Workplace Relationships – Personality Types

Luke 3:14 “…And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.” Romans 12:18 “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”

As we come in contact and rub shoulders with people at work, we find a great diversity of personalities, job expectations, and levels of interpersonal relationship skills. Are there some co-workers to whom you are drawn because they seem to have a magnetic personality? Are there others you would rather not encounter at all? Do you find that the attitudes of some co-workers rub off on you and can either help or hinder your productivity and effectiveness? How does your attitude affect those who work with you? Scripture teaches we are to live peaceably with all men as much as possible. How can we do that?

Identifying personality types is a good place to begin. Without question, some people are more difficult to interact with than others. These relationships are sometimes called “high maintenance” relationships.

• The Critic: constantly complains and gives unwanted advice.
• The Martyr: forever the victim and wracked with self-pity.
• The Wet Blanket: pessimistic and automatically negative.
• The Steamroller: blindly insensitive to others.
• The Gossip: spreads rumors and leaks secrets.
• The Control Freak: unable to let go and let be.
• The Backstabber: irrepressibly two-faced.
• The Cold Shoulder: disengages and avoids contact.
• The Green-Eyed Monster: seethes with envy.
• The Volcano: builds steam and threatens to erupt.
• The Sponge: constantly in need but gives nothing back.
• The Competitor: keeps track of tit for tat.
• The Workhorse: always pushes and is never satisfied.
• The Flirt: imparts innuendos, which may border on harassment.
• The Chameleon: eager to please and avoids conflict.

In addition to these personalities, there are four basic behaviors often exhibited in the workplace:

• Passive Behavior: intent is to please.
• Passive Aggressive Behavior: intent is “I’ll get you.”
• Aggressive Behavior: intent is to dominate or humiliate.
• Assertive Behavior: intent is to communicate.

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References

1. Parrott III, Les(1997). High-Maintenance Relationships. Illinois:Tyndale House.
2. http://serenityonlinetherapy.com/assertiveness.htm

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