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Do you ever feel like you and your coworkers just don't understand each other?
Knowing each other's work styles can help everyone work better together!
Some Basics
The types are evenly split among workers, so that means that 75% of people have a different style than you!
Good news!
One style is not better than the other.
All styles can be successful.
Want to work more productively with your team?
Understand how they work and adjust your interactions according to their style!
1. Analyst
Traits & Strengths
Prefers to work alone
May be a perfectionist
Organized
Responds to statistics, facts, and order
Not very emotional
When working with them:
Schedule an appointment
Be clear and concise
Provide factual information
Know that they are loyal and fair
They want to know the details
Scenario: Working with an Analyst
Your coworker, Stan, has an analytical work style. You have been asked to collaborate with him on a special project. After doing some research, it's time for you to meet with Stan and tell him what you have learned so far.
Quiz
What would be the best way to present the information to Stan?
People who are more analytical appreciate order and facts. It would be best to make an appointment with Stan and provide factual information in the form of charts, spreadsheets, or statistics.
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2. Collaborator
Traits & Strengths
Likeable, hard worker
Seeks opinions before making a decision
Helpful, considerate, good listener
Follows through on assignments
Task-oriented
When working with them:
They are easy to get along with
Ask questions to get their ideas
It's hard to tell if they are annoyed/angry
They don't need reminders
They work best 1:1 or in small groups
Quiz
How might a Collaborator express their opinion at a meeting about a business solution?
Collaborators tend to be indirect when expressing their opinion. They are more likely to ask a question or seek the agreement of others than to clearly state what they think.
3. Expressive
Traits & Strengths
Social butterfly
Can be loud, boisterous and fun
Assertive
Good networker
Sees the big picture but not details
When working with them:
Expect some drama
Give big-picture updates
Be direct; express emotion
Use bullets in written communication
Their schedule might not match yours
Quiz
Which of these assignments might someone with an expressive style like the best?
Expressive types are very outgoing and boisterous. They love talking and are quite spontaneous, so it's likely they enjoy presenting to groups of people! Desk work or listening to others is not as appealing to them.
4. Driver
Traits & Strengths
Likes to lead
Energetic, "Type A"
Task-oriented
Decisive, but might change course
Keeps everyone on track
When working with them:
Be on time
Get to the point
Provide frequent updates
Try to match their energy
Be prepared for questions
Scenario: Task Assignment
You have been asked to lead a team. One of the members will need to organize meetings, prepare agendas, and work with all of the other members to achieve consensus.
Quiz
Which of these work types would be best for this role?
Collaborators are helpful, good listeners, and like to get everyone's opinion before a decision is made. Other work styles could also complete these tasks, but a collaborator would probably be the best fit.
This Byte has been authored by
Mary Ellen D'Intino
Learning Designer | Licensed Social Worker
M.Ed., LSW