It Takes All Types

Managing Different Personalities

Most businesses, regardless of the business category or type of work, have a plethora of different personalities.  Keeping them all happy can be a challenge.

There are four basic personality traits: Type A, B, C & D, more scientifically known as Choleric (the director), Sanguine (the socializer), Melancholic (the thinker), and Phlegmatic (the supporter).

It takes all types!

A manager’s responsibility is to keep the team focused, motivated, improving, continuing to do the right things, producing, and, keeping the team in line!  You are part motivator, trainer, psychologist, referee, friend, confidant, evaluator, and prison guard!

So, how do you handle employees with different personalities?  The short answer is to handle them all differently!  They are all different people and how you try to motivate Mary will not necessarily work well with Mark and vice-versa.  With this said, there are areas where you need to be very consistent.  In the areas where you do allow some latitude, make sure both sides understand why this latitude is extended. Maintaining their trust is extremely important.

Always keep in mind that regardless of the type of business you are in, your team will be made up of different people, with different personalities and they will come in different shapes, colors, and sizes. But, they all will have one thing in common and that is… they are human, and as managers, it’s our job to lead by example and treat them with respect. Give them the attention to help them be as successful as they possibly can be. Never ask them to do something you are not willing to do yourself.   Respect is earned!  I wish you the very best in earning it!

Remember, it takes all types!

If you would like to see the 7 Personality Traits of Top Salespeople which was published in the Harvard Business Journal, click here. We believe that these same traits will provide a good base for any position within any company.