Most of the time, clashing employees and clients will come down to an individual’s personality traits. And workplace is full of differing personalities that can sometimes create divides between people.
While there are many ways to describe a personality, research shows that most can be categorised into the four main traits below.
Understanding these personality traits can help you understand how people work and improve your relationships within the workplace.
1. Analytical
A person with an analytical personality will usually be neat and orderly. This will consist of them having a full plan organised prior to execution.
Most commonly analytical personalities prefer working alone rather than on group projects. They are perfectionists, this can be both a positive and a negative depending on what line of work they are in.
Over-analysing can mean that a task may take way longer then intended.
Best practice is to set analytical personalities deadlines on tasks they need to complete, but with enough time so that they have time to think over it.
2. Driver or Controller
The driver or controller are most commonly the natural leaders who step up and take control in any environment. They are extremely driven and will not give up easily.
Their personality is usually attributed to business owners, whose main objective is to solve problems on the fly, even if there is a potential risk.
With the full speed ahead approach, they can sometimes come off as reckless or that they don’t have time for others. This personality can confront or create conflict with more sensitive personalities.
To effectively work with a Driver you need to be straight to the point and allow them some freedom on the task they’ve been given. Drivers are visionaries so they like to add there thoughts & opinions where possible.
3. Amiable
Being amiable means, your personality is easy going and likeable. They are driven by a sense of belonging and importance.
From understanding that a person has this trait, you would realise that they need nurturing. By taking time to check in, it will make them feel like you’re invested in their well-being and growth.
To work cohesively with an amiable personality, you need to be gentle, try not to put stress on them and encourage risk taking.
4. Expressive or Enthusiast
By the name you can assume that this means they are loud and passionate. This personality is normally attributed to people who like to have fun and work in a group setting.
These personalities are commonly related to salespeople as they have a knack for being persuasive. One negative that usually comes with having an expressive personality is being unorganised and undisciplined, creating a lot of conflict with other personalities.
To avoid conflict with an expressive behaviour you need to appreciate their enthusiasm and sense of humour but at the same time make them aware of the work environment and how it operates.
Knowing how to work well with each of the four types is an essential driver of workplace productivity and morale.
There are hundreds of tests for personality traits that will help determine your own personality along with your colleagues. A highly recommended test is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator as it gives extensive detail on a person’s true preferences.
Knowing the personality traits of your colleagues will enable you to make more informed decisions on how you should work with and around certain personalities.
