Team spirit 2012: managing a team of diverse characters

We all recognise that successful teams thrive on strong, flexible team players who share values and goals and perform well. A seemingly simple equation, but establishing a group dynamic that works on all levels, requires not only unlimited talent and innovation, but also careful managing and a little luck - the right people at the right time. 

Team spirit is a buzzword that's banded around on a daily basis, considered a major factor in sustained success whether you're the Spanish national football squad, a girl group, or work colleagues, but which mix of personalities makes for a winning formula and which has the potential to be a toxic combination if not managed correctly? 

Beverley Stone is a chartered business psychologist and it's her opinion that in a team of six colleagues there will typically be three distinct character types on display, categorised as adult, childlike and adolescent.

"The adult personality tends to be straightforward to deal with. Independent, responsible, reliable, and holding the right values. Quite happy to follow orders, but has plenty of initiative if an event occurs that doesn't exactly follow the script. At ease with themselves they rarely have a problem taking orders from the top and they're never embarrassed to admit that they need help with something." 

Verdict: A majority of adults makes for an easy time, minor management hiccups and a productive team. These personalities are motivated by challenges and responsibility.

"The childlike personality needs a lot of hand holding. Seeking reassurance at almost every step, they like close supervision and working to a script - being asked to use their initiative or lead from the front is totally alien to them. Responsibility and having to think for themselves are quite terrifying prospects. Their talent best flourishes when it is being directed by someone they respect and admire." 

Verdict: Empowering the childlike element can be exhausting for a manager. Always give them a very specific and comprehensive brief before they begin a task so that they don't feel the need to keep popping back and checking they're doing things correctly. 

"Finally, there's the counter dependent adolescent personality; the one with the toxic tendencies. This character can be relied upon to do the opposite of what they're asked to do, or to do as they're told reluctantly. They have a problem with authority and can react either aggressively or sulkily to your face or behind your back passive-aggressively if not handled correctly. They also tend to be the maverick genius types that can put an artistic team on the map and so reaching some kind of understanding is essential if you're going to co-exist in harmony."

Verdict: Exceptional talent compensates for a lot in hairdressing and therefore there's plenty to be said for giving conflict resolution a good go. However, too many second chances will undermine the morale of the entire team. As an effective and authoritative manager you have to recognise when enough is enough.

Teams thrive when they're comprised of people who both express their thoughts and ideas clearly, and who listen attentively when their colleagues do the same. Doing this creates a dialogue that drives success. Exemplary team players willingly share ideas, knowledge, and experience. They care just as much about the team and the team's efforts as they do about their own work.