I was reading Peter Drucker’s Managing Oneself, wherein he gives three things you need to know: your strengths, your method of work and your values.
The methods of work were interesting.
Are you a reader or a listener?
Some people respond well to extemporaneous situations, while others need time to prepare. The prepare-people are readers.
As a teacher, I am often asked to be a listener. I joined Toastmasters to help me become better at answering unexpected questions.
How do you learn?
His options were
writing,
doing,
self-talk.
I think I learn best when I prepare to teach others, but I know that I write to learn (among other options). I am not sure that I totally agree with his options here.
Do you work better alone per with others?
If you work better with others, do you work better as a subordinate or a leader? Or as an equal member of the team? Or as a coach or mentor?
Are you a decision maker or an advisor?
In companies, decision makers are often CEOs and the #2 position is an advisor. That person often won’t make a good CEO, because they aren’t strong in decision making.
Do you work well under stress or do you need a predictable, stable environment?
Good test takers work well under stress.
Do you do better in a big or a small organization?
This one is causing me to reflect quite a bit. I am not completely sure of my answer to that yet.
I plan on using some of this with my business writing students.