Earth’s Shift: Understanding Behavioral Profiles

With the infusion of technology, we can do what we want, wherever, when, and with whomever we choose. Cell phones, computers, and technology apps have dramatically impacted the way many individuals prefer to operate/perform tasks?

Look around. Are you surrounded by “in the box” conventional type performers or by more of the “out of the box” unconventional type performers? Really think about it.

A short 30 years ago, 75% of students had the conventional trait (organized, reliable, rigid, dependable, precise, staid, punctual, industrial, stuffy, and self-disciplined). These add further meaning to “in the box” as a descriptor. Only 10-25% of the student population displayed the unconventional trait.

Today, 75% of students have the unconventional trait (spontaneous, impulsive, random, creative, reckless, imaginative, inconsistent, novel, frivolous, surprising, non-conforming). It’s not hard to relate to the “out of the box” descriptor when reading these actions.

Whether an individual has the conventional or unconventional traits, neither is good or bad.  It is what it is…However, leaders, supervisors, teachers…well….anybody… must consider the best way to communicate, interact with and engage an individual  or team who is of the opposite performance type than they possess. Reread the descriptive actions above and realize the disconnect that occurs if we don’t acknowledge this shift and make appropriate accommodations.

Consider the impact of this shift on today’s classroom and workplace.  Are we preparing ourselves to understand, acknowledge and address this shift? Are we infusing the best practices and guiding principles to relate to, lead and meet the need of the unconventional trait?

What outcomes might result if we don’t?

Reference:

Korem, D. (2015). Snapshot – Reading and Treating People Right the First Time. Richardson, TX, United States: International Focus Press.