Elevanto | Disc Meeting Mania™

Meetings are everywhere.
But most are terrible. Pick someone's pattern when you observe them at a meeting.
Match Emeritus Professor Ridley Kive™'s meetings behaviour that may lead you to correct Titanium Imposition™ plus some tips from the r kives as to making your meeting a success if you are the facilitator.

Six Elevanto MEETING TIPS that may get your MEETING ON TRACK.

1. Plan and structure the meeting – Kive™ suggests using a "Statement of Achievement". It is a statement that says: "As a result of this meeting, we will have achieved ___." Fill in the blank before the meeting and share it along with your agenda and announce it before your meeting starts.
2. Create a compelling agenda - Kive says that the agenda should clearly indicate the meeting topic, why that topic is important and how attendees can prepare.
3. Set the rules for decision making – Kive establishes how decisions will be made. It can be vote based, an expert will have the final say and it can also include consensus or bargaining.
4. Create a focal point – A discussion topic written a board or on PowerPoint can help in directing everyone’s attention to a single point. Get all attendees to write down their ideas. The meeting facilitator sorts through these ideas and shares them.
5. End the meeting with the right question – What will be your personal achievement and by when will you achieve it? This improves accountability and responsibility.
6. Reflect on how your meeting went - Use assessment questions to gather input from your meeting attendees: * Was the Statement of Objectives met? If yes, to what extent?
* What would you like to do more of, during these meetings?
* What would you like to do less of, during these meetings?
* If you consistently receive negative feedback, it’s time to rethink the reason for holding the meeting in the first places. Analyse if your meeting is focussed on agreed upon objectives and take necessary corrective measures.

Conducted and composed by R. Kive™ - Last Update 7 July, 2019

1. Director - ESTJ

Traditional description by Elevanto: Networker.
Description: Do not hesitate to express their opinion, sometimes even forcefully pushing it. They are self-assured, confident and Type-A personalities. They may not have the best solutions, but they are willing to argue and prove that they are correct.
Classification and what to expect: Dominant. The Director does not need any encouragement to participate. However, they may hijack the conversation and cause the meeting to go off-track. They may be so focussed on getting their point across that they fail to hear what others have to say. It is important to let the Director know that their opinions and viewpoints have been heard.
How to handle: As a meeting facilitator, invite input from those who have not spoken to ensure that Directors do not control the conversation.
What they might say: "Mission accomplished."

2. Developer - ENTJ

Traditional description by Elevanto: Speedy Gonzales.
Description: Do not hesitate to express their opinion, sometimes even forcefully pushing it. They are self-assured, confident and Type-A personalities. They may not have the best solutions, but they are willing to argue and prove that they are correct.
Classification and what to expect: Dominant. The Developer does not need any encouragement to participate. However, they may hijack the conversation and cause the meeting to go off-track. They may be so focussed on getting their point across that they fail to hear what others have to say. It is important to let the Developer know that their opinions and viewpoints have been heard.
How to handle: As a meeting facilitator, invite input from those who have not spoken to ensure that Developers do not control the conversation.
What they might say: "Excuse me! I'm making perfect sense. It's you that is not keeping up!"

3. Results - ESTP

Traditional description by Elevanto: Troublemaker.
Description: Do not hesitate to express their opinion, sometimes even forcefully pushing it. They are self-assured, confident and Type-A personalities. They may not have the best solutions, but they are willing to argue and prove that they are correct.
Classification and what to expect: Dominant. The Results does not need any encouragement to participate. However, they may hijack the conversation and cause the meeting to go off-track. They may be so focussed on getting their point across that they fail to hear what others have to say. It is important to let the Results know that their opinions and viewpoints have been heard.
How to handle: As a meeting facilitator, invite input from those who have not spoken to ensure that Results do not control the conversation.
What they might say: "Sometimes I don't listen. Sometimes, I just watch your jaw go up and down."

4. Inspirational - ENTP

Traditional description by Elevanto: Show off.
Description: Do not hesitate to express their opinion, sometimes even forcefully pushing it. They are self-assured, confident and Type-A personalities. They may not have the best solutions, but they are willing to argue and prove that they are correct.
Classification and what to expect: Multitasker and out-of-the-box thinker. The Inspirational is likely to multitask during meetings, including checking emails or looking at social media. They have a creative bent and are always bursting with fresh new ideas. They love challenges and work well in situations that encourage trial and error.
How to handle: As a meeting facilitator, invite input from those who have not spoken to ensure that Inspirationals do not control the conversation.
What they might say: "I'm looking for the least amount of responsibility".

5. Persuader - ENFJ

Traditional description by Elevanto: Eager puppy / exhibitionist.
Description: The High I personality type is characterised by enthusiasm, spontaneity and extroversion. They are emotional, excited and are eager to contribute to conversations. They love to be in the spotlight and thrive on popularity and recognition. They tend to think out loud and verbally express numerous answers before arriving at the final one.
Classification and what to expect: Derailer. The Persuader is known for derailing meetings, just like the High D types. This leads to unproductive meetings where the agenda is not followed.
How to handle: As a meeting facilitator, gently remind them to stay on track and allow others who have not spoken to participate. Encourage input from all attendees and ensure that everyone’s opinion is heard. Establish ground rules prior to the start of the meetings and create an environment where everyone is comfortable sharing their thoughts.
What they might say: "There only two things that I love in this world. Everyone and television."

6. Appraiser - ESFJ

Traditional description by Elevanto: Sneaky / whisperer.
Description: The High I personality type is characterised by enthusiasm, spontaneity and extroversion. They are emotional, excited and are eager to contribute to conversations. They love to be in the spotlight and thrive on popularity and recognition. They tend to think out loud and verbally express numerous answers before arriving at the final one.
Classification and what to expect: Unprepared. The Appraiser asks a lot of basic questions that reveal that they are unprepared. A common statement is "I didn’t know we would be talking about that". Precious time is wasted getting him up to speed. How to handle: As a meeting facilitator, gently remind them to stay on track and allow others who have not spoken to participate. Encourage input from all attendees and ensure that everyone’s opinion is heard. Establish ground rules prior to the start of the meetings and create an environment where everyone is comfortable sharing their thoughts.
What they might say: "Look, I should just probably sit down and say nothing. But it's too late. I'm obviously standing and talking and, now that you are looking at me, I feel the need to keep going."

7. Promoter - ENFP

Traditional description by Elevanto: Joker / slow coach.
Description: The High I personality type is characterised by enthusiasm, spontaneity and extroversion. They are emotional, excited and are eager to contribute to conversations. They love to be in the spotlight and thrive on popularity and recognition. They tend to think out loud and verbally express numerous answers before arriving at the final one.
Classification and what to expect: Derailer. The Promoter is known for derailing meetings, just like the High D types. This leads to unproductive meetings where the agenda is not followed.
How to handle: As a meeting facilitator, gently remind them to stay on track and allow others who have not spoken to participate. Encourage input from all attendees and ensure that everyone’s opinion is heard. Establish ground rules prior to the start of the meetings and create an environment where everyone is comfortable sharing their thoughts.
What they might say: "Big deal alert!"

8. Counselor - ESFP

Traditional description by Elevanto: Woolly thinker / optimist.
Description: The High I personality type is characterised by enthusiasm, spontaneity and extroversion. They are emotional, excited and are eager to contribute to conversations. They love to be in the spotlight and thrive on popularity and recognition. They tend to think out loud and verbally express numerous answers before arriving at the final one.
Classification and what to expect: Out-of-the-box thinker. The Counselor has a creative bent and is always bursting with fresh new ideas. They love challenges and work well in situations that encourage trial and error.
How to handle: As a meeting facilitator, gently remind them to stay on track and allow others who have not spoken to participate. Encourage input from all attendees and ensure that everyone’s opinion is heard. Establish ground rules prior to the start of the meetings and create an environment where everyone is comfortable sharing their thoughts.
What they might say: "Is mayonnaise an instrument?"

9. Specialist - ISFP

Traditional description by Elevanto: Dinosaur.
Description: The High S personality type will do anything to avoid rejection and conflict and tend to go along with the general opinion. They often converse in a very relaxed manner but become stubborn when forced to make a decision. They feel that no one listens to their opinion and that they do not add value to meetings. They find it very difficult to express their ideas and be accepted.
Classification and what to expect: Amiable. The Specialist will do anything to avoid rejection and conflict and they tend to go along with the general opinion. They often converse in a very relaxed manner but become stubborn when forced to make a decision. They feel that no one listens to their opinion and that they do not add value to meetings. They find it very difficult to express their ideas and be accepted.
How to handle: As a meeting facilitator, call the Specialist by name and ask for their opinion. When critical decisions are being made, specifically ask each attendee if they accept the decision of the group. Encourage all participants to be open to all viewpoints and consider them carefully before rejecting any of them. Encourage them to speak out and use the ideas they contribute, this will motivate them to contribute to future discussions. Before the meeting ends, ask attendees to rate the meeting and monitor the feedback. This will weed out discontent and resentment.
What they might say: "I'm bored"

10. Investigator - INFJ

Traditional description by Elevanto: Have gripes / mood swings.
Description: The High S personality type will do anything to avoid rejection and conflict and tend to go along with the general opinion. They often converse in a very relaxed manner but become stubborn when forced to make a decision. They feel that no one listens to their opinion and that they do not add value to meetings. They find it very difficult to express their ideas and be accepted.
Classification and what to expect: Interrupter. The Investigator is responsible for derailing meetings. The negatively impact the meeting productivity and stop the other meeting participants form achieving the meeting’s objectives.
How to handle: As a meeting facilitator, call the Investigator by name and ask for their opinion. Be prepared to get the meeting back on track. When critical decisions are being made, specifically ask each attendee if they accept the decision of the group. Encourage all participants to be open to all viewpoints and consider them carefully before rejecting any of them. Encourage them to speak out and use the ideas they contribute, this will motivate them to contribute to future discussions. Before the meeting ends, ask attendees to rate the meeting and monitor the feedback. This will weed out discontent and resentment.
What they might say: "Yes to love. Yes to life. And yes to staying in more."

11. Agent - INFP

Traditional description by Elevanto: Hijacker.
Description: The High S personality type will do anything to avoid rejection and conflict and tend to go along with the general opinion. They often converse in a very relaxed manner but become stubborn when forced to make a decision. They feel that no one listens to their opinion and that they do not add value to meetings. They find it very difficult to express their ideas and be accepted.
Classification and what to expect: Interrupter. The Investigator is responsible for derailing meetings. The negatively impact the meeting productivity and stop the other meeting participants form achieving the meeting’s objectives.
How to handle: As a meeting facilitator, call the Investigator by name and ask for their opinion. Be prepared to get the meeting back on track. When critical decisions are being made, specifically ask each attendee if they accept the decision of the group. Encourage all participants to be open to all viewpoints and consider them carefully before rejecting any of them. Encourage them to speak out and use the ideas they contribute, this will motivate them to contribute to future discussions. Before the meeting ends, ask attendees to rate the meeting and monitor the feedback. This will weed out discontent and resentment.
What they might say: "I wish that I could bake a cake filled with rainbows and smiles. Then everyone could eat and be happy."

12. Achiever - ISTP

Traditional description by Elevanto: Hostile.
Description: The High S personality type will do anything to avoid rejection and conflict and tend to go along with the general opinion. They often converse in a very relaxed manner but become stubborn when forced to make a decision. They feel that no one listens to their opinion and that they do not add value to meetings. They find it very difficult to express their ideas and be accepted.
Classification and what to expect: Team Player. The Achiever is enthusiastic, resolves conflict and is usually the first one to take on assignments. They help drive the meeting forward and make it productive.
How to handle: As a meeting facilitator, you should not haver any trouble. However you may call the Achiever by name and ask for their opinion. When critical decisions are being made, specifically ask each attendee if they accept the decision of the group. Encourage all participants to be open to all viewpoints and consider them carefully before rejecting any of them. Encourage them to speak out and use the ideas they contribute, this will motivate them to contribute to future discussions. Before the meeting ends, ask attendees to rate the meeting and monitor the feedback. This will weed out discontent and resentment.
What they might say: "People. What a pack of bastards"

13. Practitioner - ISFJ

Traditional description by Elevanto: Expert.
Description: The High C personality type uses a very formal tone for all their communications. They use minimal eye contact and gestures while speaking. Analytical individuals are introverts. They think before they speak and, because of this, others assume they are disinterested in the conversation. They often keep their opinions and ideas to themselves and do not speak out.
Classification and what to expect: Negator. The Practitioner, also known as "Negative Nancy", usually disagrees with everyone and finds many reasons to show that "this will never work". They are confrontational and challenging but do this by using a Passive Aggressive approach. They do not like change and conflict and use consensus management They are seldom going to be your leader.
How to handle: As a meeting facilitator, the best countermeasure is to stick to facts and end the argument as quickly as possible. Prepare the agenda in advance and share all relevant documents. This will help the Practitioner to come prepared to the meeting with their point of view. It will give them time to think through the issue and come up with creative solutions. Be patient and give them time to speak. Assure them that they add value to the meeting and help them recognise their own worth.
What they might say: "I love my job. I love my job. I love my job."

14. Objective Thinker - ISTJ

Traditional description by Elevanto: Sleepy.
Description: The High C personality type uses a very formal tone for all their communications. They use minimal eye contact and gestures while speaking. Analytical individuals are introverts. They think before they speak and, because of this, others assume they are disinterested in the conversation. They often keep their opinions and ideas to themselves and do not speak out.
Classification and what to expect: Precise. The OT is accurate and performs their assignments with the greatest care. Generally they will attend meetings questioning why the meeting is even being held.
How to handle: As a meeting facilitator, give them a specific role during meetings, such as taking the minutes. You can also ask them to assign and delegate tasks once the meeting is over. Prepare the agenda in advance and share all relevant documents. This will help the OT to understand what the meeting is all about and they can come prepared to the meeting with their point of view. It will give them time to think through the issue and come up with creative solutions. Be patient and give them time to speak. Assure them that they add value to the meeting and help them recognise their own worth.
What they might say: "Is everything a joke to you?"

15. Perfectionist - INTP

Traditional description by Elevanto: Nit picker.
Description: The High C personality type uses a very formal tone for all their communications. They use minimal eye contact and gestures while speaking. Analytical individuals are introverts. They think before they speak and, because of this, others assume they are disinterested in the conversation. They often keep their opinions and ideas to themselves and do not speak out.
Classification and what to expect: Precise. The Perfecctionist is accurate and performs their assignments with the greatest care. Generally they will attend meetings with rafts of minutae that are often not relevent. They can be the attendee from hell, just as they can be the customer from hell so at least they are consistent.
How to handle: As a meeting facilitator, give them a specific role during meetings, such as taking the minutes. Expect the nit picking. You can also ask them to assign and delegate tasks once the meeting is over. Prepare the agenda in advance and share all relevant documents. This will help the Perfectionist have all the facts and they can come prepared to the meeting with their point of view. It will give them time to think through the issue and come up with creative solutions. Be patient and give them time to speak. Assure them that they add value to the meeting and help them recognise their own worth.
What they might say: "Time is money, money is power, power is pizza and pizza is knowledge."

16. Enhancer - INTJ

Traditional description by Elevanto: Shy.
Description: The High C personality type uses a very formal tone for all their communications. They use minimal eye contact and gestures while speaking. Analytical individuals are introverts. They think before they speak and, because of this, others assume they are disinterested in the conversation. They often keep their opinions and ideas to themselves and do not speak out.
Classification and what to expect: Analytical. The Enhancer is accurate and performs their assignments with the greatest care. Generally they will attend meetings prepared to say nothing. They will be completely turned off by mediocrity. That extends to the competency of the presenters, not merely the content or message. They will not speak up until the bulltish becomes insufferable.
How to handle: As a meeting facilitator, give them a specific role during meetings, such as taking the minutes. You can also ask them to assign and delegate tasks once the meeting is over. Prepare the agenda in advance and share all relevant documents. This will help the Perfectionist have all the facts and they can come prepared to the meeting with their point of view. It will give them time to think through the issue and come up with creative solutions. Be patient and give them time to speak. Assure them that they add value to the meeting and help them recognise their own worth.
What they might say: "There seems to be no sign of intelligent life anywhere."

Situation - You are observing someone in a meeting.