What is a working style?

In today’s dynamic work environment, understanding working styles has emerged as a fundamental aspect for human resource professionals. The term ‘working style’ encompasses the distinctive approach individuals adopt while performing tasks, collaborating with teams, and managing professional responsibilities. This blog post aims to unpack the nuances of working styles, their significance, and how recognising them can lead to enhanced productivity, improved collaboration, and increased career satisfaction. As the workplace continues to evolve, particularly after the Great Resignation, understanding these styles is more important than ever.

What is a Working Style?

A working style refers to an individual’s unique method of completing tasks and engaging with colleagues. It includes preferences in communication, problem-solving techniques, time management strategies, and overall work practices. Gaining insight into one’s working style is essential for acknowledging personal strengths and weaknesses, which can in turn improve efficiency and workplace satisfaction [1][2].

Why is Understanding Working Styles Important?

Understanding working styles is crucial for several reasons:

• Self-Awareness: Recognising one’s approach allows individuals to identify their strengths and areas for growth, aiding in personal and professional development.
• Collaboration: Acknowledging the diverse approaches within a team can significantly enhance teamwork and collective output.
• Job Satisfaction: Aligning roles with personal working styles can lead to higher job satisfaction and thus, lower turnover rates [1][2].
• Adaptability: Awareness of various working styles equips individuals to adjust their methods as needed, improving effectiveness in varying situations [2].

Types of Working Styles

Working styles can be categorised into several distinct types. Each approach has unique characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses.

1. Logical Working Style

Individuals with a logical working style exhibit strong analytical thinking, critical analysis, and data-driven decision-making. They thrive in structured settings and often excel in roles that require thorough problem-solving and critical thinking skills [1][2][5].

2. Supportive Working Style

Supportive workers prioritise collaboration, teamwork, and emotional intelligence. They aim to foster positive relationships and balance group dynamics, which is essential for effective teamwork [1][3][5].

3. Detail-Oriented Working Style

Detail-oriented individuals are characterised by their focus on precision, organisation, and thoroughness. They tend to approach tasks methodically, ensuring accuracy and adherence to high standards [1][3][5].

4. Idea-Oriented Working Style

Those who favour an idea-oriented approach place value on creativity and innovation. They excel in brainstorming discussions and thrive in roles requiring strategic vision and big-picture thinking [1][3][5].

Current Trends and the Impact on HR Practices

The significance of understanding working styles has gained traction in the wake of recent trends such as the Great Resignation. Today’s professionals are actively pursuing roles that resonate with their values and personal working styles. This shift highlights a growing trend towards self-awareness in career choices [2]. Human resource professionals must adapt to this climate by ensuring job roles align with the diverse working styles within their teams.

The Benefits of Understanding Working Styles

Understanding working styles yields several key advantages that contribute to organisational success:

1. Enhanced Productivity

Recognising personal working styles enables individuals to better manage their tasks and approach challenges efficiently. This self-awareness often leads to increased work efficiency and improved outcomes across various projects [1][4].

2. Improved Collaboration

When HR professionals understand the different working styles present in their teams, they can foster improved collaboration. Acknowledging each team member’s strengths and adapting collaboration strategies can enhance teamwork and drive better results [1][4][5].

3. Increased Career Satisfaction

Self-awareness concerning working styles facilitates a better fit between individuals and their roles, resulting in heightened job satisfaction. When employees enjoy their work and feel understood, they are more likely to remain with their organisation, reducing turnover rates [1][2].

4. Greater Adaptability

With an understanding of various working styles, professionals can adjust their methods to suit different situations. This adaptability empowers individuals to be versatile and effective in a range of professional contexts [2].

Practical Steps for HR Professionals

As HR professionals, embracing the concept of working styles can lead to transformative changes in organisational culture. Here are practical steps to implement this understanding within your workforce:

1. Conduct Assessments

Utilise tools such as personality assessments or working style inventories to help team members gain insight into their unique approaches. This can form the basis for deeper discussions about individual strengths and preferences.

2. Foster Open Communication

Create a culture of open communication where employees feel comfortable discussing their working styles. These conversations can enhance understanding among team members and improve collaboration.

3. Tailor Teamwork Strategies

Leverage the strengths of different working styles in team settings. Adjust collaboration techniques and project management strategies to make the most of each individual’s approach, fostering mutual respect and understanding.

4. Continuous Learning and Development

Encourage ongoing development opportunities that align with different working styles. This can include workshops on emotional intelligence for supportive styles or critical thinking training for logical styles. Investing in personalised development creates well-rounded employees who are engaged and satisfied with their roles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, recognising and understanding working styles is an essential endeavour for HR professionals seeking to cultivate a thriving workplace. These styles, rooted in unique personality traits and skills, shape how individuals approach tasks and engage with colleagues. As organisations adapt to the significant changes in the workforce, prioritising alignment between roles and individual working styles will contribute to overall success. Learning how to harness and appreciate these diverse approaches will not only enhance productivity but also foster a culture of satisfaction and collaboration. For further insights, you may find value in consulting sources such as Yaroons, Krisp, Built In, and Personio [1][2][3][4].