Different work styles

By Taru Bahl

Dictionary is the only place where success comes before work. Although work is an integral part of our lives, each of us has a distinct style of working. The results achieved by the early riser and the one who swears by the solitude of the night may be the same but their entire approach towards work is opposite. On one hand, there are excellent networkers who without lifting a finger get all their work done, while on the other, there are those who overburden themselves since they find it impossible to delegate responsibility. There are also those who postpone a task till the eleventh hour, and then they have to muster all their resources and energy to meet deadlines. These people work best only when the Damocles sword is hanging over their head. In contrast, there are those who feel safe splitting their tasks into comfortable time zones. Last minute tensions are not for them. There may not be much variance in the quality of their work since one was consistent, while the other was fast and efficient.

Some of us like to get easy tasks out of the way first. It gives us a sense of achievement and satisfaction. There are, of course, others, who like to tackle the tougher tasks first when their minds and bodies are fresh and receptive. Some of us cannot focus attention on the task at hand till we have snooped around and collected information on what our colleagues are up to while others may not feel threatened in any way. Interestingly, in a class of 30, all may secure high first divisions though they may be following 30 different approaches towards work. They do so not because they want to be different, but because they are different. In school and college this may not matter as long as one secures the right percentage of marks. But when it comes to measuring how happy, successful, content and spirited we are, it is one’s attitude towards work that makes all the difference.

As infants we work overtime, absorbing the wonders of our new world. As students we work purposefully towards acquiring basic knowledge and skills. As adults we work to support ourselves and those who are dependent on us and then work towards upgrading our status. The bottom line is that there is no escaping work. It is good to know what makes our minds tick. It is also good to know how and why others end up doing the same thing better than us, given the same resources and time. Finally, we adapt, change and improvise our work styles in order to maximise physical output and mental satisfaction that comes out of doing a job well.

Just as animals have certain temperamental traits and strengths or limitations based on their physiological make-up which go into determining the pattern of their work, we too have our unique work styles. Turtles withdraw into the safe cocoon of their shells. For them avoidance is the best form of reaction. They, or people like them, feel defeated even before entering the battle arena. They lack the mental strength to confront issues and resolve conflicts. They manage to survive but since they lack the fighting spirit they often remain mediocre. Although they make good workhorses, following instructions unquestioningly, they cannot be depended upon in moments of crisis. The moment they see an option which allows them to be lax, they throw up their hands and slow down. It is not that they do not have the talent but their low level of confidence and poor communication skills keep them from unleashing it.

"As opposed to turtles, thereare sharks. Aggressive, goal-oriented and ambitious, they try to overpower their opponents by sheer physical force.They are not too concerned about what the world thinks of them. They want to win even if it means attacking, overpowering, dominating and intimidating others. Some of the world’s most successful sports persons and entrepreneurs fall in this category. They have a vision and the temerity to actualise their potential. They are bold go-getters. They are so driven by the desire to achieve that they do not even notice that they may be trampling on others’ toes, hurting their sentiments and grabbing opportunities which were offered to them. When it comes to work, they do not allow relationships to be stumbling blocks. Family and friends have to understand their burning need to achieve, possess, acquire and progressively move forward. They may be perceived as high achievers who have everything going for them but on a personal level they may be bereft of warm loving bonds because they did not make any investments there.

Teddy bears are soft, sentimental and emotional. For them the human element is important. They are popular because they are compassionate, understanding and sympathetic. What causes their undoing is their inability to keep business and pleasure apart. They end up making emotional decisions which may be detrimental to professional interests. They often make errors of judgement. People take advantage of their trusting and soft nature, leaving them hurt and disillusioned. They lack the killer instinct and are given to making compromises in favour of harmony and goodwill. They may have exceptional family bonds and a vast social circle but they could be responsible for the downswing in their business profile. Teddy’s are not given to working very hard. They are used to a comfortable lifestyle.

Foxes are wily, streetsmart and self-oriented. They rarely make bad business decisions. Good at manipulating people, they do not hesitate in exploiting those who are vulnerable. They resort to blackmail, threats and cheating to better their prospects. For them, getting the task accomplished either by hook or by crook is of paramount importance. They are excellent negotiators. They measure everything in quantifiable terms. Even in friendships they seek visible gains. Ruthless and tough, they do not shirk hard work. They also push others to put in their best. They have the go-getters spirit. Rarely do they leave tasks undone. They set high standards and are ambitious. They want to reach the top fast and manage to do so, too. They may make staunch enemies in the process, hurt some of their close ones, but at the end of the day they have no regrets because their happines is directly linked with their achievements.

Owls have a healthy and balanced approach. They value people resources and try hard to make the most of what is available. Their actions are preceded by thought and strategy. They would rather confront and fight things out than cheat and take short-cuts. Their solutions usually suit both sides because they think for themselves but not by excluding others completely. They are both successful and popular. People turn to them for advice and support and look upto them for inspiration. Even if they do not have a long string of achievements they are secure and happy. They work at their own pace, enjoying whatever they do.

Mules and donkeys are called upon to perform the toughest and most boring tasks. Since they are uncomplaining others walk roughshod over them. Every office has people who conform to these traits. They quietly bear the brunt since they are resigned to their fate convinced that they are not cut out for anything better. Even if they have resentful feelings, they swallow their pride and continue to be burdened. Often they are ignored, their efforts unappreciated and loyalty unnoticed. Relegated to the background, although they are part of the system, they remain alienated.

Each one of us can identify with some of these work attributes. It helps to know where one fits in and to do a thorough introspection to see if any change, howsoever miniscule, holds the possibility of enhanced prospects. To complete the profile of the effective worker speed, intelligence and calibre are crucial inputs no doubt but what is equally important is to be a good judge of people, realistic about one’s strengths and limitations and to be patient and pragmatic.