Dealing with different personality types in the workplace can be a struggle but it’s a necessity. Everyone comes with their own strengths, weaknesses and preferences. Understanding and managing the personalities in your organization is crucial if you want to improve productivity and create effective teams. Here are a few ways to understand and manage the different personalities you might see in your workplace.

Assess Team

Before you can manage your team, you should first try to understand them. By investing some time in getting to know your employees, you’ll see their strength and weaknesses and be able to adjust your management style to get the most out of them.

Personality tests can be an excellent tool to aid in this discovery process. One of the most common frameworks used by businesses is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, which puts individuals into one of 16 possible groupings. If you’d like a free and easy option that is similar to the Myers-Briggs test, visit 16Personalties. They offer a role structure that summarizes the 16 personality types into four groups, explained below, which describe the goals, interests and preferred activities of individuals. 

1. Analysts (Intuitive and Thinking)

These personality types embrace rationality and impartiality, excelling in intellectual debates and scientific or technological fields. They are fiercely independent, open-minded, strong-willed and imaginative, approaching many things from a utilitarian perspective and being far more interested in what works than what satisfies everybody. These traits make Analysts excellent strategic thinkers, but also cause difficulties when it comes to social pursuits.

2. Diplomats (Intuitive and Feeling)

Diplomats focus on empathy and cooperation, shining in diplomacy and counselling. People belonging to this type group are cooperative and imaginative, often playing the role of harmonizers in their workplace or social circles. These traits make Diplomats warm, empathic and influential individuals, but also cause issues when there is a need to rely exclusively on cold rationality or make difficult decisions.

3. Sentinels (Observant and Judging)

Sentinels are cooperative and highly practical, embracing and creating order, security and stability wherever they go. People belonging to one of these types tend to be hard working, meticulous and traditional, and excel in logistical or administrative fields, especially those that rely on clear hierarchies and rules. These personality types stick to their plans and do not shy away from difficult tasks – however, they can also be very inflexible and reluctant to accept different points of view.

4. Explorers (Observant and Prospecting)

These types are the most spontaneous of all and they also share the ability to connect with their surroundings in a way that is beyond reach of other types. Explorers are utilitarian and practical, shining in situations that require quick reaction and ability to think on your feet. They are masters of tools and techniques, using them in many different ways – ranging from mastering physical tools to convincing other people. Unsurprisingly, these personality types are irreplaceable in crises, crafts and sales – however, their traits can also push them towards undertaking risky endeavors or acting solely in their own interest.

Focus on Common Goal

After figuring out the differences between your employees it can be tough to determine the next step to take in managing them. It can be overwhelming knowing that each person works best under differing circumstances. The most effective way to unite the team is to focus on something that everyone has in common, that being working on same team and looking accomplish a goal together. The manner in which you try to accomplish a goal can vary and may not match everyone’s strengths all the time. But if your employees know what they’re working towards and value they provide, it will be easier for you to explain and for them to understand the decisions being made.

Listen, Listen, Listen

When you’re managing a group of people, the best thing you can do is listen and try to understand their perspectives. Listen to their ideas and frustrations and be empathetic in your response. Regardless of someone’s personality type, they want to be heard. If you can develop solutions to the problems they’re facing, your management style will be respected.

Remember, your job in management is to do great work and meet your goals. By assessing the workplace, focusing on the end result and listening to everyone on the team, you’ll see less conflict and even more success.

Looking for more management tips? Whether you’re a new manager or a seasoned professional, read this blog on things every manager should be able to do!