How to Handle the Different Personality Temperaments in the Workplace

Managers have the most challenging job. Not only do they have to supervise the operations of the workplace, they need to also make an effort to learn individuals and treat them accordingly. After all, this is what a good manager would do so as to get the most output from employees. Why do we think this?

Some people work well under pressure. and others simply cannot even think when this happens. That’s why it is important for managers to understand the different personalities of his/her subordinates. It is up to the manager to handle these people in a way that they respond accordingly, so as to avoid unnecessary conflict now and then.

Here are the four temperaments, and how to deal with them in business:

  1. Choleric

These are individuals who are really practical and straightforward. They are determined, goal-oriented people. In the workplace, they show their traits as supervisors or true goal achievers. Cholerics are befitting for upper-tier or management professions where they delegate tasks.

However, it’s not always the case as we all have to start from somewhere. Therefore, as a manager you must establish authority over them. Most times they have short tempers and are quick to react which means as a manager, you need to choose your words wisely. It may seem too difficult to deal with a choleric due to their bossy personality, but once you recognise these traits, it will become easier to deal with it.

  1. Sanguine

These individuals are considered extroverted, optimistic and talkative. In the workplace, they are usually the first to volunteer to carry out a task. The problem is, they tend to overpromise and underdeliver.

Therefore, as a manager, you must harmonize their excessive nature and keep them on their toes. Don’t leave things entirely up to them as they may disappoint you. How do you handle them as a manager? Make sure you tame this trait by monitoring their input and output.

  1. Phlegmatic

These are individuals who are described as nonchalant, agreeable and peaceful. They are mostly mediators of conflict. However, they can be inconsiderate, lazy and unmotivated. For this temperament, managers need to keenly supervise them more to ensure that they carry out tasks as required.

Phlegmatics tend to work well with work they have been assigned, however, they are not expressive individuals which may be challenging to comprehend them or work with them.

  1. Melancholic

This personality trait is likely to include perfectionists. Melancholics are analytical and intellectual. They are eager to make solid plans for just about everything and are able to foresee every probable outcome. This makes them effective at problem-solving, planning and organizing.

However, they may spend too much time working on a project. Therefore, there is a need for the manager to be involved in some of their planning of projects or tasks so as to ensure they don’t consume too much time and still produce the best output.

Do you know your personality temperament? Find out here