Being self aware is one of the most important factors in determining your success in your study and your career, both as a team player and as a leader.
Self awareness is about understanding what drives and motivates you, how you communicate and work with others and how and why you make the decisions you do. Here, as an intro, we look at some key personality indicators that will influence who you are as a professional. To develop your self awareness further, check out our online modules via Curtin Challenge.
Communication Style – DISC
What’s your preferred communication style? Are you a natural talker and like discussing things face to face? Perhaps you prefer to communicate via email to help record information? It’s important to know your preferred style so that you can work effectively, but it’s even more important to understand the preferred communication styles of your peers. By doing this you will help to build rapport and work more effectively.
Four key communication styles have been identified, each with their own strengths and weaknesses (it’s important to remember that no one style is best). Which description sounds most like you?
D: Decisive, risk-taking, likes a challenge, results focused, strong-willed, competitive, direct, does not listen
I: Sociable, talkative, open, enthusiastic, energetic, persuasive, spontaneous, impulsive, emotional, talks more than listens
S: Calm, steady, laid back, careful, patient, amiable, listens carefully, sincere, modest, indecisive, trustworthy, procedure orientated, practical
C: Precise, exact, analytical, logical, systematic, quiet, does not express emotions, careful, formal, disciplined, high standards
To find out how best to communicate with each different style, visit businessproductivity.com
Belbin Team Roles
The Belbin Team Inventory is essentially a personality test that helps identify people’s behavioural strengths and weaknesses in the workplace. The test classifies people within nine core roles, including Plants, Monitor/Evaluators, Coordinators, Resource/Investigators, Implementers, Completer/Finishers, Teamworkers, Shapers and Specialists.
Understanding the role(s) that you align with can help you work more effectively – playing on your strengths and compensating for your weaknesses. It can also help you understand your own behavior and how you can excel within a team. By being aware of Belbin Team roles you can also identify traits in others that can help build rapport within your team and when appropriate, can help inform how you undertake work with others.
Visit Belbin to find out more.
Ethics
Last but not least, your ethics will drive a lot of your decisions. Working ethically is crucial in terms of being respected professionally and developing a reputation which will guarantee long term success. Acting ethically can be driven by personal morals, workplace standards, industry codes of conduct and legal guidelines – as these factors can vary significantly depending on workplace and industry, it’s incredibly important that you are aware of necessary guidelines and educate yourself.
If in doubt, seek guidance from your management, remember to ask questions, and remain transparent. As a new employee, don’t be afraid to seek support, your team will appreciate your willingness to learn and it will no doubt produce stronger outcomes in the long run.
