Robert Pattinson Infp | Robert Pattinson's Infographic on the Five Types of People in the Workplace

There are five types of people in the workplace. No, this isn’t some weird psychology scenario. It’s actually a pretty common idea that has been around since the days of Plato. If you aren’t sure who these characters are or what types of people they represent, then this post will give you an overview of their personalities and how you can effectively work with each one.

The Leader

The leader is obviously the boss. You’ll see this character in every workplace, whether it’s a manager or corporate executive. This person sets the example for the rest of the group, shows the way forward, and ensures that everyone is pulling their weight. While some may see this type of leadership as domineering or bossy, it should not be mistaken as such. Rather, it is seen as effective and authoritative.

In an organization, the leader is responsible for driving the forward movement and ensuring that the team stays motivated and engaged. If the team feels that the leader is not meeting these responsibilities, then there is a chance that morale may decline and productivity may suffer.

The Engineer

Engineers are fantastic problem-solvers who enjoy coming up with innovative solutions. In some cases, they’ll even work for nothing. On the flip side, engineers can be really difficult to work with if you’re not used to putting forth some effort. So, while they are undeniably brilliant and valuable, make sure you know what you’re getting into.

In addition to being creative and intelligent, engineers prefer to work in isolation. So if you want to collaborate with engineers on a project, then make sure you bring your A-game. You don’t want to be the one who gets dropped because the person you’re working with isn’t pulling their weight.

The Dreamer

Dreamers are the creative thinkers who see possibilities where others see only limitations. They like to look at the bigger picture and see things in terms of inspiration rather than in terms of tangible facts. While they can be exceptionally valuable, you also need to make sure that you’re not dealing with a dreamer who hasn’t fully matured. Make sure you check their motives before you commit to anything because, to put it bluntly, they can be pretty naive.

In terms of workplace dynamics, a team of dreamers can be pretty volatile. Their optimistic nature can rub others the wrong way because it can seem like they’re not seeing the big picture. While it can be difficult to work with dreamers, there are also a lot of advantages to having a group of brilliant minds working together.

The Scribe

This one is pretty self-explanatory. A scribe is someone who loves to write, whether it’s down on paper or in an electronic document. If you’re familiar with the TV show The Handmaid’s Tale, then you’ll know what this type of personality is like. While they are undoubtedly talented writers who can bring an organization a lot of value, make sure you’re aware of how introverted and private they can be. Scribes are generally not the best at communicating with people because they prefer to engage with information rather than with other living creatures. So, if you do end up partnering with a scribe, then make sure you put in the effort to talk to them. Listen to what they have to say and be respectful of their need for quiet time. And, for the love of all that is holy, make sure that they aren’t writing proposals for your organization!

The Helper

People with helper personalities are those who prefer to help others rather than work independently. If you’re looking for a team player who can be a little bit of a yes-man, then you might want to consider a helper as a candidate. Make sure you’re aware of their altruistic side before you make a decision about them because this is a very genuine personality trait. It can, however, be used in a way that is not beneficial to your organization. So make sure you are aware of what you’re getting into before making any kind of commitment.

Essentially, the helper represents the do-gooders who, despite all the evidence to the contrary, still believe that there is a caring universe out there. They’ll go out of their way to ensure that others are feeling comfortable and that they’re not harming themselves or others in any way. The helper is the type of person who will always want to make sure that every single aspect of their workplace is comfortable and that no one is experiencing any kind of hardship. So, if you need someone who will go out of their way to be helpful, then the helper is your man.

The Peacemaker

Finally, we have the peacemaker. This is the organizer who likes to keep the peace. They might not always be the most pleasant people to be around, but they are incredibly efficient and can get a lot done. You’ll often see them in charge of committees or planning social events. Essentially, they like to work within the parameters of established processes, policies, and procedures. So, if you’re looking for an individual who can keep your organization running smoothly, then the peacemaker is your man.