English 10name:

Mrs. Sharpperiod:

What Shape Are You?

After the Activity

In a JOURNAL RESPONSE, write a 1 page response to this activity. Consider:

  • Were you correct about the shape you selected, or did you find that another shape’s description fit you better?
  • According to the activity, what are some traits that describe your chosen shape?
  • Do the attributes of your shape apply to you? If not, how? If so, give specificexamples.
  • Are there any other shapes you think could fit your personality? Which? How so?
  • What can you do with this information now? How will you utilize your strengths/work with your weaknesses in class?
  • What (if anything else) do you think I need to know about you?

Use the JOURNAL RUBRIC you received in class as a guideline as you write.

Remember the Five Shapes:

Square:

These people are hard workers, the most organized of all the shapes. They are logical, linear thinkers who do not like teamwork, but would rather do it themselves. They like rules, policies, procedures, schedules, and data. They are conservative, don’t make quick decisions, are slow to change and are the most loyal of all the types. They tend to be unemotional, rarely acknowledge stress, and may be loners in the work place. This structured, organized, data collector might be heard saying, “If you want a job done right, do it yourself.”

Triangles:

These are the ambitious, upwardly-mobile leaders. They are fast thinkers and decision-makers and want to move quickly to the point without all the details. They can’t stand wishy-washy people. It’s best not to disagree with them in public because they want things their way and will win most arguments. They know how to work the system and have the most self-confidence of all the types. These strong-willed leaders might be heard saying, “When I want your opinion, I will give it to you” or “Don’t bring me problems, bring me solutions” or even “I don’t get mad I get even.”

Rectangles:

These are people who are in a state of change or transition. They are growing, introspecting, questioning. It’s usually a temporary state, and people who are in it are somewhat unpredictable. They can be any one of the other four shapes at any given moment. Most of us went through a rectangle phase in adolescence. Some people are rectangles in mid-life or when starting a new job or a new phase in life. Rectangles may be heard saying “When I grow up _ _ _ _ _ “, or “Who am I, where am I going?”

Circles:

These are the nurturers and caretakers. They need to feel needed and are people pleasers. They are good communicators and the best listeners, and are empathic and sensitive to others’ needs. Their written memos usually include a little smiley face. They can read non-verbal communication better than any other type. They don’t like conflict and tend to take work problems home. As you might imagine, they love working on a team and can be heard saying, “Don’t worry; be happy.”

Squiggles:

These are the creative, innovative idea people. They are bored quickly by routine and march to a different drummer, They frequently break the rules and can’t understand why they have to be at work on time. They are spontaneous and have a high energy level that motivates others to action. They tend to be direct and honest in their communication style. Squiggles don’t like deadlines and aren’t good at follow-up. They might be heard saying, “Whey do we have to do it that way?” or “If it feels good, do it.”

*Source: Psychogeometrics a videotaped seminar by Susan Dellinger, PhD (Career Track)