Mastering multiple workplace personalities
Alasdair Scott, occupational psychologist and business analyst at The Chemistry Group, provides a breakdown of some of the most common personality types in modern offices with advice on getting the best out of them and staying on their good side
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or each of the following five personality types there is detail about how to recognise them, how to work with them, what not to do and their personality make up. So, which of the five types do you recognise in your office?
The Mother Hen
l How you can recognise them: Guy or girl, they’re the ones you can always rely on for a pick-me-up chat and a cup of tea. They’ve been in the business for
The Socialite
l How you can recognise them: Always booking after-work drinks, will be thinking about the Christmas party in July and seem to know everyone around the office. They appear to do minimal work but everyone still loves them. l How to work with them: Take five minutes to say hello in the morning, ask questions and interact with them. Keep them occupied with people- related tasks as was this won’t feel like
work to them. l What not to do: Don’t ignore them or their social events. Do try and avoid them if you’re busy or have a tight deadline, otherwise you’ll be doing that report in the small hours after those drinks you’ve been forced into. l Personality make up: They are high on extraversion, low on emotional stability and high on openness. They are the life and soul of the party and will want everyone to join in. Work is a
...AVOID THEM IF YOU’RE BUSY OR HAVE A TIGHT DEADLINE...
46 PayrollProfessional
social event for them and it’s probably where their main social circle is. They may be slightly needy and will seek constant social stimulation.
years and are probably in a support or admin role. They never socialise with you but subtly know all the gossip in the office. They’re the ones who act like mum or dad in the office…or at the very least a cool aunt or uncle. l How to work with them: Always say hello to them in the morning and offer to make them a cup of tea. Invite them to the pub after work and insist they come…they’ll love you for it. l What not to do: Don’t meddle with their systems or set way of doing things. They’ve been in the company for years and won’t welcome a young whippersnapper changing things.
...WARM AND APPROACHABLE AND WILL WELCOME ANY INTERACTION
l Personality make up: They’re soft and cuddly with an iron will. They’re highly extraverted with average emotional stability. This means that they’re warm and approachable and will welcome any interaction. They’re low on openness, meaning that they like their set way of doing things.
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