Syndicom

Do Workplace Types Matter In Collaborative Environments?

Collaboration depends on the people you’re working with, right… So what happens when you’re working with someone that you don’t quite “gel” with?

Perhaps you’ve taken one of those workplace personality tests? What about the Myers-Brigg? If you’re lucky, you spent a few hours with a gypsy named “moonbeam” who gave you insight into your inner star. I say lucky, because at least you got some entertainment factor. Whatever your experience, we’ve all been through something similar to a workplace “who are you and how do you work with me” test.

The Wall Street Journal’s CareerJournal.com has broken them down into four different types:

* The “get it done” type: The work horse. Totally focused even if it means inadvertently trampling on others in the way. Little time for casual chit-chat and long meetings. Diligent and results-focused but short on patience.

* The “get it right” type: Focused more on perfection than meeting deadlines, on details rather than the big picture.

* The “get along” type: Less concerned with deadlines and details than with social networking.

* The “get appreciation” type: Typically driven by the need to get noticed.

In collaborative groups the same applies, but there is one key difference. The people you work with may not be involved in your project. Yet, in collaborative groups they are totally involved. So what can you do to get past the “personality”? The answer is MORE collaboration!

Collaboration is a promise. It is a group of people working together around a unit of collaboration. In other words, an agreement. With agreements come a form of honesty that one just doesn’t get from, let’s say, sitting at your desk and doing your day job. When you’re collaborating on a project, personality conflicts quickly settle because it is the collaboration that matters most, and not your ego.

Tags: collaboration, personalities, team work, trust, unit of collaboration, working together, workplace