5 Ways to Handle the "Big Personality" at Work
Written by Salary SpecialistApril 17, 2018
How to Handle Personality Clashes and Conflict in the Workplace
The "big personality" at work can be extremely beneficial to business in the right circumstances, but he/she can also present challenges to an employer and to colleagues. These tips offer advice for key ways on how to handle personality clashes in the workplace due to a work personality that can't be contained by cubicle walls.
1. Let All Voices be Heard
Some employees are made to feel like they aren't as valued simply because the big personality speaks up more, therefore garnering more of a response. Take the opportunity to praise your other employees, too, even if their work is more "behind the scenes."
It's a tough tightrope to walk, but when your big personality is also a big performer you need to make sure everyone is happy and productivity remains high.
2. Lower Your Own Voice
Lower your voice and personality accordingly. People generally emulate others' speaking tones. Try keeping your voice low and your comments rare and this will help the colleague reduce his/her tone without even realizing it. A big personality might require a lot of redirection, but helping to instill this as part of a pattern can be extremely helpful.
3. Document Everything
If a big personality is causing genuine problems and other more traditional solutions have failed, document everything. Keeping a private journal, printing out emails, and keeping records of the issues you've had will be to your benefit if any of the conflicts come to a head. Keep a detailed history of the positive attributes, events, and achievements as well. You never know if you'll need it down the road.
4. Capitalize on Their Strengths
Channel the positive energy into something work-related. If your employee is a talker, assign him/her to an upcoming public speaking project. If the employee really enjoys delving into the details, tap him/her to "head" the initiative to complete an upcoming research project.
Big personalities respond well when others recognize their talents. Capitalize on their strengths.
It is important to note that big personalities sometimes need a change of tasks or work. For example, a big personality who enjoys connecting with others might be a star in customer service or marketing, but might not fit well into group environments. Think about whether your employee might be a better fit in a different department.
5. Address Major Issues
Don't be afraid to address major issues. For many outgoing people, they learn quickly whether their behavior is acceptable simply by gauging your initial reaction. Perhaps they enjoy telling stories while drinking their coffee, but it helps to remind them some people work best in quiet and to respect the atmosphere for their colleagues. Many people often need this simple reminder to keep their personality in check. Same goes for the big personality piping up during meetings. You can address constant interruptions with "Thanks for your comments, but let's hold any other questions or comments until the end."
Get the Most Out of Your Employees Without Breaking the Bank Many employers lose good employees, thinking a pay raise or bonus will keep them going. Of
Coworkers will occasionally have arguments. This is unavoidable and most of the time can be worked out with minimal effort. But if a formerly stellar employee is suddenly the subject of multiple complaints and you hear his/her coworkers constantly grumbling, then you may have a problem employee.
No one wants to work in such a contentious environment. But is it possible to change this situation? Yes, when you recognize that many conflicts are due to personality style differences and you have the tools to be an employee conflict resolution expert. See which of these camps you and your employees fall into.
While conflict is often viewed as something to be avoided at all costs, that is not necessarily the case. Managed effectively, conflict in the workplace can actually have positive outcomes.
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