KEY POINTS:
Q. Why is it important to understand different personalities in a business?
A. Having worked with many businesses, I find the challenges are staff retention, sick leave, personality clashes and tribunal issues. Around these issues you can see how personalities impact on them. If we took a moment to think about how we came across to others, and adjusted to who we are relating too, we might have less reactions and more responses. Appreciating our differences can go a long way in adding value to productivity and outcomes. When you understand what each personality needs, we can start talking the language they understand.
Q. What are some of the main personality types?
A. There are many profiling systems but this model (Personality Plus) has an x-factor in that it's not just about you but also about those who come in contact with you. How can I relate to them according to who they are is the emphasis in having this knowledge. Another reason on focusing on personalities is not to categorise people but to identify who they are and encourage them to operate out of their strengths, and if you are a manager, leader, or supervisor to influence and encourage them in their strengths. The model that I have found is rooted from Hippocrates' work and I've adjusted it to the New Zealand culture. Here are the four personalities, although one can be a blend and most often are. They are playful - desire is fun, powerful - desire to be in control, precise - desire to get it right, and peaceful - desire to have harmony.
Q. Can all personality types make good managers, and can personality clashes be avoided?
A. Each personality type has different leadership abilities. There is no reason why we can't develop other skills, but to be honest if you are operating out of your unnatural state, it becomes wearying. There are different strengths of the personalities. Playful, the inspirational leader - very good at bringing life into lifeless situations, creative, good ideas, innovative and excellent communicator. Powerful, the visionary leader - focus and assertion, can move people to act, see the big picture, outcomes and move quickly toward them. Precise, the strategic leader - method and structure, ringing the framework to how things need to be achieved, highly driven, brilliant at finances. Peaceful, the diplomatic leader - mediator, nurturer, loyal, brilliant listener, can absorb tensions and recycle it positively. We will always have tensions that come with people, but having this tool for your toolbox, and applying it during clashes, goes a long way in making one's environment tolerable.
Q. How can I avoid picking staff who just share my personality type?
A. It's quite easy to "speed read" people if you know what to look for. Of course there will be a bias toward those who are like you. But for a well-performing team, it's vital to have all four types.
Q. Can I ever change my personality type, or is it set for life?
A. You can change some traits but who wants to be operating out of your unnatural abilities? It would be like writing with your left hand when you are a right-hander. That takes energy.
Q. Are there certain personality traits that are simply unacceptable in a work environment?
A. All personalities can be unacceptable, and that is when your strengths are pushed to extreme. They then become weaknesses.
