When it comes to working together in a workplace environment, it is important to note the different ways in which your peers and employees interact and work together. Whether you adhere to the technical perspective of the Myers-Briggs Type indicator or you have your own names for the traits people display, it can sometimes be difficult to pin down which person exhibits specific personality traits and how to motivate these people to do their best work.
Recently, scientists detailed four workplace personality traits that certainly ring true for a lot of office workers. Taking these categories into account, you can also pinpoint how best to motivate each member of your team depending on their personality to get the most out of your business and your team.
The Driver
This person can often be seen as an extroverted personality and is defined by being data-driven and results-minded, the “Driver” is characterised by their decisiveness, focus and willingness to try new things – with the correct amount of planning. They are great at channelling the team’s momentum. They also tend to see problems as black-and-white, tackling them head-on and assisting others to work at an effective and quick rate. However, they’re also known to give in to impatience which can clash with their need to be properly prepared before they implement new ideas.
The Integrator
The “Integrator” is an extremely valuable asset to any team and is often viewed as introverted. This person seeks to build relationships within the workforce and boost morale when it’s flagging. Diplomatic and empathetic, they shy away from confrontation and debate, which means they can end up being bossed around, but their intrinsic, instinctive motivation means they should never be discounted.
The Guardian
For the guardians within your office, structure and order are massively important. This type of worker is also often viewed as introverted, as they can be somewhat reserved, but their methodical, detail-oriented style pays dividends. Always pragmatic, but rarely impractical, their nature can sometimes shut them out of conversations, but only because they quietly weigh up their options before they speak.
The Pioneer
Risk-takers who have no problem rolling with the punches, pioneers are often the leaders of the workplace pack and viewed as an extroverted personality. Though outgoing and spontaneous, the bigger picture is always in their view, but their overconfident, impulsive nature can sometimes clash with more reserved members of the team.
Managing Personalities
Considering these four personality types, it may seem daunting to integrate them into a team and make them work together as a cohesive whole. However, being mindful of these traits and learning how to best manage employees on a human level to give them what they need to work the best they can, will have long-term positive ramifications for your company and workforce.
Respect the boundaries of others
One of the easiest ways to work with every personality type is to adapt to the way they feel the most comfortable communicating. Swift and clear communication is always key, and should be expected of employees, but always be mindful of how they wish to communicate. An employee displaying more of an introverted personality type is more likely to prefer to be emailed, and approaching their desk will probably make them uncomfortable or unnecessarily stressed. Never underestimate how people value comfort in the workplace, so be mindful of your workforce’s preferences.
Be shrewd with facts
Be sure you’re approaching different personalities in different ways. With more introverted types, such as the “Guardian”, approach them with facts, patience and plenty of time for them to make decisions, while the “Integrators” value consideration and order, so be mindful of the way they like to do things. With more extroverted personalities such as the “Driver”, give them the responsibility and freedom to tackle problems, as well as letting “Pioneer” types know they’re appreciated, but ensure they check their facts and slow down if they need to.
Use teamwork wisely
Teamwork is often used as a benchmark for how well a business operates, but for some this may be a restrictive expectation that keeps them from doing their best work. Appreciate that some more introverted personality types work more effectively when they are on their own, rather than being drowned out of having their say by more dominant personalities on the team. So, avoid interrupting people’s rhythms where possible – if you need contribution, let them know in advance so they have time to prepare.
This being said, teamwork is still a vital part of business operations, and it is important to recognise that differing personality types can be leveraged in a way that optimises teamwork. A variety of viewpoints can be very beneficial, especially since everyone is working towards the same end goal. You may find the weaknesses of certain team members improve as a result of collaboration, so it’s worth considering pairing up differing personality types and see what works and what does not, eventually finding a combination of workers that work well in tandem with each other.
Adapt work volume to personality style
If you hand over a 10-page report for a perfectionist to pore over, you might not ever see it again. Smaller tasks that need prioritising or require deadlines will be more suitable to this kind of personality; a timeframe will ensure they’ve looked at every small detail to the highest of standards. Adapt the amount of work you set to the way different people approach their duties, taking into consideration quantity versus quality.
Portion out your praise
Consider members of staff who tend to work on their own. The solo approach of people like the “Guardian” means their contributions might go unnoticed by others, but they are just as important. Similarly, the “Driver” types might be overly hard on themselves; be sure to allay their anxieties and offer positive feedback to them when they’ve gone above and beyond.
In Conclusion
In your workplace, you’re guaranteed to interact with at least one peer or employee who displays each of these personality types. The trick is to know how to use that knowledge for the betterment of the company and the team’s work.
Interacting with people in a way that best suits them will not only allow your team relationship to flourish, but your company efficiency also!
If you would like to learn how Ceed can help you with issues such as this, contact us today!