Managing Different Personalities in the Workplace

It is common knowledge among business leaders that the best teams are built on a foundation of diverse skills and personalities. For so many reasons, diversity is an asset in a workplace, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not without its challenges.

Differences

Individuals’ differences can have both positive and negative impacts on the performance of a team. The best wisdom to follow in a team is that acknowledgement and acceptance of colleagues’ differences will promote inclusiveness and progress. Cultivating a culture in which people are comfortable and accepted will support employees to perform their best work. This sentiment remains true whether you are a manager or an employee.

Conflict and Communication

The challenge created by differences between team members often presents in the form of conflict. In direct opposition to harmony and cooperation, conflict can derail a team and undermine any progress or work completed until that time. Establishing and maintaining open communication channels is crucial to effectively mitigate conflict. The promotion of an inclusive communication network will allow anyone to make their thoughts and feelings known, regardless of their station. When you are in disagreement with a colleague, effective communication leaves the door open to further communication: “I think we’re both correct, but we are  seeing the situation from different perspectives. Let’s find a solution together.”

DiSC Assessment and Personality Test

The DiSC Assessment and Personality Test is a resource used by organisations across the world to provide a description of respondents’ strengths, weaknesses and skills. Personality and skill tests can provide a roadmap to improving relationships and communications, thereby increasing the overall effectiveness of a team’s cooperative work. The DiSC Assessment and Personality test gauges results based on psychologist William Marston’s theory that people exhibit one of four separate behaviour types: dominance, influence, steadiness and consciousness.

The assessment operates on the basis of behaviour patterns, tendencies and traits instead of characteristics like intelligence and aptitude. Focus on behavioural patterns means that practical and actionable recommendations are given. By developing the basis of an individual’s DiSC personality blend, we can proactively manage relationships by inserting a person into a position suited to their traits. Morrows Human Resources Consulting and Advisory are accredited DiSC providers. This means our specialists are qualified to run the workshops which facilitate enhanced collaboration between your team members.

The manner in which different personalities are managed can make or break the success of a team and in turn, the organisation’s operation and performance. If you are looking for advice and assistance on the management of different personalities or wish to inquire about the DiSC Assessment and Personality test, get in touch with Morrows Human Resources Consulting and Advisory.