The workplace is filled with different people from various backgrounds, and even though it’s important to work as a team to get the job done, there are often personality clashes along the way. Here are four common personality types you will come across as a leader and information on how best to manage them alongside each other.A determined employee likes to make decisions quickly and usually won’t listen to other people’s thoughts. Even though they usually get the job done well, it’s important not to let them take over the team. With this sort of personality, you must be straight and when needs be, firm. Show the employee they are appreciated for the work they do, as even though they have a confident exterior, it may be a front and many need praise to keep improving.
In contrast to loud and determined employees are quieter members of staff. They are the wallflowers who will blend into the background. It’s important to encourage this employee to come out of their shell and to show them you value their efforts within the company. Organise after work drinks and team lunches and make sure they attend. Try not to let extrovert employees push out the quieter ones. Just because it may seem the introverted ones have less to say, some have fantastic ideas that they are perhaps too hesitant to share. It’s up to you to encourage them to speak up, as they could reveal some brilliant ideas for your business.
Having a result driven employee sounds great, however at times they can become too focused on a task and lose track of everything else. Even though achieving results is important, you must check regularly that they are not letting other aspects of their role slip. Be direct with these types of employees and reinforce the importance of concentrating on all tasks.
There is no escaping office gossip, but if you hear an employee repeatedly speaking about others, then you need to act on it, as it will dent productivity. Call them to one side and explain why it’s harmful for your company and that it needs to be stopped. Gossips are usually rather talkative people, so try and give them tasks that allow them to put their talking abilities to good use.
When a new hire starts ask them to fill out a personality test, it’s a lighthearted way for you to get to know their characteristics from the get-go. Over time you will get to know each of your employee’s personalities and how best to approach them. Become familiar with everyone’s behaviour and try to echo that when speaking to them. They will feel more comfortable around you the more you adapt to their communication style. Being observant is key to making this approach work, and ensure to take into account their body language, type of language and expressions.
Remember that various personalities can be beneficial for your company as it means there are many different ideas and thoughts being produced consistently. Being aware of how to handle each personality is key: some require a direct approach while you need to be more considerate with others.
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