It’s funny how the workplace can become a hodge-podge of personalities. While it is interesting to have all the different 
personalities interact with each other on a daily basis, these could sometimes lead to conflicts. It is only a matter of time until one person snaps at another and before a critical meltdown affect the entire organization. Before that happens, it is important that you are equipped with the necessary tools to identify, respond and resolve the problems that come with each type of workplace behavior. In general, there are seven profiles that you should be aware of.
The Antagonist
Criticism, hostility, cynicism and a demoralizing personality, these are the marks of the Antagonist. He is highly critical of others and he won’t mind showing it off in public. He also uses a bit of sarcasm which could be lethal to any organization groups. Above all these, he attacks fellow workers with a condescending, contemptuous, and disgusting personality. In short, he wreaks havoc whenever he’s around.
To manage the Antagonist, always delegate him tasks that would keep him as much as possible to himself. Manipulate the workplace environment such that he is always kept at a safe distance from co-workers who are most vulnerable to his personality. In addition, trust him with assignments that no other person in the workplace would take.
The Control Freak
The Control Freak is out to control everyone in the office ñ whether it’s the boss, the subordinate or the consultant. He is abrupt, demanding, bossy, and domineering and his attitude sometimes borders to rudeness. To top these all off, the control freak lacks tactfulness. Thus, it is very natural for him to be hated by co-workers who donít understand his behavior.
The truth is, the control freak doesnít mind being hated, although it wouldnít hurt him if one or two co-workers understand his attitude. Nevertheless, human interaction does not interest him. He is more result-oriented, initiated and driven. Use these qualities to promote company objectives. Delegate substantial amount of tasks to the Control Freak, give him instructions, and let him work out his own way. Trust him to achieve results.
The Hobo
The complete opposite of the control freak, the Hobo is the warm, easygoing guy in the office. While he respects structure, deadlines, rules and other things that relate to the organizational components of the company, he does not feel obligated to follow all these in toto, after all he is not the type that is comfortable being in a box.
To prevent any conflict, focus on the talents of the Drifter instead. He is creative and innovative, give him tasks that will allow these to show up. Also, have plenty of patience when dealing with this type of personality. He could be a bit too exasperating because of his unconventional style.
The People Pleaser
The People Pleaser is the guy who just doesn’t know how to say ‘no’. He would go to great lengths just to keep harmony and peace in the workplace. He basically treats co-workers like his extended family. Thus, when confronted with crucial decisions that would make him chose between company and co-workers, he would always go with the latter.
At the outset, this attitude can do no harm to the company. But when you look at it closely, he could jeopardize the company by trying to protect his co-workers. Handle the People Pleaser by using his concept of ‘greater good’ for the good of the company, not for the good of a few.
The Joker
The ambassador of entertainment, the Joker is the loud, witty and oftentimes funny personality who is always ready to crack a joke. The other side of personality though is not that amusing. He is self-promoting and works insatiably to draw the limelight to himself. He also does not have the compunction to use other people and their accomplishments as his stepping-stones.
You can trust the Joker to handle tasks that could give him more public exposure, but you cannot trust him to accept any responsibility. To squeeze results from the Joker, give him tasks that can inflate his ego while at the same time allow him to produce substantial results.
The Shrinking Violet
This person is reserved, quiet and most of the time found in his cozy little nook in the least visible corner of the workplace. While he doesnít cause conflict, he doesnít contribute that much to the achievements of the organization either because he shies away from the big and important tasks that would increase his accountability. While temptation may be strong to lose your temper with the Shrinking Violet, you can trust him to do well by managing him well. With the right tools, you can trust the Shrinking Violet to get the job done right all the time.
Manage the Shrinking Violet by giving clear, detailed instructions, and donít push him hard towards responsibility.
The Procrastinator
This personality hides behind the image of being analytical. He is diligent, precise, and obsessed with detail. On top of these, he shoots every idea down, especially those that present considerable potential risks. It is a headache to work with this person because obviously, you can’t trust him for immediate results or to provide you one without first overwhelming you with detailed explanations on how and why it would fail. But you can trust him with tasks that require a great deal of accuracy. You can also trust him to evaluate the risks of a plan and to work out solutions before a failure happens.
Conflict could end up with pretty devastating results. If you want to keep the peace in your workplace, understand the different profiles of human behavior. Then, work out solutions that will reduce them.
