As a manager, you will come across a range of different personalities at work. Here are some of the most common types you might encounter, with some pointers on how to manage each effectively.
1. The Extrovert
How to spot them:
Confident, outgoing, enthusiastic and talkative - the extrovert thrives on social interactions and works well in groups.
They may not be great at listening to others’ opinions, however, and may seem intimidating or overbearing to some.
Do:
give them plenty to keep them occupied
offer regular (preferably public) praise
Don’t:
attempt to micromanage them
ask them to work on extended solo projects
2. The Introvert
How to spot them:
Quiet, reflective and often overlooked, introverts take pleasure in their own company. While it’s a myth that introverts are naturally shy, they don’t like being put on the spot.
They can also appear aloof and stand-offish to those that don’t know them.
Do say: ‘Can you have a think about the project and come back with your ideas?’
Don’t say: ‘Could you present your ideas to the Board in an hour?’
3. The Dreamer
How to spot them:
Creative, imaginative, innovative - dreamers are real ideas people.
However, they can sometimes lack focus and attention to detail. Dreamers may also have trouble letting go of an impractical idea.
Do: get them involved in the early stages of tricky tasks or projects.
Don’t: rely on them to deliver to strict timescales and budgets.
4. The Strategist
How to spot them:
Practical, pragmatic planners, strategists are clear-minded, organised and task-oriented. They like to focus on getting things done.
But they may not be the ‘go to’ person when imagination or creative thinking is what’s required.
Do say: ‘Could you get the ball rolling on this?’
Don’t say: ‘Let’s do some blue sky, big picture, out of the box thinking.’
5. The Maverick
How to spot them:
Often high performers, mavericks take a less than orthodox approach to their work. While they may deliver results that no one else can, they don’t always work well with others.
Managed effectively, they can boost creativity and innovation in your team; managed poorly, they can be a liability.
Do:
give them sufficient freedom to work in the way that suits them best
set some clear boundaries and expectations with them
Don’t:
give mavericks preferential treatment
let them think the rules don’t apply to them
6. The Conformist
How to spot them:
Highly structured in their approach, conformists like to do things by the book.
They’re great with processes and procedures, but are often risk- and change-averse.
Do say: ‘We need to dot the ‘i’s and cross the ‘t’s.
Don’t say: ‘Just wing it!’
Top tips for managing different personalities at work
Avoid a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Instead, try to adapt your communication and management style to suit.
Allocate work based on individuals’ strengths. But take time to discover personal preferences too, when putting together project groups.
Manage your reactions. It can sometimes feel frustrating when those you manage do things differently to you.
Build positive working relationships within the team based on mutual understanding and effective group dynamics.
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