4 Employee Types at Work and How to Influence Each One

READING TIME - 4 MINUTES

No matter where you work or what industry you’re in, you’re going to encounter four distinct types of personalities.

And I’m not talking about titles or roles here, but the types of people you interact with on a daily basis.

Understanding these personality types is critical, not just for getting along with colleagues, but for influencing them in a way that drives results.

The truth is, we don’t teach this in school, and many of the challenges employees face stem from not knowing how to adapt to different personality styles.

Over the past 24 years, I’ve worked with hundreds of employees, and I’ve come to realize that there are four basic types of people that you’ll encounter in the workplace.

If you don’t understand who you’re talking to, you’ll fail to communicate effectively with them.

Think about this—have you ever been in a meeting where people aren’t listening to you?

It’s likely because you’re not using the right communication approach for your audience. 

Knowing who you’re talking to is the key to making sure you’re heard and understood.

In this newsletter, we’re going to break down the four types of employees you’ll find at work and give you tips on how to influence each one effectively.

Personality 1: The "Get It Done" Planner

These individuals are all about order, processes, and precision.

They love things to be clear, organized, and predictable.

They thrive in environments where systems are in place and goals are measurable.

How to Influence Them:

• Be clear and concise: Stick to the facts and avoid being overly emotional or vague.
• Respect their time: Keep meetings and conversations on track and avoid unnecessary small talk.
• Show them data: Structured people love having clear evidence and concrete examples to back up your points.

Personality 2: The "People-First" Connector

People-oriented employees value relationships, team cohesion, and emotional connection.

They’re often the ones who are friendly, empathetic, and always ready to listen.

They care deeply about how decisions affect the team and the work environment.

How to Influence Them:

• Build a personal connection: Take the time to understand their needs and motivations.
• Engage in meaningful conversations: Show that you value their input and foster a collaborative environment.
• Appeal to their emotions: They respond well to messages that speak to their personal values and relationships.

Personality 3: The "Move Fast, Get Results" Achiever

Action-oriented employees are driven by results and efficiency.

They don’t like to waste time and want to see progress quickly.

They’re fast-paced, decisive, and focused on moving forward, often with little patience for delays.

How to Influence Them:

• Keep it brief and focused: These people want the key points, not a detailed explanation.
• Highlight quick wins: Show them how your ideas can generate immediate results or solve a problem.
• Challenge them: Give them something exciting to do or a challenge to conquer. They love action.

Personality 4: The "Innovative" Visionary

Creator-oriented employees are innovative, creative, and often think outside the box.

They value originality and enjoy coming up with new ideas or solving complex problems.

They don’t like being boxed in by rigid structures.

How to Influence Them:

• Encourage their creativity: Give them the freedom to explore new ideas and solutions.
• Offer flexibility: Let them approach problems in their own unique way.
• Collaborate on vision: Creators want to know that their ideas can make an impact. Appeal to their desire to innovate and bring new solutions to the table.

Final words...

Knowing who you’re talking to at work is one of the most important things you can do to ensure you’re communicating effectively.

Each personality type requires a different approach, and adapting your style to fit your audience will help you win their trust and respect.

So next time you find yourself in a meeting or conversation where people aren’t quite engaging, take a moment to think about who you’re speaking with.

Are you speaking their language?

Adjusting your approach can be the key to breaking through and influencing them effectively.