Page 10 - INTERMEDIATE BUSINESS ENGLISH

They’re constantly looking out for number one, often to the detriment of their colleagues. The
narcissistic behaviour demonstrated by the Ego Monster is often rooted, again, in insecurity.

Managing your team effectively, therefore, requires close monitoring and understanding of the
different personality variables at play. Watch for signals—verbal or nonverbal– that your
employees are unhappy with their co-workers. The faster you can identify the problem and
deploy a potential solution, the less personality types like these threaten to create a negative
atmosphere in your workplace.

Adapted from https://www.fundera.com/blog/different-personalities-in-the-workplace

ACTIVITY 5

The information in the following boxes are ways to manage people with personalities
mentioned in the reading above. Write the correct personality type in the small box, and
discuss one more possible suggestion for each personality type then fill it on the blank.

 Don’t be dragged into their excuses; be direct about the problematic behaviors

you’ve observed and the consequences the employee will face if they continue.
 Remain firm and redirect the lazy employee to appropriate tasks.

 Regularly check in on their progress.

1

 Get to know them, but don’t be influenced by their efforts.
 Listen to the office gossip to find them.

 Set necessary boundaries to redirect their attention-seeking behaviors to actual on-
the-job work

2

 Offer them opportunities to meet with you one-on-one or to take on individual work

assignments.

 Don’t push them to engage socially.
 Give them plenty of time to process constructive feedbacks or negative performance
reviews

3

 Try to channel their tendencies to getting others involved to build company
culture.
 Watch out for gossipy behavior that turns toxic.

4
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