Every workplace has many different employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures and personalities. With all these different types of people it’s inevitable there will be clashes from time to time, this article explores the top five most common personalities you are likely to find in the workplace and how to ensure all employees work as a team, no matter what their differences might be.
1.) The Extrovert Employee
The extrovert employee often drowns out the voices of those more introverted personalities by loudly speaking their mind. You will notice in meetings and team project discussions when a certain employee continually speaks. You must be straight with this type of worker, let them know you are happy with their input but that they must allow others to have their say.
2.) The Introvert Employee
The introverted employee usually prefers to blend into the background and go along with what other people decide. You must make extra effort to encourage them to come out of their shell and get to know their colleagues. This can be done by organising team get-togethers, such as dinner or after work drinks. Even though they may not say as much, this doesn’t mean that the quieter workers don’t have fantastic ideas. Pay attention to them and what they say, it just may be exactly what you need to hear.
3.) The Gossiping Employee
If you hear an employee constantly gossiping about others, then it’s up to you to bring attention to this issue as it will get worse. Arrange a face to face meeting with them and warn them you won’t tolerate this type of behaviour in the office.
4.) The Determined Employee
Even though having a driven employee is beneficial to productivity, they can sometimes become too focused on getting ahead and try and step on their colleagues to get there and this will destroy the teamwork ethic that you must try and keep up in your company. Keep an eye on them or delegate a manager to, be direct and reinforce to them daily that teamwork must be maintained throughout the workforce.
5.) The New Employee
Arrange a welcome activity for your new hire when they start, this can include taking them for a coffee and chatting about the office environment or asking a manager to give them a tour around. Organise a team lunch or event within their first few weeks, this will help them get to know their team and settle in faster.
Hiring may different personalities will be beneficial to your company as they will all bring different ideas and attributes. Try to become familiar with their behaviour and try to echo that when speaking to them. They will appreciate the effort and will be more content in the workplace. Be observant and aware, some people will require a direct approach while others will need you to be more considerate.