Dominant Trait .
When the Dominant trait is overdeveloped, or when people high in D become stressed, they can become impatient, blunt to the point of being insensitive, may force decisions or take actions without first forming a consensus, and use their authority instead of persuasion to get what they want.
Challenges with dominant personalities in a team environment:
• Some people can feel intimidated by a colleague's strength of character. Dominant people may ride roughshod over others' feelings. Their blunt approach can "rub people up the wrong way," and may create personal conflicts.
• When frustrated, dominant people may not be able to control their temper, tone or body language, which can cause difficulty building and maintaining positive relationships with their fellow team members.
• Other team members may find it frustrating trying to deal with a dominant colleagues' perceived arrogance and self-importance.
• A consequence of having one personality dominate the group is that some team members may not feel comfortable sharing their opinions, and good ideas may be lost.
Tips to help Manage an employee with a Dominant Personality
A dominant team member may not realize how his/her behavior affects their colleagues. In order to maintain morale and unity within your team, you'll want to build on their strengths and downplay the more challenging aspects. Here are a few ideas on how to do that:
How to Bring out the Best in Dominant People
• Assign them challenging work. Many people with dominant personalities enjoy being challenged at work, so try to find projects that will test their skills and abilities.
• Recognize their work. Like all team members, dominant people enjoy being praised for their ideas and work.
• Let them chart their own course. If they work well independently, assign them individual projects that only require them to have limited contact with the rest of the team. Focus on the "what," and let them figure out the "how."
• Don't constrain their big ideas. Dominant people often come up with bold, creative solutions. Rather than stifle their enthusiasm by pointing out flaws, suggest ways their ideas may become even more effective. If you have an alternative suggestion, explain how it may offer a quicker route to your desired results.
Minimizing the Negative Effects of Dominant Behavior
• Approach dominant people on their level. Keep conversations targeted and brief. Speak confidently. Avoid generalizations and support your assertions with evidence.
• Discuss the impact of their behavior. A dominant person may not actually realize how his behavior is affecting the rest of the team. Talk privately with him to explain your concerns, using specific examples.
• Treat them with respect. Dominant people want others to hear and appreciate their opinions. Show respect for them and their viewpoints.
• Encourage teamwork. Consider ways of improving your team's dynamics. Most teams can benefit from team building, especially in building trust.
• Conduct personality testing. Psychometric testing can enrich your understanding of your team, and encourage your team members to learn more about themselves and one another; this in turn may help strengthen their relationships with each other.
Dr Anshul Mahajan
Consultant psychiatrist