Unless you work alone, at one time or another you’re going to end up navigating workplace dynamics. It can be tricky, especially when personality clashes come up. We’ve all had those times when working with a colleague feels like putting together a puzzle with mismatched pieces. It can be frustrating and counterproductive, leaving everyone feeling misunderstood. You know that they are a perfectly nice person, but there’s just something that gets in the way. But what if it isn’t a barrier, but actually an opportunity? By understanding yourself and others, you can transform these moments of friction into innovation and growth.
Before we dive it, it’s important to remember that we are made up of a blend of all four dimensions. In Personality Dimensions, it’s called plaid. I don’t mean the shirts that were popular in the 90s (that I refuse to get rid of), plaid refers to the idea that we’re all a mix of the four personality types – Authentic Blue, Resourceful Orange, Inquiring Green, and Organized Gold. Think of it like a tartan fabric; we all have threads of each colour running through us, even if one colour stands out more than the others.
You might think you’re in the clear because you share the same primary personality with a coworker. You might have the same thought processes, but you won’t see eye-to-eye everything. Even two Inquiring Greens can butt heads over whose ideas are better, or two Organized Golds might disagree on the best way to structure a project. It’s like when two chefs try to make the same dish; they might use the same ingredients, but their methods and final presentations could be worlds apart!
That said, there are some common patterns in how different personalities interact. Authentic Blues and Resourceful Oranges will click because of their shared people-oriented outlook and optimism. Inquiring Greens and Organized Golds, on the other hand, both have high standards and can be pretty critical (in a good way, of course!). Think of them as the quality control team of the personality world.
It would be amazing if all we did was embrace and celebrate differences, but in reality, differences can cause friction too. Inquiring Greens and Authentic Blues can clash over communication styles, with Greens being too direct for Blues‘ liking, and Greens waiting for Blues to get to the point. Organized Golds and Resourceful Oranges can butt heads over planning and execution, with Golds wanting a detailed road map and Oranges preferring to wing it.
So, how do we deal with these clashes? Well, the first step is to embrace your plaid. Remember that your coworkers, just like you, have threads of all four colours running through them. This can help you find common ground and adapt your approach. It’s like being a chameleon, but instead of changing colours, you’re adjusting your communication style! Just because one way isn’t your preferred style, doesn’t mean you can’t do it.
You also need to pay attention to how your colleague communicates and what they prefer. Try to understand their perspective and not make any assumptions. Once you’ve got a handle on their style, you can adjust yours to match. For example, you might be more direct with an Inquiring Green or put aside time to check in with an Authentic Blue. Or clear and precise with an Organized Gold, and get to the point quickly with a Resourceful Orange.
Remember to always keep your eyes on the prize; your shared work goals. Despite your differences, you and your coworker are probably working towards the same objectives. Keeping this in mind can help maintain a sense of teamwork, even when you’re butting heads. It’s like being on a road trip; you might disagree on the route, but you’re all trying to get to the same destination.
When thinking about differences, flip the script; instead of seeing your differences as obstacles, try viewing them as opportunities. An Organized Gold’s attention to detail can be the perfect complement to an Inquiring Green’s big-picture thinking. Together, you might come up with solutions neither of you would have thought of alone.
Overall, don’t forget about compromise. Your way isn’t the only way, and neither is theirs. Be open to finding a middle ground that works for both of you. It might take some negotiation, but the results are usually worth it. You’re not changing everything about you, you’re making small changes in how you approach and interact with others that will have a big impact on them.
At the end of the day, working with clashing personalities can be a challenge, but it’s also a chance to grow. By understanding yourself and others and embracing your plaid, we can navigate these differences more effectively. Our core personality traits might not change, but we can always get better at working with different types of people.
Next time you’re feeling frustrated with a coworker, take a step back. Approach the situation with curiosity and empathy. Be willing to adapt. You might just find that those personality clashes lead to some great outcomes. When a workplace embraces diverse personalities, you want to go to work and do your best.

One Response
Brad, I love your insights here on the many many ways our different types may clash and yet with a change of attitude, we can look for the opportunities of how to bring our strengths to any situation.
Thank you too for the reminder that we are all plaid! I live in Scotland now so it is especially fitting.