5 classic personality types in business and how to work with each of them

Original author: Michael Mamas
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Wilhelm Reich, a colleague of Sigmund Freud, identified 5 types of personality , which to this day enjoy recognition among psychologists. Theory and therapeutic approaches to this issue are beyond the scope of this article. However, knowing and working with this five of the classic types, you will be able to better know yourself and communicate effectively with others . And this, most likely, will be useful in almost any job, one way or another related to interaction with people.

The names of these five types have been changed to better describe them. The physique of each type includes the main features of a particular type, which distinguish it from the rest. Build will also help determine our dominant type and much more. You cannot rely solely on physique information, but by starting to work with a specific person, you can more easily recognize his personality type. When you become more experienced in identifying and working with each type, your ability to understand and work with others will improve significantly.

1. Spiritual type


A year ago I had a friend, Irwin, a vivid example of a classic spiritual type. It was as if he was in another world, his thoughts were in the clouds. In fact, when I walked past him, waved his hand and said “Hello, Irwin!”, Only then he welcomed me back.

Most of the energy of the spiritual type is concentrated in their head, and therefore it seems that they are "not of this world." As a rule, they are thin, somewhat stunted and may look disheveled. For example, Paul Allen and actor Jim Carrey are great examples of this type. Interacting with people and staying in society can be frightening for them.

In business, when interacting with representatives of this type, it is important not to seem aggressive. This can scare them. It is best to be more gentle - try to be "on the same wavelength with them." Such people are great at supporting intellectual and non-aggressive conversations. Those who show spiritual traits become excellent programmers, accountants, and representatives of other professions that require minimal communication with clients and frequent privacy at the desktop.

2. Amorous type


Representatives of this type like to communicate with people, they are very sensual and thoughtful. Woody Allen and Nicolas Cage are prominent representatives of this type. They draw energy from communication with other people, and seem to be drawn to others in order to transfer their energy to them. Unfortunately, people may find that representatives of the amorous type stick to them and feel uncomfortable with them, and then try to push such “comrades” away.

In the business environment, it is important to be understanding and kind with such people, but not try to persistently fill their emotional void with your attention and support. Representatives of this type speak a lot and often in a melodious voice. It will be difficult to end a telephone conversation with them or get them to do basic things. The art of communicating with these people is not to rudely alienate them, but to make them concentrate on the necessary occupation.

This type will do a great job with customer service. They will also assist employees with personal questions, conflicts or complaints. They are suitable for professions that require interaction with people on an emotional level.

3. Sensual type


Representatives of the sensual type, as a rule, are overweight and squat. John Candy and Oliver Hardy are great examples. These people have a big and loving heart, they are trying to please others. If you load a trolley, they will carry it. They will even download it for you. For example, they will offer to help you cope with excessive workload, even if they themselves are overloaded with chores.

You can ask them for anything, but you must not be impudent, demanding too much. When they realize that they have been downloaded too much or are offended by you, they will not want to contact you. Instead, they will harbor resentment. Once their limit is exhausted, they can lose their peace of mind. They are very sensitive and helpful, so they are easily offended. Their kindness helps them to easily interact with people and work with them every day, they are really good people.

4. Responsible for all type


“I’m right, but you’re wrong” - this is the motto of this type. They often do not believe people, “keep their eyes open” so as not to be faithful, and therefore try to keep everything under control. Men of this type have a narrow lower body and a muscular upper. With their physique, they seem to declare "I am responsible for everything here." Sylvester Stallone and Hulk Hogan are prominent representatives of this type. In women of this type, a pear-shaped figure or a strong chest.

Better not to conflict with them. Even when you understand that these people are wrong, an indication of the fallacy of their views will most often lead to nothing. It is better to try to recognize their point of view and work with them to develop the idea further. If their ideas are ultimately incorrect, they acknowledge failure. In fact, this principle of operation is much simpler, because they always trybe one step ahead . As soon as they understand the essence of the conversation, they will try their best to come to a conclusion faster than others.

Representatives of this type become excellent sellers and managers, because until the very end they remain true to their views and happy when others take their point of view. They are endowed with the gift of thinking globally and excellently manage the team. Due to the fact that they are afraid of mistakes, betrayals, and secret attacks, they always see the full picture of what is happening, and this ability is a truly valuable quality in business.

5. Perfectionists


These people seem to be dressed in uniform even when they carry a canvas bag. Their proportions are close to ideal. Typical representatives of this type are John Tash and Nancy Pelosi. In fact, they can annoy and repel people, because they seem ideal.

In fact, they have a kind heart, which they cannot show, but which can break like glass if they are criticized or rejected. They are constantly trying to find something to do for themselves or are doing everything in their power to ensure that there is not a single flaw in the things around them. Their workplace and office space are always in perfect order.

Perfectionists are great at organizing offices, quality control, research or creating an office system and documentation. However, they can be so obsessed with the desire to make everything perfect to the smallest detail, which is hard for them to stop when necessary. If your subordinate is a perfectionist, it is best to give him clear assignments and a deadline for their completion.

Conclusion


To some extent, each person has all types of personality. For the first time applying this knowledge in practice, people usually make mistakes in their judgments. However, in practice, you can see that in each person there can be two or three main types at the same time. Once you understand this, your ability to interact with people in the workplace will grow significantly.

The exercise will be useful: look at passers-by or remember your friends and try to determine what type of person they are. By learning to distinguish this, you can communicate more effectively with people, not only in the workplace, but also in your personal life.

PS. We recommend another useful article on the topic of self- development - Five simple ways to form the ability to understand the emotions of other people .

The author of the translation is Vyacheslav Davidenko, founder of TESTutor .

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