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The Myth of the PR Personality

Published on February 1, 2021 at 11:41 a.m.
by Tess Hensley.

Tools like the Enneagram or MBTI personality tests are often overlooked as horoscopes for grown-ups. However, in the workplace, these assessments can be especially useful for those in the public relations field.

by rdhubbard is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

These tests offer ways to get to know yourself deeply, see how you interact with others in a team, and understand what you need to be personally satisfied with your work. PRSA agrees, posting about how the nine different Enneagram types may interact in the field.

Some say extroverted types are better suited for PR due to the amount of speaking with so many people, but I think there’s a place for anyone who is willing to work hard and use their strengths. Please don’t ever let something online decide on your job for you!

Think about it this way: When you meet a new client for the first time, what’s the first thing you want to do? Research, research and then a little more FBI-style research. Why shouldn’t you give yourself the same courtesy?

If you know a co-worker, for example, is a Type One, their basic desire is to be good. They would love to be on a project that perhaps deals with giving back to the community or would want to participate in Ethics Awareness Month next September.

Some people prefer the MBTI tests, and these personality types have been studied a lot when it comes to workplace habits. Based on your type, you can learn your managing style and how you like to be managed. It’s basically a guide that can be used to make your work team the most successful it can be.

Your co-workers will appreciate a team who knows their strengths and weaknesses and can decide who would be better suited for a spokesperson versus the behind-the-scenes work. Understanding the differences in how we think is a superpower — utilize the tools available to learn more about yourself and the minds around you to become a better communicator.

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