Different compass point! Same ultimate direction!
January 2, 2011
Have you ever worked in a team that runs so smoothly that it is an absolute pleasure to be a part of? I have. Often. However, I have also worked in teams that are less than desirable, a little like off milk really! (And I’m lactose intolerant, so that’s worse!)
There are many tools that a team can use to help them work more productively by understanding each other. Tools such as -
The Hermann Brain model – thinking styles
Myers-Briggs - personality types
A nice simple tool to use is the Compass Points (pdf) – an exercise in understanding preferences in group work. Here is a snap shot from the attached pdf from the National School Reform Faculty. I have just been reading about the tool in Data Wise – see my recent post.
Using the compass points, team members can identify their natural preference, but acknowledge that we can move in other directions as well. Team members can identify the strengths and weaknesses of each of their compass point and learn to appreciate the differences within the group, by sharing these.
I like this a lot. Simple. Effective. And can be adapted for students too.
Different compass point! Same ultimate direction!
Entry Filed under: leadership,learning. Posted in leadership ,learning Tags: data, group work, groups, protocol, team work, teams.
5 Comments Add your own
Thanks Helen,
And additional thought:
I’ve found that the Enneagram framework is quite a helpful one as well. (Others have told m it shouldn’t be used with children – I’ve never seen that in the literature I’ve read on it!) Somewhere on my shelves there’s a workbook showing the benefits and niches the 9 varied types bring to a working team. (But, when you’ve got a tool that works, why get another?)
Would be happy to learn more Ian, if you find your workbook on your shelves.
Hi Helen,
I’d like to know who owns the picture of the compass so I could
use it on a project with proper authorization or is it public domain?
Thanks
It’s from Microsoft Office images.
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