by Missy Speyrer, Director of Marketing Innovation, Truth Tree
We talk with schools often where the people handling marketing, communications, and admissions rarely converse or collaborate. This disconnect hinders enrollment success, and can, in turn, put the school at risk.
In the article Advancement as a Safeguard Against Future Uncertainty, Ann Snyder, Director of Independent and International Schools at CASE states, “The work of the advancement team can have a tremendous impact on the overall lasting health of a school—if school leaders commit to and invest in advancement. Many schools aren’t currently set up to do the strategic work of advancement, and they may need to change how they think about and prioritize it to ensure the long-term health of their schools.”
When it comes to the success of independent and private schools, a strong, cohesive Advancement Team is a driving force. But building a unified team isn’t just about setting goals and making things happen. It starts with understanding the unique strengths, communication styles, and motivations of each individual that fosters effective teamwork and collaboration.
That’s where personality and work style assessments come in. Gaining insights on ways school marketing, admissions, communications, development, and enrollment personnel can learn from one another and work together leads to:
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- A culture of understanding: A workplace where everyone feels known, valued, and respected.
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- Improved communication: Break down barriers and strengthen collaboration.
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- Leveraging individual strengths: Assign tasks that play to each team member’s strengths.
- Stronger relationships: Develop deeper connections and trust.
Let’s explore a handful of assessments that can build a foundation of trust for advancement teams looking to drive enrollment success. This list is not all-inclusive. There are more options out there, but I have personally taken and found value in these four.
Least expensive, least complex:
The Color of My Personality is a quiz that identifies your personality color. The quiz discusses what the different color personalities are and how to best interact with people of other color personalities.
Least expensive, moderately complex:
The Enneagram Personality Test is a comprehensive and insightful tool that allows individuals to explore their inner selves by identifying their unique personality type within the Enneagram framework. Through a series of thought-provoking questions, this test unveils one’s core motivations, strengths, and growth opportunities, enabling users to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal development. By understanding their Enneagram type, individuals can cultivate stronger relationships, make more informed decisions, and lead a more fulfilling life.
Moderate expense, moderately complex:
The 6 Types of Working Genius a revolutionary approach to teamwork that harnesses the unique genius of each individual to maximize the collective potential of a team. Their innovative model helps individuals understand their own strengths and weaknesses, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone can thrive. With Working Genius, teams can unlock their true potential and achieve extraordinary results.
The Truth Tree team recently underwent this assessment with the incredible Miriam Stein at Saddlerock Strategies guiding us. I give this a 10/10 for effectiveness in identifying strengths and frustrations.
Moderate expense, moderately complex:
Gallup CliftonStrengths is a powerful assessment tool designed to help individuals identify and leverage their unique talents. By discovering one’s natural strengths, users can develop a deeper understanding of their inherent abilities and learn how to apply them effectively in various aspects of life. Through CliftonStrengths, individuals can maximize their potential, foster personal growth, and improve their overall well-being.
These are other options I’ve heard of or recently discovered:
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI): This assessment categorizes individuals into 16 personality types based on Carl Jung’s theory of psychological types. The results offer valuable insights into an individual’s cognitive style, motivations, and decision-making processes, helping them understand their natural tendencies, strengths, and potential areas of growth.
Gary Smalley Personality Types classifies individuals into four main personality types based on animal characteristics: Lion, Otter, Golden Retriever, and Beaver. Each animal represents a distinct set of personality traits, and the assessment aims to help individuals understand their dominant personality type and how they interact with others.
Primary Colors Personality Test is a personality test and training program that helps people understand their personality and improve communication and relationships. There are three tiers of membership: Individual, Professional, and Expert. Each tier provides different levels of access to personality tests, training materials, and resources.
Creating a unified and efficient advancement team is crucial for any school’s enrollment success. While individual strengths and personalities are important, a team’s collective effort and shared vision are what truly drive results. By investing time in understanding team members, setting clear expectations, and cultivating a positive work culture, you can ensure your advancement team thrives.
