How Would You Handle These People?
Pushy Paul/Pauline
Paul/Pauline, an architect, noticed one of his drafting tools missing. He stormed over to Jason, a shy intern, and began shouting at him, accusing him of stealing his tool. Jason tried to explain he didn’t know anything about his tool, but Paul/Pauline wouldn’t listen.
Why does Paul/Pauline behave that way?
- He/She has a strong sense of what is right and wrong.
- He/She a strong need to prove that they are right.
How should you address this type of behavior?
- Don’t back down.
- Allow them to deescalate.
- Remain calm.
Chronic Carl/Carla
Carl/Carla always complains that his/her boss is unorganized and doesn’t know how to do his job, but whenever he/she sees his boss he/she acts like the perfectly loyal employee.
Why does he/she act that way?
- As a phlegmatic they see themselves as mistake proof.
- They want to be superior to everyone else.
How to Handle:
- “I understand what you are saying.”
- Don’t agree unless you really agree.
- “This is how I see it.”
Sickening Sweet Sam/Samantha
Sam/Samanta was completely on board with my proposal for an employee pay raise. However, he/she also agreed with the efficiency specialist that we needed to cut positions.
Why does he/she act that way?
- As a melancholy they have a compulosive need to be liked.
- They have an extreme aversion to conflict.
How to Handle:
- Be non-threatening.
- Don’t allow them to make commitments they can’t keep.
Depressing Dan/Dana
A coworker’s negative attitude coupled a long, stressful day, can bring you the point of being ready to burst by five o’clock.
Why do they act that way?
- As a phlegmatic melancholy they feel impotent to influence the direction of their own lives.
How to Handle:
- Avoid sharing in the tales of woe.
- Show your overflowing glass.
- Discuss the worst case scenario.
Big Brain Ben/Benita
Ben/Benita is an office manager and is known for being a good problem solver. One day two family counselors were discussing a problem they were having with a client. Ben/Benita loudly interrupted with a suggestion. The suggestion was totally unrelated to the problem. The counselors listened politely until Ben/Benita was finished, and then resumed their conversation.
Why do they act like that?
- Their temperament expresses as compulsive in the control area of their lives.
- They have a strong need to control their environment.
How to Handle:
- Know what you are talking about; be sure of yourself.
- Question their ideas and assumptions.
Slacker Steve/Stephanie
Steve/Stephanie supervises 12 employees in the department. Three show up under the influence of drugs on a regular basis. Steve/Stephanie never confronts them. The other employees see what is going on and resent that the supervisor is not standing up for what’s right.
Why do they act that way?
- As a supine melancholy they don’t want to hurt anyone.
- They fear being disliked.
How to Handle:
- Explain the issues and how they affect you.
- Offer to help them to come up with options and problem solve.
- Provide advance assurance you will support them after a decision is made.