Dealing With Different Personalities

by Cindy Rademacher
(Butte, MT)

You must learn different how to deal with different personalities

An important aspect of proper management, is to be able to get along well with others. There are many different types of personalities out there and you must be able to learn the different types and how to deal with each one effectively. Each personality type must be dealt with differently.

For example, you may 'but' heads with someone who likes to be in control of anything they do. Therefore, you must handle them differently than someone who needs to be told how to do a position.

With the controlling person, you need them to understand that 'you' are the one in charge, and while you value their opinion and input, 'you' will make the final decisions. Once they are clear on that, you will develop a better working relationship with them.

On the other hand, you may have the more passive person who must be instructed how to complete a project. Typically this person constantly needs reassurance that he or she is doing his job well and regularly needs a good pat on the back to prove it.

Then you may have to deal with the 'drama' person who will create drama in everything they do. As a manager, you need to be sure NOT to get wrapped up into the experiences created by the drama person. It is up to you to bring this person back to the logical point of view, instead of the worse case scenario, which is what they are always looking for. This is a continual process with the drama person, as that is their character and it is hard for them to learn otherwise. This personality, as well as the controlling personality, are tough ones, just don't get wrapped up in all of their issues and be sure to change their drama into a more positive outcome.

Once you are able to keep each personality difference into prospective, you will be in a better position to enable everyone to work together as a team.