HOME

Clashing types at work and home

Which of each of the following statement pairs do you identify with more?

I'll get on the phone right now!
vs
I'll write them an email!
We need a concrete plan.
vs
We need to stay flexible.
Oops, I shouldn't have said that!
vs
Looking back, I wish I had said that!
Let's get down to business.
vs
Let's get to know each other.            

Now, imagine having to work with people who identify with precisely the opposite ones...     

In truth, you probably don't have to imagine it, right? I'm sure we've all experienced working with people who have a completely different approach to work and communication than we do. These differences in preferences have been shown to be the greatest causes of conflicts in the work place, or any other situation where humans interact.

Whether the differing preferences are innate or due to the influences of culture, they can clash.

"Culture" of course doesn't just refer to different nationalities. It can refer to any culture that inevitably develops whenever humans are together for a period of time. On top of the preferences you were born with, your family, hometown, school and workplace will also have exerted their influences on how you prefer to interact with others. 

As a licenced practitioner of the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) and experienced in the Cultural Orientations Approach, I can help you to identify for yourself what your preferences are and how this knowledge can help you interact with others.