Drive by Friday

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Drive by Friday –

Thriving Through Diversity

Have you ever wondered why some colleagues thrive in brainstorming sessions while others prefer quiet time to reflect before contributing? Or why some jump into action quickly while others pause to consider every angle?

These differences often come down to personality types—and in today’s workplace, understanding them isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.

Why Personality Diversity Matters

Every team is a mosaic of personalities. Some people are analytical, others more intuitive. Some lead with empathy, others with logic. And while this can occasionally cause friction, it’s also what fuels creative problem-solving, balanced decision-making, and team resilience.

The goal isn’t to make everyone the same - it’s to understand each other well enough to work better together.

Understanding the Basics

Having a shared way to describe how we think, communicate, and relate to others can help teams work more effectively together. For instance:

Introverts may prefer written communication and time to reflect
Extroverts often think out loud and thrive in dynamic settings
Thinkers tend to focus on logic and objectivity
Feelers prioritise harmony and values in decision-making

Recognising these traits in yourself and others is the first step to better collaboration.

Making Personality Differences Work for You

Here are a few tips to help teams work in sync even when styles differ:

Communicate Intentionally: Tailor your message - some prefer details, others need the big picture
Be Curious, Not Judgmental: What looks like hesitation might be careful thinking - what feels like impulsiveness might be decisive action
Play to Strengths: Don’t force a round peg into a square hole - let each person shine in their own way
Create Space for All Voices: Some need encouragement to speak, others need reminders to pause and listen

Leading with Personality Awareness

If you're in a leadership role, consider these:

Flex your management style: One-size-fits-all rarely works
Build psychological safety: Make it safe for every personality to speak up
Encourage self-awareness: Invite your team to explore their strengths and communication preferences

Food for Thought

“Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.” – Stephen Covey

This week, try tuning into your own personality style - and notice one thing a teammate does differently that might actually be a strength.