Personality Dimensions in Organizational Culture

People are an organization’s most valuable asset. After all, how would anything get done without people? While it’s true that AI has grown in leaps and bounds over the past few years, the workforce hasn’t yet been overthrown by an army of sentient machines. For now, at least, it’s people that make things happen. The job market has changed drastically, and priorities have shifted. A recent survey showed that the number one reason why people want to leave their current jobs has to do with company culture.

Organizational culture is the set of shared values, beliefs, and practices that define a workplace, while personality is the unique set of traits and characteristics that define an individual’s needs, wants, and behaviours. Whether you are in a position of leadership that can make decisions on how an organization’s culture unfolds, or you’re an employee looking for your best fit, it’s important to understand how each of the four personality dimensions thrive or struggle in certain organizational cultures.

CLSR founder, and director, Denise Hughes has long said that someone’s preference towards Introversion or Extraversion is the first thing you can tell about their personality. When thinking about workplace culture, this is the place to start. Extraverted personalities thrive in environments that are social and collaborative. They thrive in open-plan office spaces, or worksites that require consistent teamwork. They are energized by interaction, and do their best work when they can bounce their ideas off each other. On the other hand, Introverted personalities thrive in environments that are independent and reflective. They need space to work so they can stay focused and pay attention to the details. Introverts do their best work when they conceptualize, and create, on their own, then share their work with the workgroup. The four personality dimensions all have their own preferences for Introversion and Extraversion; how that looks will be different for each of them.

Authentic Blues tend to excel in supportive organizational cultures that emphasize collaboration, empathy, and harmony. They are often sensitive, empathetic, and caring, which can help them build strong relationships with coworkers and clients. In a supportive organizational culture, Authentic Blues can use their emotional intelligence to navigate conflicts and build a positive work environment.

Inquiring Greens tend to excel in competitive organizational cultures that emphasize innovation, risk-taking, and strategic thinking. They are often logical, rational, and analytical, which can help them excel in a culture that is future focused. In a competitive organizational culture, Inquiring Greens can use their strategic thinking skills to find new solutions and help the organization stay ahead of the competition.

Resourceful Oranges tend to thrive in dynamic organizational cultures that emphasize innovation, creativity, and adaptability. They are often, flexible, spontaneous, and go-with-the-flow, which can help them in dynamic environments. In a fast-paced organizational culture, Resourceful Oranges can use their comfort with uncertainty to respond quickly to changing circumstances.

Organized Golds tend to thrive in structured organizational cultures that emphasize efficiency, organization, and predictability. They are often decisive, organized, and goal-oriented, which can help them succeed in a culture with strong traditions. In a structured organizational culture, Organized Golds can use their planning and organizational skills to help the organization achieve its goals.

We humans are pretty complex, and understanding the relationship between personality type and organizational culture can help us find a workplace where we can thrive. By understanding our own personality, and the characteristics of different organizational cultures, we can make informed decisions about where to work and how to navigate the workplace. But just as important, individuals in leadership positions can use this knowledge to create a diverse and inclusive workplace where employees can use their unique strengths and skills to contribute to the success of the organization.

Valentine’s Day with Personality Dimensions

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and you don’t want to leave it until the last minute to get your special someone the perfect gift. While you can get some surprisingly nice flowers and chocolate from your local gas station, it may not be what your partner will appreciate the most. Whether you have been with them for decades or only a few months, having a little inside knowledge (of their personality) will help you find the perfect way to surprise them on the day.

You can easily say that Valentine’s Day was created for the Authentic Blues of the world. They are, after all, Hallmark’s best customers. Authentic Blues are known for wearing their hearts on their sleeves, and showing great concern for the emotions of others. They like to know that other people care about them as much as they care for others. Authentic Blues tend to be sincere creative types; when choosing a gift, remember it really is the thought the counts. So break out those pencil crayons and put some effort into making a card instead of buying one.

More than anything, Authentic Blues want to know that you are thinking about them. Consider something the two of you can do together. While a picnic in the park followed by a long walk on the beach may be a little out of the question for the Extravert in your life, while it’s -20 out, an indoor date at their favourite indie coffee shop or restaurant will be a hit. For the Introverts, check out your favourite maker’s market, or social enterprise for something unique that matches their creative personality.

Believe it or not, Inquiring Greens can be some of the most romantic amongst us. They may not show their emotions as easily as the other dimensions, but Inquiring Greens care deeply for the people close to them, and will go to the end of the earth when needed. They have notoriously high standards; the fact that you were chosen by an Inquiring Green is high praise… you just won’t likely hear them express it. When they open your gift, don’t fret when they don’t seem excited about it, rest assured that they really are. You just need to pay attention to their subtle signs… sometimes VERY close attention.

Inquiring Greens can be difficult to buy for at the best of times; if they really want something, chances are they’ll already have gotten it for themselves. Give them something that shows you’ve been paying attention to the things they care about and their love of learning. The Introverts will appreciate a subscription to a master class or the latest gadget that’s part of their favourite hobby. For the Extraverts, you can’t do wrong with an escape room. 

Organized Golds fully embrace the motto “be prepared.”  If you’re stopping on your way home on the 14^th to pick up a gift, they’re going to know! They are dependable, loyal, and practical. They aren’t generally fans of grand gestures, but traditions are hugely important. When choosing a gift for your Organized Gold partner, remember that practical gifts can be a hit; but take my word for it, small appliances are never a good choice.  For most of them, there’s nothing wrong with a card from the dollar store. It still shows you care, but it also shows that you don’t need to spend $9 on a piece of paper that gets looked at once, to show you care.

Time is a precious to Organized Golds, so giving your undivided attention is key. Turn that cellphone off, and do your best to keep interruptions to a minimum. For the Extravert in your life, tap into their nostalgic side and re-create your first date; go back to that old restaurant and share the same bottle of wine, even if your tastes have matured… as long as it’s practical to do it! For Introverted Organized Golds, stick with something classic; a bouquet of flowers and chocolates are usually a hit. But also consider a gift a relaxation; because Organized Golds are known to put a lot of time and effort at work, and taking care of others, go with something to help them unwind. A spa gift card or their favourite personal care products for an at-home spa experience are greatly appreciated.

If you have a Resourceful Orange partner, you may have just lucked out if you’re reading this on February 14^th, and haven’t done anything for them yet. You may have blinked, and ended up in a long –term, committed relationship with a Resourceful Orange, but that’s what makes them so great. Resourceful Oranges don’t beat around the bush, and are quick to tell you how they feel. This goes for whatever gift you give them, and your relationship as a whole. They need to hear that you appreciate them back, just as quick as they tell you. Resourceful Oranges aren’t as big on traditions as the other dimensions, so don’t wait until Valentine’s Day to show your love and appreciation.

If you are going to mark the day with them, now is the time to be spontaneous, or break out that grand gesture you’ve had up your sleeve. Resourceful Oranges tend to like surprises. For the Extraverts, go to a restaurant without a reservation… and when you realize that everyone booked weeks ago, take a walk through a new neighbourhood and try the first restaurant with a free table, and talk your way in. Remember, it’s about the adventure, not the destination. For the Introverts, get them a subscription box, so they can try something new every month, and think of you when it arrives.

❤️

Whatever you and your partner end up doing or gifting each other on Valentine’s Day, remember it’s about recognizing the two of you. These are just some suggestions, and don’t reflect everyone. Remember that we’re all a unique blend of the four dimensions, and you know your partner best… except for the part about small appliances… definitely don’t do that no matter what you’re thinking.