What is MapsTell?
Helena: MapsTell helps participants discover and better understand their own behavioral patterns. This also improves collaboration with colleagues. Using a map called the “world of differences,” it becomes easier to see how other people tick.
How does it work?
Helena: Firstly, all participants receive a personal digitalized questionnaire that identifies their preferred behaviors. Based on the results, a personal map is created, showing individual strengths, challenges, and blind spots. This provides a vivid visualisation of behavioral styles.
What types of behavioral styles are there?
Helena: The behavioral styles can be broadly divided into four regions on the map: conscientious, decisive, stable, and influential. These regions are each divided into four further fields, called types. For example, those assigned to the Conscientious region might be advisers, tacticians, analysts, or perfectionists. The interesting thing is that the fields are interactively connected. Someone who is mostly conscientious but also highly influential may reflect both energies in their adviser style.
All participants receive a map to classify their own behavior. It shows how their style may affect others and highlights potential pitfalls in team dynamics.
And what is the “World of Differences” now?
Helena: This map shows the four regions and their 16 types. This brings us to the actual aim of the workshop. The map with the “world of differences” is placed on the floor and everyone stands on the region that reflects their preferred behavior, i.e. their type. This makes behavioral tendencies immediately visible – and memorable.
What were your first thoughts when you heard about the MapsTell workshop?
Helena: Since we had already completed the questionnaire on our individual behavioral preferences before the workshop and already knew our results, we were all very curious about the other personality types. We were also interested in how to interpret the map in more detail in relation to our own behavior and, last but not least, to gain an even deeper insight into the MapsTell concept.
What was the most interesting or surprising part of the workshop?
Helena: A particularly special moment was when we spread out across the MapsTell map and could see our different styles right in front of us. It was also fascinating to see how different behavioural styles are expressed in stressful situations. We have learned how complex our behavior is and that reactions in certain situations are highly individual and therefore vary from person to person. When people are stressed, they require a different approach than they would in normal situations. For example, people we usually perceive as energetic may benefit from being given a sense of control in stressful situations, while those with a “stable” style tend to need a feeling of safety and reassurance.
We also watched a video that showed how easily we can overlook things in everyday life. This made it clear how important it is to stay aware of your surroundings and the people in them – and to take a closer look when it comes to certain behaviors.
How did the workshop change your view of teamwork and communication?
Helena: The workshop helped me become more aware of my own behavior and how my teammates perceive me. At the same time, it made me more attentive to others. The workshop helped me to be more mindful and understanding towards others. This also helps us to do the most productive work as a team in a pleasant environment.
How did the workshop improve collaboration and understanding within your team?
Helena: It’s much easier to work together when you understand each other, and not just in everyday situations, but also when unexpected things happen. I now understand my teammates better because I know their style. In potential conflict situations, it helps to be aware of the common pitfalls and how you come across. It allows you to communicate more thoughtfully and interpret your own behavior better.
Would you recommend the workshop to others?
Helena: I would definitely recommend the workshop to others. Dealing with others in stressful situations and understanding how others perceive you are essential skills for successful teamwork.
The workshop also helps you reflect on and adapt your own behavior. Recognizing your own strengths and challenges and avoiding pitfalls is an important part of personal development.
The entire trainee team concluded that none of us had ever taken part in a workshop like this before, which made it such a unique experience. The learning effect in this workshop was huge: you not only gain self-awareness but also learn to better understand your environment.
Helena Deiters
Helena is a first-year trainee at the Göttingen office, training as an IT specialist in application development.
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