Top tips to manage different personality types in your workplace

Naomi Humber, Head of Mental Wellbeing at Bupa UK , on what managers need to know about personality dynamics to help their team flourish

Get to know your employees: Take the time to understand each of your employees’ personalities, strengths and weaknesses. This will help you determine which personality type they fit under. Some employers use a test, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), to gain insights into their employees’ personalities and behaviours.
Adapt your leadership style: Be flexible in your leadership approach to adapt to different individual working styles and their methods of communication.
Build relationships: Make time to talk to your employees individually in work and after work at team socials to get to know about their personal lives and career goals.
Prioritise shared goals: Highlight common objectives to connect the team and reduce potential conflicts arising from differing personalities.
Embrace differences: Encourage an inclusive and diverse work culture that values the unique strengths and perspectives of everyone. This can lead to increased innovation and productivity.
Avoid negative labelling: Be mindful of negative labelling when interacting with individuals who have different communication or behavioural traits. Focus on understanding and appreciating their strengths and differences.
Be flexible with communication: Adapt your communication style to suit the preferences of the team as a collective. Being flexible in how you communicate can help bridge gaps between different personality types.
Involve employees in decision-making : Create an environment where your employees’ opinions are valued, seeking their input can be advantageous.

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