Working with difficult personalities can be a major source of frustration. But learning how to manage these individuals effectively will make a huge difference in our workplace environment.
Challenging personalities come in all shapes and sizes, but they tend to have an attitude of rebelliousness which can be beneficial – but also cause serious problems if not managed appropriately.
1. The Victim
Have you ever encountered someone who tends to blame others for their problems? This person may possess a victim mentality. Victims have endured trauma and lack healthy coping mechanisms, leading them to view bad things as inevitable.
But the good news is that you can learn to break free of this mindset and take control of your life.
Victims rarely have the power to alter their circumstances, but they can strive for improvement.
If you work with someone who has a victim mentality, it may seem like they are neglecting you and your team’s needs. But this behavior is not intentional – once it starts affecting productivity on the team, it is time for an intervention. Instead of starting a confrontation, let the individual know that you are there to listen and support them.
2. The Blow Torch
Blowing torches are incendiary tools used by welders, plumbers and regular people alike for various tasks. Generally they come in refillable cylinders with non-slip handle grips for flame control and flame spreading.
When working with a blow torch, safety should always come first. Never touch the flame and ensure there are no fuel leaks nearby.
Blowtorches can be used for a range of cooking applications, such as caramelizing sugar or lightly toasting meringues. The controlled heat source also works great to unmould chilled desserts or warm up knives to cleanly cut frozen foods.
3. The Overly Emotional
People who struggle to regulate their emotions and behavior often develop personality disorders. Others may observe these individuals as dramatic, overly emotional, or erratic in their conduct.
These disorders include antisocial, borderline, histrionic and narcissistic personality disorders. Signs and symptoms may include difficulty managing emotions, having unstable relationships and feeling a lot of stress or distress.
Overly emotional people may struggle to control their urge to express anger or calm themselves down when overwhelmed. This can present a real issue for them and those close to them, whether it’s their loved ones or loved ones of loved ones who suffer as a result of this dysfunction.
If you or someone close to you is engaging in these behaviors, it’s essential that they receive help. Treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) can teach them new ways of managing their emotions, change disruptive behaviors, and address coexisting problems like anxiety or depression.
4. The Needy
People who are needy often have strong emotional needs and seek external approval. They may suffer from low self-esteem or have experienced trauma that has affected their emotions.
They require assurance that they are making the right choice, so they seek opinions and advice. This could include what to wear, what to say, or even what name to give their pet.
Needy has a best friend, Jennifer Check, whom she’s known since childhood. Despite having little in common, the two remain close.
On a night, Jennifer takes Needy to a local dive bar to watch an indie rock band perform. Unfortunately, the concert turns into a tragedy; many people are killed and the band gains notoriety for their supposed heroism during the fire.
5. The Detail-Oriented
Detail-oriented individuals are renowned for their impeccable attention to detail. They strive constantly to enhance their work and enhance team value through collaboration.
They possess the capacity to detect errors quickly, and correct them promptly. Employers benefit from this trait since it allows them to keep their teams productive and on track with projects.
Some may consider their attention to detail to be insignificant, but for them it’s essential.
This person can pick up on subtle changes in body language or social cues. This ability to recognize information from their environment is an invaluable trait; it enables them to communicate more effectively with others and identify potential issues before they escalate into bigger issues.
They possess excellent organization skills, keeping track of everything from their tasks to files and documents to how much time remains for projects. This strong habit may come naturally or it can be taught over time.
6. The Rebellious
Rebellious individuals – whether it’s a student who disobeys their teacher’s instructions or an employee wearing a t-shirt proclaiming there to be no dress code – often demonstrate an unwillingness to adhere to the rules.
They may even retaliate against others who do the same thing, showing aggression when expressing anger.
This personality type rejects being defined by others’ values – or even their own. Instead, they seek a life that is less dependent on societal expectations.
These personalities can be challenging to work with – they tend to be stubborn, impatient and hard to communicate with. On the other hand, they possess strong willed determination.
7. The Needy Dependent
If your partner is the only person in your life and you can’t imagine living without them, it may be time to evaluate your relationship. Based on your needs, their needs, and both of your wants, it may be beneficial to reevaluate how you have been living together.
Marriage can often involve needy spouses, and while they’re not always bad people, it can be a challenging situation to navigate. While you should never expect your partner to be a doormat, you must set boundaries and remain faithful throughout good and bad times. Furthermore, find ways to give them space and time they need for self-love and appreciation – the best way to do this is by listening carefully and respecting both of your needs as well as those of your partner.
8. The Perfectionist
Perfectionists often put too much pressure on themselves to achieve perfection. They may set unrealistic standards for themselves, others in their lives, and even the things they do.
Perfectionism often leads to anxiety, rumination, self-criticism and obsessive thinking, which can have a detrimental effect on our health and wellbeing.
Developing self-compassion is an effective way to combat the detrimental effects of perfectionism. This involves confronting self-critical thoughts head-on through journaling exercises and focusing on positive aspects about yourself instead of negative ones.
Additionally, eliminating rules and routines that cause you anxiety can help you become more adaptable to change. It’s wise to start small when working towards these improvements.
10. The Boring
Recently, researchers observed that people often avoid those with “boring” jobs and hobbies. This could lead to social isolation as well as mental health issues, they suggest.
One way to avoid being perceived as boring is by honing your conversational skills. While this takes effort, it will enable you to be less predictable and more captivating in conversation.
Another way to make yourself more interesting is your sense of humor. Finding ways to laugh together with others can help build bonds and demonstrate that you value their company.
Utilizing your own sense of humor is an excellent way to break out of the mundane routine that many find tedious. Try adding some lightheartedness into your daily activities and you’ll soon discover just how much more captivating you truly are.
