Collaborative Play, Collaborative Work: Using D&D and Personality Theory to Enhance Teamwork
Summary:
Using D&D and Myers-Briggs theory, this seminar examines how collaborative play reveals insights into teamwork, communication, and group cohesion across professional and educational settings.
Description:
This seminar reports on findings from a study using D&D to examine team dynamics, personality, and collaboration. Small teams of four to five participants were assessed using Myers-Briggs theory and observed across two structured D&D sessions designed to surface real-world teamwork behaviors.
In one session, participants played characters aligned with their personality preferences; in the other, they played characters opposed to those preferences. Scenarios targeted specific team challenges such as communication, leadership, decision-making, and conflict resolution.
Team performance was evaluated using a tournament-style scoring model and participant surveys measuring key collaboration metrics. The seminar shares observed patterns, conclusions, and practical insights applicable to corporate teams, education, healthcare, and gaming groups.
Using D&D in Corporate Team Training: A Myers-Briggs Case Study
Summary:
This seminar shows how D&D can be used in conjunction with Myers-Briggs personality theory to improve team performance in the workplace.
Description:
In our methodology, we took small teams of 4-5 individuals and determine their Myers-Briggs personality type. We then ran two different D&D sessions with the team. The sessions are specifically designed to challenge and test team dynamics. In one case, the teams are assigned a character that is in alignment with their MBTI personality. In the other session, they are assigned one diametrically opposed to their personality type. The scenarios chosen for the D&D sessions are tailored to the specific short comings of each team.
The sessions were scored very much like D&D tournament play. The teams also filled out a survey that quantified team performance in 10 key areas (communication, goal achievement, conflict resolution, etc.).
How to Keep a Table Together - a Myers-Brigg Case Study
Summary:
Do you struggle to keep a table together for a campaign? A professional DM who is a retired Navy submarine captain shows that having a player adopt the right PC personality type is all it takes.
Description:
Using an extensive background in leadership and improving the performance of teams, one of the top professional DM's on StartPlaying Games brings his three decades of leadership experience to show that applying simple practices as a DM/GM, based on Myers-Brigg personality type theory, for the players at your table can greatly improve the cohesiveness and enjoyment of your campaign. Personality conflicts among players is the primary reason tables and campaigns dissolve. Using the tools presented in this seminar that have been backed up with actual play test data, you can minimize player vs player conflict and ensure that you have a greater chance of completing those long campaigns.