Moving Beyond Kumbaya: Managing Different

Personalities, Attitudes & Work Styles

Michele Luc, MSW – Cornell University Cooperative Extension

ObjectivesO Explore individual work styleO Discuss some of the challenges faced when

dealing with colleagues O Discuss strategies for working cohesively with

others when delivering programs.

Video: The Different types of workers

O https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=23&v=UhxOB9gSaug

Personalities

O The combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual’s distinctive character.

O An individual’s temperament or demeanor.

O This may be constant or it may change in the work environment.

Myers-Briggs Personality Test

Myers-Briggs Personality Test – Career Match

Workplace AttitudesO General thoughts & feelings about

work & the work environmentO This can be universal re: work or it can

vary based on the specific job

What is “Working Style”It can be defined as the way people in the work force absorb and retain new and difficult information, think or concentrate, do their daily work and solve problems.

Activity: Let’s Explore YOUR Work Style

O Think about yourself in relation to work: your personality, your attitude, but most importantly, your work style.

O There are 9 animals on the next slide, which animal is most reflective of your work style & why?

Activity: What is your working style?

Challenges When Dealing with Different Personalities & Work Styles

O Different communication stylesO Lack of familiarity with colleague(s)O New to the team/programO Negative history with the work

environmentO Disconnect with content &/or

mission/values of organizationO Interpersonal conflict O What else???

Tips/Strategies: ReflectiveO SELF-INVENTORY

O Reflect on your own experiences dealing with different people & situations.

O Is it them or is it me?

Tips/Strategies: ReflectiveO SELF-INVENTORY Cont.

O Identifying your own “triggers” & “blindspots”.

O Consider taking personality test (see resources).

Pro-active Tips/StrategiesO Discuss professional strengths and

challenges/areas for growth openly.

O If working in pairs/teams, ask colleagues how they work best (e.g. dividing roles in workshop).

Pro-active Tips/StrategiesO Asking colleague what you each

need to perform your job effectively.

O Model behavior: ask your colleague how you can help them.

O Asking co-worker(s) about themselves (personal level).

Reactive Tips/StrategiesO Address problematic issues that arise

ASAP with empathy in neutral location.

O If feeling safe to do so, share issues that may impact your work or ability to do your job effectively.

Reactive Tips/StrategiesO If unsure of how to approach a

colleague, use other co-workers to bounce ideas off of re: issue. O Note: proceed with caution---avoid

gossiping about co-worker(s)

O Speak to supervisor if issue negatively impacts work performance.

Tips for Supervisors/AdministratorsO Create a setting where staff feel

welcomed, valued, useful, respected & safe (physically & emotionally).

O Set &/or explain workplace policies that support these ideas ASAP w/staff (i.e. policy & personnel manuals).

Tips for Supervisors/Administrators

O Check in with staff regularly re: how they are working with each other.

O Provide opportunities for teambuilding.

O Check in with others (e.g. other CAPP/PREP HES’, ACT, etc.) re: strategies for dealing with different staff.

OTHER TIPS?

Articles/Resources for SupervisorsHow to Recognize and Manage Different Work Styles: https://www.fastcompany.com/3043600/3-ways-to-promote-a-different-kind-of-diversity-in-the-workplace

Managing Different Personalities at Work: https://www.creativecircle.com/blog/managing-different-personalities-work/

How to Manage Different Personalities in the Workplace: https://aboutleaders.com/different-personalities/#gs.3pm3ld

Your Employees: 5 Tips for Handling Diverse Work Styles: https://www.insperity.com/blog/your-employees-5-tips-for-handling-diverse-work-styles/

4 Employee Personality Types: Understanding and Managing Different Personalities in the Workplace - https://www.elorus.com/blog/4-employee-types-understanding-and-managing-different-personalities-in-the-workplace/

5 Toughest Personalities at Work—and How to Manage Them –https://www.inc.com/minda-zetlin/how-to-lead-the-5-toughest-employees.html

Articles for Educators/Line Staff/Middle Manaagement

There are 4 Productivity Personalities. Which work style fits you best?: https://hive.com/work-style/

How to get along with all different kinds of people at work:https://transparency.kununu.com/how-to-get-along-with-different-kinds-people-at-work/

13 Ways to be a Better Co-worker: https://www.rd.com/advice/work-career/13-ways-to-be-a-better-coworker/

10 Tips for Dealing with Difficult People at Work: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/dealing-with-difficult-people-at-work-1917903

Non-Profit Specific

How to Deal with Difficult People in Your Non-Profit: https://tomokarma.com/dealing-with-difficult-people/

Additional ResourcesPersonality Test: The Field, Cube, Ladder, Horse, and Flower Question -https://owlcation.com/social-sciences/quick-personality-test

The History and Significance of the Myers-Briggs Personality Test -https://owlcation.com/social-sciences/The-History-and-Significance-of-the-Myers-Briggs-Personality-Test

You Can Take the Myers Briggs Personality Test Free on The Websites -https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/general/you-can-take-the-myers-briggs-personality-test-free-on-these-websites/

Implicit Bias Test - https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/takeatest.html

Dealing with Different Personalities at Work (video) -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=809wK9W1z48

Questions/Comments

ContactO Michele Luc, TrainerO ML782@cornell.edu

O ACT for YouthO http://actforyouth.net

O ACT for Youth: CAPP and PREP sectionO http://www.actforyouth.net/sexual_health/community/capp/