Communicating with the 4 Personality Types in the Workplace

Whether you have joined a new organization or team leaders have changed, you must communicate with people of different personalities. As a leader, you will have even higher responsibilities for communicating effectively with employees with different personalities. In this article, we will talk about the 4 personality types and what approach you should take to communicate with them effectively.

Understanding Personality Types

Today’s organizations are focusing highly on inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. However, people from diverse backgrounds and cultures will have different notions and perspectives about certain things. You will undoubtedly have to communicate effectively.

Before we talk about the approach to communication, let us understand the four different personality types. Understanding the different types of personality is fundamental to designing your communication strategy. Everyone is born with different personality traits, and there are various personality theories for them. These basic categories have several names too.

Let us first discuss the 4 personality types and attributes to understand how to design communication strategies.

1. The Director

The first personality type refers to that of The Director. Individuals with these personalities are even referred to as Kings or Queens. They are considered one of the most challenging types of communicators. The Directors are ambitious, passionate, highly competitive, love to take charge, work independently, and are entrepreneurial.

On the contrary, these personalities can be impatient, stubborn, workaholic, insensitive, and ill-tempered. They consider the big picture in mind and make fast decisions. They are not interested in communicating with slower-thinking individuals.

How to Communicate with the Directors?

Individuals with this personality are driven by money, leadership, opportunities, and success. If you have to craft a message or communicate with this personality, you should be very specific in your approach. Keep your message precise, clear, and crisp. Do not beat around the bush and keep the focus on vision. For all 4 personality types, you will have to consider their strengths and weaknesses before designing the message.

Individuals with this personality are not interested in gossiping. Instead, they want to save time. If you ever meet any individual with this personality, you should keep your facts clear and discuss what is involved. They are not sensitive and will not care how it impacts others. Do not give long explanations or go deeper with your emotions while talking to them. Even if they ask for your opinion, present it neutrally. Talk about the pros and cons and let them take the lead in choosing.

2. Socializer

Socializer is the second category of the 4 personality types. Individuals with this personality are more outgoing, and energetic, and love to socialize with others. They are good relationship builders and love to be the center of attraction. They can be alluring with their words and love to promote what they find fascinating. Like directors, they have a bigger picture in mind. However, they like to take the spotlight and demonstrate energy that attracts people to them.

Socializers are charismatic, fun-loving, enthusiastic, and have more of a dreamer personality. However, they are too self-involved and impatient and can quickly get bored. They even have a short attention span and are impulsive.

How to Communicate with Socializers?

Individuals with socializing personality value other individuals’ opinions but love to talk about themselves. When communicating with socializers, make sure you appreciate them and tell them how loving they are. Do not appear uninvolved or inattentive when communicating with them.

Being humiliated in public is one of their biggest fears in them. It is one of the 4 personality types where individuals get highly motivated when people appreciate them. Be skeptical of what you say before them if you want to persuade them.

They mostly use their quick wit and humor to initiate and continue the conversations. They are usually bad at hiding emotions. You can read their feelings in their mannerisms and the way they communicate. Try to console and be nice to them if they appear hurt or disappointed. Design your communication strategies effectively after understanding personality types.

3. Thinker

The next category in the 4 personality types is that of the highly detail-oriented thinkers. They are individuals who focus on accuracy, logic, and rationality. They play by the rules and focus on following the proper process. Most individuals with this personality are intelligent, organized, critical thinkers, and thoughtful. Understanding personality types with this approach can be complex as they tend to be quite controlling. They like to keep things in their hands and do not display many emotions.

How to Communicate with Thinkers?

If you must communicate with thinkers, you should be ready with your facts. Thinkers are one of the 4 personality types which are influential researchers and analysts. They like challenges and tend to be prepared with facts. You should make your communication logical and be cautious about the details. Do not try to sell them emotionally, as it might lead to failure.

Maintain your patience levels while talking to them. Most thinkers are outcome driven. If you are presenting a new project or pitching a new idea, talk about how it will benefit them. Make a proper plan and present a chart. Research properly and be well prepared for the cross-questions.

4. Supporter

The last category in the 4 personality types is that of the supporters. They are individuals who take a slower and more straightforward approach to life. They are happy doing repetitive tasks but seek security from work. Supporter personalities do not prefer having changes in their schedules. Instead, they like to stick with the plans and what they are comfortable with.

Individuals with this personality type are consistent, observant, low-key, stable, and caring. However, they are resistant to change and less assertive. The personality can be shy, and their sentiments might get hurt easily.

How to Communicate with Supporters?

Supporters are one of the 4 personality types that are very organized and avoid being in a chaotic environment. They are good listeners, and you must be patient while communicating with them. You should note that these individuals often keep their feelings to themselves. They are often reluctant and avoid speaking with the first two categories of personalities.

Sometimes, supporters even feel it is not good to take many risks. They might not be fast like other personalities but tend to take a correct approach. You must maintain a rapport and be compassionate to understand how to communicate effectively with them.

Communicating with 4 Personality Types

Here are specific tips to help you design your communication strategy effectively.

Understand the differences and recognize the cultural differences.
Avoid negative labeling.
Embrace the differences between people and ask questions.
Look for a common plan or goal while communicating with any of the 4 personality types.
Be flexible with your approach and change your communication style as required.
Take charge of your health and well-being.

Keep in mind that it is not just about personality differences. There can be cultural and other differences, which can bring conflicts and disputes. Make sure to accept what comes your way and understand that you cannot control everything.

Final Thoughts

The 4 personality types can have different styles and ways of communication. Learn about the strengths and weaknesses of the personality to design the right communication strategies.