Across the globe, many organizations are making plans to bring their staff back in person over the next five months. In fact, one survey of executives suggests that 70% expect to have employees in the office at least part-time later this year [1].
With the return to the workplace, some experts [2] anticipate that there may be a bit of awkwardness as we engage with one another and flex our social skills more consistently, which presents a great opportunity for Emergenetics® Associates who are interested in enhancing workplace dynamics. Whether you are working inside an organization or are an external partner, we have many resources that you can use to help teams reconnect.
Tool #1 – Thinking Attribute Walkabout
The Walkabout activity from our in-person Meeting of the Minds workshop helps attendees see their colleagues’ preferred and non-preferred Thinking Attributes. It also gives staff a chance to discuss the motivations and misconceptions of each preference.
While the size of the team may impact the length of this activity, expect to spend at least 20 – 30 minutes on the exercise to reveal employees’ strengths and determine which Attributes may require more focus. I also invite you to identify a relevant topic, such as what each Attribute needs to work effectively, and ask participants to share insights from the perspectives of their preferences. The information can reveal tips that empower individuals to collaborate more effectively as they re-engage with one another in person.
Tool #2 – Behavioral Attribute Lineups
Revisiting the Behavioral Lineups can also inspire discussion about how teammates prefer to interact and offer insights to help staff better understand each other. Set aside about 30 minutes to engage in this activity.
Have participants line up according to one of the Behavioral Attributes and split them into their preferred thirds. You may share a scenario and ask each group to reflect on how they would typically respond to reveal differences in behaviors. Or, you can invite the thirds to share one thing to be aware of when collaborating with them. Repeat the exercise for the remaining two Behaviors to identify tangible strategies to improve relationships.
Tool #3 – Combined Group Profile
Available on Emergenetics+, a Combined Group Profile Report serves as a quick reference to understand a team’s overall tendencies. You can provide an overview of the report in 5 – 10 minutes and point out notable indicators, such as areas of strength as well as collective least preferred Attributes. The Profile can be useful for individuals to review when they engage in meetings as it can remind them to consider under-represented Attributes and recognize how their preferences may influence their interactions.
You can also invite employees to create a Saved Group of their team on the Emergenetics+ mobile app. The Saved Group will allow them to access their Combined Group Profile in the palm of their hand and benefit from the recommended communication tips offered in the app.
Tool #4 – Dot Graph
Also available on the Emergenetics+ portal, the Dot Graph Report depicts how each member’s percentiles for the seven Attributes compare to the group’s combined average. Take 15 – 30 minutes to review the document with a team.
Encourage staff to circle their dots for each Attribute and share how they are similar to and different from the average. You may also ask employees to make note of where their colleagues fall on the spectrums. These insights can reveal variations in the intensity of each person’s preferences so they can recognize and appreciate different approaches to work.
Tool #5 – Brainwork Made Easy
Our popular handout serves as a refresher on the strengths of each Attribute, how they may appear when overused, considerations for individuals who have a particular preference and tips to communicate to each Attribute. You can discuss the resources in about 15 – 30 minutes. Ask staff to share the recommendations that resonate most with them so that their colleagues can identify tactics to converse and collaborate more productively.
As you welcome employees back to the office, your Emergenetics knowledge and applications can be powerful tools to help staff re-invigorate their people skills, so the return to work runs much more smoothly – even if they are not always together.
In addition to the follow-up activities and resources I shared, I also invite you to host a refresher Meeting of the Minds or a Team Dynamics for Small Groups [3] session. Even if the groups you partner with have attended an Emergenetics experience before, the programs can help employees get practice in refining their interpersonal aptitudes and brush up on tangible strategies to improve the way they interact with others.
Interested in learning more about how you can apply Emergenetics in your organization or with the companies you work with? Explore our Certification programs.
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