How Understanding Personality Reduces Conflict in the Workplace

We all understand  the impact of “personality clashes” in the workplace. When we dislike or distrust another colleague it is often the result of different perspectives about how something should be done or how someone should behave. Often seemingly petty issues cause great resistance and opposition. These different perspectives and behaviors are based on our own unique personalities.

When this is allowed to continue it costs the people, and the organization dearly.

So how can a better understanding of personalities help?
Personality is basically our character, temperament and intellect which we display consistently over time.  It arises from our genes, our experiences and our values. When there is a dispute between people we can often see that they are looking at the situation from different points of view based on these factors.

Four Types of Personality
For example, some of us like to spend a lot of time socializing with our co workers, making sure everyone is happy and comfortable. Others like to spend time getting the jobs done, moving quickly and striving for more. Others like to check detail and make things right… and well others never seem to finish anything and are distracted but lots of fun!

All studies on personality point to a basic set of 4 different types which is experienced globally and crosses all cultures. While recognizing that yes we are all unique we can clearly see 4 distinct approaches to the world. Conflict arises when we have opposites working tether when they do not understand each other or when they are operating at the extreme side of their personality.

Consider the fun loving easily distracted creative worker trying to deal with the slow paced perfectionist who insists on checking every detail…a recipe for conflict? You bet.

The Personality Compass Type Index (PCTI)
The Personality Compass is a tool that can help us  learn about ourselves and others. If for example I have insight into the needs of the Perfectionist type then I can support them in a number of ways e.g.

• I can  understand and accept them knowing they are not just being difficult
• I can reassure them by supplying information
• I can give them some lead time to check the details
• I can be ready for their questions on detail

These are just some small ways we can reduce conflict in the workplace…remember understanding and accepting others can make conflict a healthy process for all concerned!    

By educating ourselves and others about different personalities in the workplace we can make a huge difference in helping people to work together productively and happily.

A personality workshop can be extremely beneficial for employee and management attitudes at your company. To organise a Personality Compass Workshop contact us today .