EMBRACING DIVERSE PERSONALITIES AT WORK

Most of us have encountered personality clashes in the workplace at some point. We each have unique talents, skills, and positive attributes to share with others at work. Differences can foster creative strategies and team building, or in contrast create conflict when disparities are not handled appropriately. Tony Robbins comments on understanding how to manage a team with different personalities is a skill that’s relevant for managers and employees alike.

Tony shares his 4 main ideas around managing different personalities:

1. GET TO KNOW EACH PERSON ON YOUR TEAM: The more you understand each person you have on staff, the more efficient your team is. And make use of personality testing – a powerful tool for working with different personalities.

2. UNDERSTAND EACH ROLE IN YOUR COMPANY: Part of knowing how to manage a team with different personalities is knowing what strengths each role requires. If a team member’s role is client-facing, that person will need to have extroverted personality traits. If a role is heavily technical, that person will need to be a natural problem solver.

3. MODEL EMPATHETIC COMMUNICATION: Great leaders lead by example, especially when they’re mastering how to manage a team with different personalities. Demonstrate effective teamwork by tailoring your own communication to the person you’re interacting with.

4. BUILD A CORPORATE CULTURE OF RESPECT: When personality differences breed disrespectful behavior in the workplace, the results are toxic. A study of nearly 800 employees and managers across 17 industries found that when staff was treated poorly at work, 47% intentionally decreased the amount of time they spent on the job, 38% decreased the quality of their work and 78% reduced their company loyalty.

Dominant personalities tend to experience more conflict than other types, and often conflict with people who display steady behaviors. It can be challenging to work with individuals whose personality is very similar, or extremely different from your own. Yet, when co-workers come together and embrace each other’s strengths the results are astounding. Personality clashes are expected when operating in a team environment, yet the key is to remain open to new ideas and not allow differences to negatively impact employee relations. Effective results are often a collaboration of many great minds working together aside to their differences. Some personalities can be tougher to deal with than others, but with patience, understanding, and cooperation in part of employees optimal teamwork can be accomplished.

LEADERSHIP TIPS TO MAINTAIN ENGAGEMENT & EMPLOYEE MOTIVATION

Company figures are steadily rising with customer satisfaction at its prime. Your team of employees is comprised of the most qualified and diligent personnel in the field. Inspiring and acknowledging skilled workers is key for employee achievement and retention. Hiring competent workers is the start for business success, yet keeping a strong team of qualified employees requires sharp leadership skills and efforts.

TIPS FOR LEADERS TO PROMOTE EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT & MOTIVATION

1. Trust your employee’s creativity, skills, and work potential.

Leaders can welcome such skills by allowing flexibility and employee input in the workplace. Some examples include independent projects, input in company meetings, and allocating individual & team assignments.

2. Make tasks enjoyable.

Motivating employees in conducting tedious tasks can be challenging, but effective leaders can turn around mundane assignments into meaningful work. A leader’s attitude can shift employee perspective, and encourage a positive attitude in accomplishing daily tasks. 

3. Recognize employee diligence and work efforts.

Employee recognition programs and certifications are great ways of highlighting accomplishments and work performance. Other examples include verbal or written affirmations acknowledging the individual’s achievements and contributions to the company.

4. Provide an ethical work environment.

In today’s society most of our waking hours is occupied with work-related activities. Individuals in managerial positions can establish an ethical and respectful work setting for staff members. Leaders should also be prompt in addressing employee complaints and related issues concerning the work place. 

5. Allow for professional growth and job promotions.

The ability to advance in the corporate ladder is a great motivator for focused and dedicated employees. Assisting employees in goal setting stimulates work performance, encouraging achievements and professional growth.

6. Connect with employees throughout the year.

Holiday parties, events, company dinners, award ceremonies, and other special events are ways of associating with employees outside the work environment. Placing value in such events conveys a message of work cohesiveness, and invested leaders who care to connect with their employees.

7. Provide company incentives.

Incentives such as PTO, continuing education, bonuses, gift cards, holidays & sick days, annual review, employee-recognition programs, and employee raffles are company strategies that inspire employee motivation and longevity.

8. Be fair and compensate accordingly.

Companies can motivate workers by recompensing work-related necessities. For instance, if an employee is responsible for frequent presentations and work meetings, in addition to hourly pay the company can provide supplies needed and compensate for commute time. Work-related necessities vary depending on the line of business. Some examples include electronic devices, uniforms, special equipment, travel expenses, and others.