Savvy 90s sit-com watchers will be well aware of the neurotic, self loathing character George Louisa Costanza or ‘Cant-stand-ya’ of the show Seinfeld. Well George never wanted his friendship world to collide with his relationship world and would go to extreme measures to avoid the two from ever meeting.
We all have ‘work personalities’ and ‘home personalities’ and the two worlds rarely mix. The at ‘work personality’ is organised and on time, well dressed and presentable, nicely spoken, a team player, dedicated and loyal.
‘Home personality’ sighs once through the front door after a busy day and an even busier commute home, kicks off the shoes and puts on the comfy fluffy slippers. The TV goes on and dinner gets decided then undecided and take away is ordered. ‘Home personality’ takes a slouch on the sofa and tries to forget the washing that has been waiting for 3 days and can wait just one more, as can the dishes in the sink. Perhaps, like most there is kids to bath and homework to complete and once this is all done, a catch up on that new TV series everyone is talking about.
The point is that how we act away from the office is, at times, completely different to the way we act during the day and as a leader and manager knowing your staffs individual personalities in different circumstances is what provides you with the trust that they will act as required when a pressure situation arises.
So, How can companies get staff out of their comfort zones and develop personalities that align with business and team culture? For this to happen some times ‘worlds need to collide’.
To find out what motivates and drives a person – Do Something Different.
Team managers must meet the needs and interests of their staff to ensure a return for any investment is made. Get to know your people by taking them outside their comfort zone and see how they react. Engage in an experience that provides a genuine opportunity for each person to have equal input and show their ‘home personality’.
Once these personalities are revealed managers will have a better understanding of what power and potential lies within their team of people. When problems arise, you already have a greater connection and effective communication and outcome is easier to achieve.
If you don’t provide this experience with a difference, well simply, someone else will.
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