16 Personality Types in the Workplace - RISQ Consulting (2024)

By Michelle Farmer, Senior Account Specialist (Property & Casualty)

In the business world (and life) there are so many different personality types we encounter. Understanding those personality types can be the beginning of a successful and collaborative workplace. Based on the Myers-Briggs personality assessment, there are 16 personality types that workplace leaders should identify and build emotionally intelligent relationships around. This all starts with having a better understanding of those various types of personalities and how their tendencies can affect working relationships and productivity.

This list is based on material borrowed from the author, Tiffany Bloodworth Rivers, who used the TV show, The Office, as her example of each personality type in her own article on iOffice (which I thought was brilliant).

ANALYST PERSONALITY TYPES:

Analysts are just that, logically well suited to digging through fact and fiction and figuring out how to improve a situation. Great puzzlers, Gamers and problem solvers so they are good at helping to create a better way of operating.

1. The Architect – Problem Solver

• Fiercely independent
• Likes a stimulating challenge
• Can seem arrogant
• Judgmental at times

2. Logician – Abstract Thinker

• Technical
• Like to be intellectually stimulated
• May miss emotional or social cues
• Like guidance not rules

3. Commander – Natural Leaders

• Strong willed/firm
• Can be stubborn, ruthless, and impatient
• Are known for accomplishing their goals no matter the cost

4. The Debater – Devil’s Advocate

• Energetic
• Quick thinker
• Can be argumentative
• Easily bored
• Need a flexible environment

DIPLOMAT PERSONALITY TYPES:

Diplomat personality types are compassionate connectors, contributors and collaborators of the Workplace. Often their compassion, leaves them feeling discouraged or feeling afraid. They have a humanistic approach to dealing with co-workers and life.

5. The Advocate – A very Rare breed. Difficult to get to know.

• Reserved
• Although loyal
• Determined
• Motivated by the pursuit of perfection
• Restless & easily frustrated
• MUST respect their privacy

6. The Mediator – Creative (Artists)

• Intuitive
• Idealistic
• Gravitate toward careers where they can be creative
• Do NOT like dead-lines
• Need purpose in their work

7. The Campaigner – Socializer/Brightens the day

• Loves people
• Can talk your ear off
• Needs help focusing
• Happiest when working with people

8. The Protagonist – The Cheerleader

• Lifts others up
• Prefer a harmonic workplace
• Great at rallying large groups to join a cause

SENTINEL PERSONALITY TYPES:

Sentinels are creatures of habit, they love routine and may feel a sense of duty to help others during difficult times, such as COVID or major deadlines. Sentinels can be trusted to complete tasks through to the end in an orderly and dependable fashion. They can bring a sense of structure and stability to an office.

9. The Logistician – Master of Order

• Cannot Stand missing deadlines
• They Imbue dependability and personal integrity
• Expect follow through from others

10. The Defender – Passionately Defend Others/Self

• Loyal
• Supportive
• Often reluctant to change
• Motivated by a strong sense of duty to others
• Rarely ask for help, so asking if you can help them may go a long way

11. The Executive – Rule Keeper

• A Law and order type
• Honest
• Hard work above all else
• Detest laziness/cheating
• Want to advance constantly in their career

12. The Consul – Sensitive/Helper

• Spreads cheerfulness
• Positive energy
• Love helping and spending time with others
• Can be very sensitive (not comfortable with their own sensitivity)
• Do not take criticism or rejection well
• You can acknowledge their achievements to help them feel more confident

EXPLORER PERSONALITY TYPES:

Explorer personality types can be bold, hands-on, and enthusiastic. They go with the flow, naturally flexible and great in a crisis. They have traits and tools that help others adapt in stressful times. They thrive in exciting times, so they need to avoid distraction.

13. The Virtuoso – Spontaneous Risk-Takers

• Mysterious
• Not know for commitment
• Risqué sense of humor
• Like lists
• Take on tasks with enthusiasm, as long as list of duties are clearly defined

14. The Adventurer – The Charmer

• Often Unpredictable
• Not great at Planning the future
• Although very charitable
• Selfless
• The spontaneous nature of these personalities can be important for special “missions”

15. The Entertainer – Social Butterfly

• Crave the spotlight
• Charismatic
• Great at Sales
• Hospitable
• People Oriented
• Can get easily bored or Lose focus quickly if left to their own devices
• LOVE TO LAUGH

16. The Entrepreneur – The Risk Taker/Rebel

• Plunge headfirst into new opportunities without thinking it through
• Thrive in social settings
• Love new learning opportunities
• Often feel stifled in corporate environments
• Rules are made to be broken
• You can get them excited about new systems and products they love it.

Throughout my own career I have learned that working with so many different types of personalities is part of what makes life so interesting. It is what makes our workplace run so efficiently, as each person on our team has a specific function that helps us reach our goals and embrace new visions and opportunities.

I believe the more you can recognize a personality type, the more you can help someone feel like they are a part of a team. You can help them find their place by gently, or sometimes not so gently depending on their personality type, push them in the right direction. Thus, our communication becomes so much better, and we continue to grow in our understanding of our beautiful home away from home.

Check out Tiffany Bloodworth Rivers’ own article at: https://www.iofficecorp.com/blog/workplace-personality-types