5. The Socializer
Common characteristics
• They enjoy chitchatting with everyone and hanging out at the water cooler or in the lunchroom. Setting up lunch plans with fellow employees consumes a big part of their morning.
• Socializers possess the ability to talk to anybody about anything. While this can be useful in many situations, it can also impede productivity.
Cause of behavior
Extreme desire to be liked and accepted by everyone. The socializer believes achievement of workplace rewards can only be attained by developing deep personal connections with fellow co-workers or clients.
Ways to improve productivity
Take the socializer aside and have a one-on-one conversation. “An employer should say something like, ‘You have a target that you haven’t met, and here’s what I think the reason is. What do you think we can do to fix the situation?’” Dominguez explains.
“It isn’t meant to be confrontational, aggressive, or right- or wrong-oriented,” she adds. “It’s meant to be collaborative between you and the employee.”
Point out that the socializer’s habits are not only hampering their job efficiency, but the productivity of others in the office. The behavior also limits their potential to take on added responsibility and, therefore, advance their career.
Job requirements also need to be clearly defined for the socializer, adds Young. Once they are established, supervisors can then set measurable targets.
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