I was at a meeting recently, more to gather information on a subject than to participate. What became very clear was that the presenter was there to gather thoughts on the topic to take back to his committee to build their program, not to present a finished process for the event.

The meeting participants thought they were going to be presented with a fully thought out program and receive instructions on what the committee wanted from them for their part in the program.

About five minutes into the conversation the train left the track and varying amounts of confusion arose from around the table.  Even when clarity was gained it was interesting to observe how different participants were interpreting what was being said and what was being asked of them.

This is not an unusual happening.  It takes place in management meetings and around board tables everyday.  Everyone gives out and takes in information differently.  This is influenced by our personality type, our life experience, and the environment in which we were raised.

Knowledge of personality type can be of assistance in preparing communications for a group, no matter who they are.  It can guide you in presenting your topic in a way that everyone understands the goal, their role, and what it is that you would like from them.  It is also important in knowing if you have explored the topic fully in the meeting and gathered all the information needed to make informed decisions.

Understanding and respecting our differences is important in all our relationships whether at home, work or play.

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