{"id":9439,"date":"2016-10-17T14:44:58","date_gmt":"2016-10-17T14:44:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.instantoffices.com\/blog\/?p=9439"},"modified":"2016-11-17T15:01:15","modified_gmt":"2016-11-17T15:01:15","slug":"become-better-manager-understanding-work-personality-types","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.instantoffices.com\/blog\/business-growth\/become-better-manager-understanding-work-personality-types\/","title":{"rendered":"Become a Better Manager by Understanding Work Personality Types"},"content":{"rendered":"

How Managers Impact Workplace Success<\/h2>\n

Managers play a critical role in the overall success of a business, with one of their most important tasks being the motivation, inspiration and leadership of employees. Poor management, on the other hand, can directly impact employee enthusiasm and reduce productivity.<\/p>\n

In the UK alone it\u2019s been estimated that over 800 000 management jobs<\/a> will be created between 2010 and 2017. Considering the impact this role can have on the performance of a company, let\u2019s take a look at something all good managers have in common: knowing how to deal with different personality types at work.<\/p>\n

The Importance of People Management Skills<\/h2>\n

When it comes to work personality types, the more a manager knows the better, and the easier it becomes to motivate and inspire the people around him or her. From something as simple as knowing which individuals clash, to a deeper understanding a team members\u2019 aspirations and emotional drivers, an effective manager should aim to know as much as possible about the people on his or her team.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Understand<\/h2>\n

Personality Testing<\/h2>\n

While employers have used personality tests<\/a> for decades to streamline their hiring process and screen prospective candidates, there\u2019s been criticism<\/a> on the fairness of using tools like the Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the Jung Typology Profiler for Workplace (JPTW), among others, especially if it means the results are used to screen out job applicants.<\/p>\n

While these tools may not be ideal for pre-employment, they can be valuable in getting to know existing team members a little better. By learning more about an employee drivers and goals, a manager is in a better position to develop talent within the company.<\/p>\n

Understanding People<\/h2>\n

There are multiple tests that can be used to gain insight into an individual\u2019s personality. According to inspirational speaker Allison Mooney, all humans can be categorised into four personality types.<\/p>\n

The Playfuls:<\/strong> Innovative, creative and enthusiastic, these are extroverts who are great at networking, socialising and having fun. While they\u2019re forgiving and fast working, they also tend to be unorganised and easily distracted. These personality types need attention, affection and approval.<\/p>\n

The Peacefuls:<\/strong> Easy-going, patient and calming, these steady individuals remain the same through the highs and lows and are sometimes hard to read. They\u2019ll do everything they can to avoid confrontation. These personality types need harmony, respect and to be valued.<\/p>\n

The Powerfuls:<\/strong> Productive, assertive and decisive, these risk-takers are always doing and are determined to perform tasks their way. They can be impatient and often unsatisfied, always searching for the next goal. These personality types need loyalty, credit and appreciation.<\/p>\n

The Precises:<\/strong> Meticulous, ordered and lovers of structure, this is a group of perfectionists who abhor making mistakes. They tend to prefer work over play. These personality types need their own space, as well as quiet and sensitivity.<\/p>\n

In reality, a team made up of a mixture of all personality types across the spectrum, is ideal.<\/p>\n

Personality Testing<\/h2>\n

Classifying people into four different personality types is simple, so how do we find out more about an individual\u2019s strengths and weaknesses? Aside from one-on-one sessions and general interactions and observations at work every day, another way to get to know team members a bit better is to incorporate \u2018personality type education\u2019 into your management strategy. Something as simple as giving team members the option of taking a free online test and sending you the results is a great start.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a great one to try:<\/h2>\n

16Personalities<\/a> has combined the philosophies of both Meyers-Briggs and Carl Jung to develop a personality-test model that incorporates the latest in psychometric research with age-old concepts.<\/p>\n

They\u2019ve developed five personality aspects that work on a scale system, with neutral in the middle. Each describes a person\u2019s category, as well as how strong their preferences in that category are. By taking the test you can find out more about your team members by looking at:<\/p>\n