All Personality Styles Can Work Together

A new position in our department was finally filled last month.  While the new hire  brings skills and experience that we’ve been sorely lacking, I’m afraid we made a mistake.  He’s doing fantastic with the job aspects of his role which require a high degree of accuracy and precision.  The problem is his personality which, like his role, is very different from the rest of the staff.  Some complain that he’s unfriendly because he avoids the social chit-chat and seems content to be holed up in his office working alone. Others complain that he’s not trusting because he often asks for a lot more detail than they’re used to providing.  In the planning stages of a project, he’s likely to point out all the things that could go wrong so he’s labeled a naysayer.  And when others are late or miss deadlines he gets irritated.   Could it be that he’s just not a good fit for this group?

Personality style differences abound in many workplaces without creating major problems.  In fact, a diversity of styles is often essential to an efficient and effective team.  Personality style differences become personality conflicts when those differences become personalized.

From your description, your new hire’s personality style falls within the analytical realm and is very fitting for his role.  The problem arises because some characteristics of his style that help him do his job well are different than what others are used to - and being interpreted as unfriendliness, mistrust, negativity and irritability.  And, no doubt, he’s interpreting some of the characteristics of other’s styles as problems as well.

All personality styles contain similar as well as conflicting elements.  The conflicting elements, or differences, are often what we value in other styles because they provide the strengths and abilities that we lack.  However, when we perceive those differences as caused by a fault of the relationship or interpret them as personal affronts, they become obstacles to effective working relationships.

Most likely your new hire and the rest of your staff can work together effectively with a better understanding of personality styles.  If your group has previously used a personality or working style assessment tool, it’s time to revisit that including your new hire.  If not, now’s a great time to bring someone in who can help you explore how to bring out the best in each of your styles.

All personality styles can work together effectively when we appreciate and value their differences.