Understanding Workplace Personalities

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Actionizers

How They Interact

Actionizers have a strong bias for getting things done. They don’t like to be buried in details—they’re interested in the bottom line. Actionizers expect clear, direct information without needless clutter. They delegate effectively and have high expectations of others. They are results-driven and competitive in all things—even in situations that don’t seem to be competitive to casual observers. Every activity is ultimately a contest that Actionizers expect and seek to win.

How They Communicate

Because Actionizers are acutely sensitive to time and speed, they are sometimes perceived as impatient and impulsive. They speak directly and to the point—and they expect others to do the same. Generally, their work areas are functionally organized with everything in its place. Awards, citations, and trophies are likely to be prominently displayed.

How to Deal With Them

• Get to the point
• Control your emotions
• Be prepared
• Know what you want
• Don’t take feedback personally

Energizers

How They Interact

For Energizers, ideas are most important. Energizers are excited by the big picture. They see everything as an opportunity to be creative. They enjoy being on the cutting edge and relish opportunities to try new approaches at work. Energizers are often enthusiastic supporters of new ventures, and they’re quick to offer novel or innovative ways to do things differently. Their style is enthusiastic and high energy.

How They Communicate

Energizers use a wide range of facial and physical gestures to complement their verbal, visual, and written communications. They are sometimes put off by individuals who seemingly don’t share enthusiasm about a particular issue. Energizers enjoy collaboration, but are comfortable working independently. Their work areas are often chaotic-looking to the outsider. There may be a system of organization, but only the energizers themselves understand it. Colorful and unusual decoration abounds.

How to Deal With Them

• Be less detail oriented
• Be optimistic
• Tolerate disorganization
• Allow tangents in conversation
• Show enthusiasm

Work With Style

By being able to identify a co-worker’s or boss’ preferred way of interacting, you can effectively modify your own style to best match his or her needs. When you understand, for example, that your boss is an Actionizer, you can simply cut to the chase. Such knowledge is extremely helpful, especially if you’re an Analyzer who may otherwise discuss background information that’s important to you.

The better working relationships you form can lead to increased job satisfaction, more recognition, and an even greater chance of advancement. So when the outcome is important, focus on the best way to interact with each individual. It will allow you to maximize your working relationships and ensure your career success.

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