (sayGOREY22, or Gemini1980) and use that each time you compete the form.
PUBLISHED RESULTS
If there are enough people and there is enough data I would be happy to publish the anonymised data in its raw form, as well as my own thoughts and observations.
GET IN TOUCH
If you want to get in touch just email me, particularly if you would like to participate in the design of the survey or the review of the results.
If you want to participate anonymously come back to this page in a couple of days time and I will include the link to the form in the comments. You can simply click on the link, complete the form, and nobody need know who you are.
LINKS AND REFERENCES
disc
https://www.discprofile.com/what-is-disc/overview/
mbti
https://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/home.htm?bhcp=1
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi book Flow: Living at the Peak of your Abilities
https://www.amazon.com/Flow-Living-Peak-Your-Abilities/dp/B00RVRICW8
Tuesday 31 March 2020
Monday 30 March 2020
IS PROCESS MORE IMPORTANT THAN PURPOSE, IS HOW MORE IMPORTANT THAN WHY?
I recently read Viktor Frankl book Mans Search for Meaning. In it he argued that we cannot avoid suffering but we can choose how to cope with it, find meaning in it, and move forward. The issue itself was not WHY was he in a concentration camp, but HOW he managed his mind, attitude and behaviour.
I have also read Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi book Flow: Living at the Peak of your Abilities. He recognised and named the psychological concept of flow, a highly focused mental state conducive to productivity and happiness.
There is much similarity between Flow and Mindfulness (being present, in the moment and fully conscious) but also some differences (Flow is more about activity than meditation, although medication is an activity!).
Csikszentmihalyi identified the critical elements of flow as follows.
1 Clarity of goals and immediate feedback
2 A high level of concentration on a limited field
3 Balance between skills and challenge
4 The feeling of control
5 Effortlessness
6 An altered perception of time
7 The melting together of action and consciousness
8 The autotelic quality of flow-experiences
Csikszentmihalyi’s book then examines these factors through family, school, sport, work, community and retirement.
I recognise some of this structure combining Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose and think that organisations would do well to think about these factors when designing SMART goals along the lines of John Adair 's simple Action-Centred Leadership model which suggests a blueprint for success based on the alignment of team, task and individual interests.
In the book Living at the Peak of your Abilities there are examples of flow in sport and music but also mastery and pride in apparently menial tasks.
What appear significant in all these models is they are about HOW we engage HOW we think or perceive and NOW we behave and perform. The only WHY is ‘why does this work’ and the answer appears to be linked to self- control, self-respect, self-mastery which is substantially about managing ego.
Edgar H. Schein’s book Humble Inquiry (The Gentle Art of Asking Instead of Telling) puts great emphasis on process and relationship over task and outcome.
Schein notes Humble Inquiry is the skill and the art of drawing someone out, of asking questions to which you do not already know the answer, of building a relationship based on curiosity and interest in the other person.
He says, we value relationships when they are built as part of the work itself, as in military operations where soldiers form intense personal relationships with their buddies. We admire the loyalty to each other and the heroism that is displayed on behalf of someone with whom one has a relationship.
My observation here is that there is no PURPOSE or ulterior motive or intended outcome. Whilst Freud may argue that every action and relationship has a base utilitarian function, there is arguably a value on HOW people behave and are treated independent of PURPOSE.
Csikszentmihalyi appears also to suggest that the state of flow is a PROCESS and no better or worse whether it is working on an assembly line or performing surgery, the feeling is not contingent upon PURPOSE.
For example Csikszentmihalyi suggests that prior to instantly available food, television, music and other entertainment people were substantially happier in their more active pastimes (making food, learning the guitar, or paying games) where there was scope for Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose.
There makes sense in the context of a Growth Mindset where Individuals believe their talents can be developed (through hard work, good strategies, and input from others) have a growth mindset. They tend to achieve more than those with a more fixed mindset (those who believe their talents are innate gifts).
So, what can we learn from this, how can we use it?
There is a good argument that life is more about BEING than DOING? But doing things is clearly important: To be a worker when there is no work may feel like you have lost your identity.
Maybe our workplace or society is a happier and more productive place where there is more freedom about HOW we do things and greater scope for Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose in WHAT we do rather than assessment of WHY we do it?
Why is this important?
At the time of writing most of the world is in lock-down with Coronavirus and many are re-evaluating their role, purpose and value. I think now is an important time to have something to do and the freedom (and sense of control) that goes with doing it, and experiencing the flow which is conducive to productivity and happiness.
LINKS AND REFERENCES
Viktor Frankl
https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/080701429X
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/25616547-flow
The 8 Elements of Flow
https://www.flowskills.com/the-8-elements-of-flow.html
Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose
https://blog.deliveringhappiness.com/the-motivation-trifecta-autonomy-mastery-and-purpose
SMART goals.
https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/knowledge/other/smart-goal/
Action-Centred Leadership
https://www.businessballs.com/leadership-models/action-centred-leadership-john-adair/
Edgar H. Schein’s book Humble Inquiry The Gentle Art of Asking Instead of Telling
https://www.amazon.com/Humble-Inquiry-Gentle-Instead-Telling-ebook/dp/B00CTY5FXM
Growth Mindset
https://hbr.org/2016/01/what-having-a-growth-mindset-actually-means
Sunday 29 March 2020
THE IMPACT OF CORONAVIRUS ON MEANING AND PURPOSE
We are very often defined by what we do. We do not say he or she does accountancy we say they are an accountant. We even define ourselves by what we do. We would not say I do triathlon, but we might say I am a triathlete.
So what happens when what we do or our ability to do it fundamentally changes? How does this affect us and our identity? How does Coronavirus, lock-down and home-working impact upon our meaning and values?
SOME THEORY
William Bridges wrote about his life and value changing experiences, developing a transition model, when he retired from work. In short, the model identifies three stages people go through as they gradually enter and accept the new organisational landscape. The model mainly focuses on psychological change during the transitions between each stage.
Elisabeth Kbler-Ross in her 1969 book talked about the stages of grief. This has been recognised by many as equally applying to our reaction to change.
Denial The first reaction is denial.
Anger : When the individual recognizes that denial cannot continue
Bargaining : The third stage involves the hope that the individual can avoid the situation
Depression : "I'm so sad, why bother with anything?"
Acceptance : "It's going to be okay." "I can't fight it I may as well prepare for it."
Viktor Frankl argued that we cannot avoid suffering but we can choose how to cope with it, find meaning in it, and move forward with renewed purpose. Frankl's theory-known as logotherapy, from the Greek word logos ("meaning")-holds that our primary drive in life is not pleasure, as Freud maintained, but the discovery and pursuit of what we personally find meaningful.
Julian B. Rotter in 1954, came up with the concept of a Locus of control: The degree to which people believe that they, as opposed to external forces (beyond their influence), have control over the outcome of events in their lives
Stephen Karpman suggested in the Drama Triangle that we get to choose a role.
The Victim: The Victim's stance is "Poor me!"
The Rescuer: The rescuer's line is "Let me help you."
The Persecutor: (in this case Coronavirus, or Government or Conspiracy)
OK THATS THE THEORY WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
Many people are valued for what they do rather than who they are. This is partly western culture and as much about how we valued ourselves as how society or employers value us. Under these circumstances being sent home with not enough to do may impact our sense of self-worth. The uncertainty, plus lack of control may create anxiety.
A lack of tasks or content in our day may create boredom or distress which we can resolve by filling with activity which may be constructive (hobbies or chores around the home) or destructive (excessive drinking, eating or social media). Being jobless (or simply without enough work to do) may make us feel useless and thus meaningless leading to depression, aggression or addiction.
A remedy may be to change your mindset from being without work to being on holiday. With a new angle of perception, we may find better pastimes to pass the time. Or to change our role within the existing context from Victim to Rescuer and take part in any of the voluntary on-line or off-line efforts to help people.
Frankl argued that we cannot simply be happy, any more than we can snap out of being depressed. The challenge instead is to find meaning, a reason to be happy: A cause (or a person) to serve.
My view is that it is better to be the captain of your ship rather than the crew of someone else and therefore better to pursue meaningful tasks to your own ends of none are forthcoming from your boss, spouse, family or community.
Irrespective of your view of fate or control, there may be moral obligation upon employers to find meaningful things for their colleagues to do. Not just for their occupation and mental health but also to maintain the link, loyalty and sense of belonging that is essential to a functioning community or a successful business.
GET IN CONTACT
If you to discuss these ideas or anything related to people, process or change please get in touch.
Tim HJ Rogers
Senior Consultant
Mob 447797762051
Skype timhjrogers
Twitter @timhjrogers
REFERENCES AND LINKS
William Bridges transition model
https://www.toolshero.com/change-management/bridges-transition-model/
Elisabeth Kbler-Ross stages of grief
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C3%BCbler-Ross_model
Viktor Frankl
https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/080701429X
Drama Triangle
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karpman_drama_triangle
Locus of Control
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locus_of_control
So what happens when what we do or our ability to do it fundamentally changes? How does this affect us and our identity? How does Coronavirus, lock-down and home-working impact upon our meaning and values?
SOME THEORY
William Bridges wrote about his life and value changing experiences, developing a transition model, when he retired from work. In short, the model identifies three stages people go through as they gradually enter and accept the new organisational landscape. The model mainly focuses on psychological change during the transitions between each stage.
Elisabeth Kbler-Ross in her 1969 book talked about the stages of grief. This has been recognised by many as equally applying to our reaction to change.
Denial The first reaction is denial.
Anger : When the individual recognizes that denial cannot continue
Bargaining : The third stage involves the hope that the individual can avoid the situation
Depression : "I'm so sad, why bother with anything?"
Acceptance : "It's going to be okay." "I can't fight it I may as well prepare for it."
Viktor Frankl argued that we cannot avoid suffering but we can choose how to cope with it, find meaning in it, and move forward with renewed purpose. Frankl's theory-known as logotherapy, from the Greek word logos ("meaning")-holds that our primary drive in life is not pleasure, as Freud maintained, but the discovery and pursuit of what we personally find meaningful.
Julian B. Rotter in 1954, came up with the concept of a Locus of control: The degree to which people believe that they, as opposed to external forces (beyond their influence), have control over the outcome of events in their lives
Stephen Karpman suggested in the Drama Triangle that we get to choose a role.
The Victim: The Victim's stance is "Poor me!"
The Rescuer: The rescuer's line is "Let me help you."
The Persecutor: (in this case Coronavirus, or Government or Conspiracy)
OK THATS THE THEORY WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
Many people are valued for what they do rather than who they are. This is partly western culture and as much about how we valued ourselves as how society or employers value us. Under these circumstances being sent home with not enough to do may impact our sense of self-worth. The uncertainty, plus lack of control may create anxiety.
A lack of tasks or content in our day may create boredom or distress which we can resolve by filling with activity which may be constructive (hobbies or chores around the home) or destructive (excessive drinking, eating or social media). Being jobless (or simply without enough work to do) may make us feel useless and thus meaningless leading to depression, aggression or addiction.
A remedy may be to change your mindset from being without work to being on holiday. With a new angle of perception, we may find better pastimes to pass the time. Or to change our role within the existing context from Victim to Rescuer and take part in any of the voluntary on-line or off-line efforts to help people.
Frankl argued that we cannot simply be happy, any more than we can snap out of being depressed. The challenge instead is to find meaning, a reason to be happy: A cause (or a person) to serve.
My view is that it is better to be the captain of your ship rather than the crew of someone else and therefore better to pursue meaningful tasks to your own ends of none are forthcoming from your boss, spouse, family or community.
Irrespective of your view of fate or control, there may be moral obligation upon employers to find meaningful things for their colleagues to do. Not just for their occupation and mental health but also to maintain the link, loyalty and sense of belonging that is essential to a functioning community or a successful business.
GET IN CONTACT
If you to discuss these ideas or anything related to people, process or change please get in touch.
Tim HJ Rogers
Senior Consultant
Mob 447797762051
Skype timhjrogers
Twitter @timhjrogers
REFERENCES AND LINKS
William Bridges transition model
https://www.toolshero.com/change-management/bridges-transition-model/
Elisabeth Kbler-Ross stages of grief
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C3%BCbler-Ross_model
Viktor Frankl
https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/080701429X
Drama Triangle
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karpman_drama_triangle
Locus of Control
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locus_of_control
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