Build a Great Workplace By Understanding Personality Types

From the desk of an ENFP:

As a business person, you undoubtedly have some knowledge of the various personality inventories. One can utilize any or all of these tests (Meyers-Briggs, DISC, Keirsey Temperament Sorter, etc.), with the aim of building a great workplace. Understanding the personality types as related to employment can nurture a work group’s performance or help an employee decide whether to pursue advancement.

However, administering this type of test is not only time-consuming, but nearly impossible to do in the office. Successful participation, along with an effective analysis of the data, virtually cries out for a “teambuilding” or “off-site” day. What if you have only a few employees? In a larger office, would sequestration of a single department cause problems for everyone else?

Can this information be gathered in another way?

Understanding basic personality types and then observing your employees for the exhibited traits will not take the place of formal testing, but it can be quite valuable in your attempts to develop better cohesion. Just be careful to make your observations when the employee is under stress, (when people tend to default to ingrained habits and natural tendencies), as well as during a calm day (when they more easily exhibit their training).

Personality Type Number One: The Feeler

This type comprises about 50% of the population. They are generally private, quiet, emotionally sensitive, trusting, slower to react, and non-confrontational. They tend to think, act, and process information through the filter of feelings. Even their logic tends to be based on emotion.

Their general communication style utilizes more flowery words and euphemisms; they often paint pictures with their words. They are seen as peacemakers. When a relationship is disrupted, they are usually the first to apologize.

During conflict, they primarily express a mood geared toward bargaining.

Personality Type Number Two: The Driver

This type is the opposite of the Feeler. They are usually extroverted and thrive on conflict. They feel they must win at all costs and must be in control of a situation. They tend to show a quick mind and wit. They can be described as nonconforming and confrontational.

In communication, they speak quickly and to the point, avoiding the use of unnecessary words. They get frustrated with emotion and are very open – no hidden agendas with them! They are seen as powerful and possibly manipulative.

During conflict, they primarily express a mood geared toward anger.

Personality Type Number Three: The Analyzer

This type is more logic-based. They tend to be intense, detail-oriented people. They often exhibit social awkwardness due to not knowing the “rules”. They usually don’t understand or respond well to verbal attack.They are viewed as stable, focused, and self-controlled.

Their general communication style is that of data-sharing. They write lots of lists and will have a trove of facts available.

During conflict, they primarily express a mood geared toward denial (until they can analyze all the options for response).

Personality Type Number Four: The Elitist

This type is mostly male. They tend to exhibit an air of superiority. They are self-starters and push themselves to do everything with excellence. They speak to impress, using large and precise words. They often feel their ideas should be unquestioned and that no one understands them. Stress brings out the chameleon in them; they are often viewed with suspicion.

During conflict, they primarily express a mood geared toward depression and isolation.

This list is not comprehensive by any means, but it should help you examine your workplace relationships as you strive to improve and advance your business. 

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