It Can Be A Real Zoo Out There!
Working with people is often more demanding than lion taming. Perhaps that’s because there is an animal inside many of us, suggest Frances Norwood and Annette Nunez, professors at the University of Southwestern Louisiana. They use animals to describe traits of difficult people and then suggest ways to "tame" them.
BULLS
They come out charging, attacking the other person, usually because they feel frustrated. Because they feel their victims are inferior, they believe they have tremendous power and often act abusive, abrupt and intimidating.
To Manage BULLS:
- Let them speak for awhile to let off steam.
- Sit or stand deliberately and dramatically to get their attention.
- Call them by name and maintain eye contact.
- Ask them to have a seat.
- Present your ideas forcefully.
- Refuse to argue.
- Be as friendly as possible.
HYENAS
They "chill out" people’s positive feelings. They lack faith on other people and wilt them with sarcasm and doubts.
To manage Hyenas:
- When they predict failure, ask: "What’s the worst thing that can happen?"
- Make positive statements about past successes.
- Show your determination to take action and succeed.
RHINOCEROSES
They are strong, knowledgeable people whose "know-it-all"attitudes are overbearing. Their ideas are best; yours unimportant, except to point out shortcomings.
To manage Rhinoceroses:
- Be certain your facts are correct when you present ideas to them.
- Repeat what they say to avoid their over-explanation.
- Use questions when you express disagreement.
"MACAW" PARROTS
They talk and chatter–sometimes sense, sometimes nonsense. They feel powerless and think others should behave in certain ways, and they complain when they don’t.
To manage "Macaws":
- Give them your full attention and maintain eye contact–so they’ll feel important.
- If they have a complaint, don’t jump to conclusions before you hear the matter out.
- Ask for facts, and get the complaint in writing.
CUBS
They are humorous, friendly and cooperative. They agree, whether or not that’s what they truly think. Needing to be liked leads them to make unrealistic commitments.
To manage Cubs:
- Let them know they can be honest.
- Compliment them.
- When you suspect their commitments, say, "I don’t think I could do that in the time you’ve allotted. When I did that it took me more time."
- Look for true feelings in their humor.
OSTRICHES
They stick their heads in the sand, handling painful situations in noncommittal ways. They tend to avoid other people and themselves.
To manage Ostriches:
- Use questions to get them to talk. Don’t fill in the silences.
- Summarize what they say, ending the summary with an open-ended sentence.
- Listen attentively when they talk. End the discussion if they clam up, but set up another appointment.
SNAKES
They enjoy blending in with the surroundings and striking suddenly when their victims least expect it.
To manage Snakes:
- Bring problems out into the open.
- Involve the group.
- Smoke out hidden problems through surveys, suggestion boxes, etc.
CHEETAHS
They burst forth in sudden temper displays (a tactic learned early in life to cope with fear and helplessness), as an automatic response to threat.
To manage Cheetahs:
- Sincerely try to alleviate their fears.
- Help them regain confidence and control.
- Talk with them privately.
PEACOCKS
They pretend to be experts, but aren’t, so often give wrong or partially correct advice.
To Manage Peacocks:
- Let them maintain their dignity, but don’t rely on their information.
- Remind them of facts diplomatically.
TURKEYS
They can’t make a decision. they’re usually nice, but hope most situations will resolve themselves or be forgotten before they must decide.
To manage Turkeys:
- Talk through the decision-making process step-by-step.
- Listen carefully to identify their fears.
- Show why ideas or proposals are worthwhile.
- Emphasize the need to be decisive.
BEAVERS
They are hard-working and proficient but they arouse other employees’ jealousy and suspicion. They often are underpaid because they don’t demand more, or are bypassed for promotion to keep them doing their present jobs.
To manage Beavers:
- Don’t exploit them, and don’t make them favorites.
- Advise them to channel some energy into developing better relationships with fellow employees.
SUGGESTION: Recognize your co-workers’ animal types-and your own. Of course, no one is an animal all the time-it’s stressful situations that bring out the beast in us.
Warm Regards,
Gina McKee
Gina McKee is a yoga enthusiast, movie buff, and a firm believer in the MindBody connection. Her app, Chai Pro-Insight to go, is available from Amazon, ITunes and Google Play. She also has a private practice in O’Fallon, Il. specializing in counseling women and children of all ages.
Connect with Gina on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google Plus and Pinterest