Personality Matters Blog

Posted 01 October 2019 by
Melissa Summer

The Changing Shape of Teams and Google’s Project Aristotle

With the advance of technology, how teams in organizations work in the modern world has shifted. Read about the changing shape of teams, Google's Project Aristotle and what's proven most important for teams to succeed.

Posted 22 August 2019 by
Pam Valencia & Melissa Summer

Understanding Motivation for More Effective Team Behavior

What does motivation have to do with effective team work and behavior? A lot, it turns out. Learn more about interpersonal needs and how they affect relationships and team interactions. 

Posted 10 October 2017 by
Global Marketing

Navigating the Labyrinth of Stress: Interpersonal Needs and Personality Preferences

This article was originally written for Training Magazine and appeared on their website October 4th, 2017. To read the article on the original website, click here.  In managing stress, the big first step is recognizing how you tend to act under stress. Once you recognize what it looks like for you—and consequently for those you work with—you’re empowered to manage it. Stress isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but when it’s sustained, it can be debilitating. It affects our ability to regulate our...

Posted 02 July 2017 by
Global Marketing

Helping U.S. Navy Teams Find Synergy

It's always interesting to us to know the story of where some of our assessments came from, and we wanted to share the FIRO-B assessment backstory because it's one of the most fascinating histories we've heard. In the 1950's, the United States Navy approached psychologist William Schutz and said, "We're having a really hard time with teams on submarines. We don't know how to put people together, and you can imagine being underwater in close quarters for six months can be a trying environment....

Posted 03 January 2017 by
Global Marketing

MBTI® Users Conference—Type, Interpersonal Needs, and Stress: A FIRO-B® and MBTI® Workplace Culture Connection

My breakout session took place on the second day of the conference. I was glad to see so many familiar faces in the room, although it also makes me a bit more nervous to see so many people I know when I’m presenting. However, remembering that I’m presenting for the attendees and not for myself, helps temper my nervousness. In my session I addressed the stress we all face when our interpersonal needs are not being met. What we need, combined with what we fear, can have a huge impact ...

Posted 22 July 2016 by
Global Marketing

Executive Office of the President Uses FIRO-B for Team Development

To provide the President of the United States with the support that he or she needs to govern effectively, the Executive Office of the President (EOP) was created in 1939 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The EOP has responsibility for tasks ranging from communicating the President’s message to the American people to promoting our trade interests abroad. Overseen by the White House Chief of Staff, the EOP has traditionally been home to many of the President’s closest ad...

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