An Introduction to Dispute Resolution

1. An Introduction to Dispute Resolution Personality Traits

2. Myers-Briggs Type Indicator ® • looks at the different ways in which people prefer to use their minds, specifically, the way they perceive and the way they make judgments. • divided into four dialectic categories • Extrovert-Introverts • Sensor-Intuitive • Thinker-Feeler • Judger-Perceiver

3. Extrovert-Introvert. • relate to where you like to focus your attention-outward or inward. • Extroverts • outgoing, talkative, and enthusiastic; they enjoy interaction with others. • strive in situations when they are around other people. • Introverts • more reserved, quiet, and private. • require more time to themselves to solve problems and think their way through ideas. • have a great deal to offer in a group discussion but they may find the experience exhausting and taxing.

4. Sensor-Intuitive • focus on the way you look at the world around you—whether you can see the forest for the trees. • Sensors • focus on details and prefer to concentrate on tasks one at a time. • often need detailed instructions to accomplish tasks and sometimes may be perceived as being very nit picky. • Intuitives • look for connections between ideas. • perceive concepts well and attempt to connect ideas together. • like to come up with big ideas but do not necessarily like to work out all the details.

5. Thinker-Feeler • explain how you go about making decisions • Thinkers • task oriented • all about the job at hand • take pride in the ability to think logically and objectively. • enjoy arguing because they see it as a constructive trait • Feelers • exact opposite • people oriented • wants everyone to get along even at the expense of getting the job done. • spend considerable time and effort helping others in the group with their tasks.

6. Judger-Perceiver • focus on how you deal with the outer world and its problems • Judgers • highly structured and well organized • use “to do” lists, agendas and calendars • plan ahead and prefer closure • very punctual and become impatient with people who show up late or waste time • Perceivers • like open-endedness, being on time is less important to them than being flexible and adaptable. • risk takers who are willing to try new things and expose new options. • procrastinators and often wait until the last minute to finish assignments and complete tasks on time.

7. Conclusion • Understanding your personality can help to expand your role within the group context. • Understanding your own personality will also help to increase your participation within the group because it will help to increase your confidence in your ability to participate in the group.