Getting Along with the New Person at Work, by Personality Type

If you want to have a great relationship with a new coworker (or someone you’re mentoring), personality theory can give you an advantage. It acts like a shortcut when getting to know someone, helping you make the right moves from the start. Yet some of the best ways to connect are universal (kindness doesn’t have a personality type), so here we’ll consider some personality-tailored approaches on two broader fronts.

Wait, how can you know that new person’s personality type? Our Workplace Type Guesser tool can help. You might also try sparking a conversation about personality types and asking if they’ve taken our free test.

One way to connect with a new person at work is to offer professional affirmation and support – validation or aid for their workplace activities. Another is to offer social affirmation and support by welcoming them into an existing group – or just your own good graces. Let’s consider how you might “tune” those two ideas to each personality type.

Connecting with Analyst Personality Types

Architect (INTJ)

Professional: Architects are often perfectionistic and opinionated, so asking about their preferred method of doing something work-related can be a good way to spark an initial connection or, at least, an interesting conversation. They usually love discussing optimization and probably have their own repertoire of tips and tricks to discuss.

Social: These personalities may not obviously prioritize social niceties, but they’ll nonetheless appreciate a welcoming vibe. They’re often used to not fitting in and may shy away from larger social groups at first, but keep the door open with a smile, and they will eventually decide to engage with you.

Logician (INTP)

Professional: Got a problem? Chances are a Logician would appreciate being asked to contribute ideas on how to solve it. Giving them the chance to innovate and theorize toward a useful end is a great way to offer them a positive experience – and connect with them professionally. It doesn’t have to be too formal or major, either.

Social: Logicians can be eclectic and unceremonious about socializing, so don’t be surprised if your offers to involve them in social groups or activities are hit and miss. But on the plus side, when these personalities do join, it’s because their enthusiasm is sincere. (And they inwardly appreciate even the invites they decline.)

Commander (ENTJ)

Professional: One way to give an aptly named Commander a boost in a new job is to put them in charge of deciding something or, at least, to make something hinge significantly on their choice. They love to take decisive action, and it will make them feel valued and respected.

Social: Commanders can have a big presence, but it isn’t always warm, even if it’s cheerful and positive. A great way to make them feel welcome socially is to look past any blunt mannerisms that they may have – at least early on. They rarely mean to offend, so seek out and engage their deeper motives and intentions to really get to know them.

Debater (ENTP)

Professional: Debater personalities are rarely shy in expressing an idea or an opinion, and they find it stimulating when someone can match them in smart, critical analysis. They often test and strengthen their thinking through debate, so aim for a cooperative, friendly “best friend playing devil’s advocate” tone and engage them.

Social: There’s always a chance that Debaters’ relatively blunt, forward manner will make waves. So, if you want to help them integrate socially, give them some information about the people around them to help them make a good impression. Don’t tell them what to do or not to do, just advise them of the social landscape like a friendly ally.

Connecting with Diplomat Personality Types

Advocate (INFJ)

Professional: Advocates tend to be idealists, so asking questions about their perspective on their field can be a good way to connect. Showing interest in their work experiences demonstrates respect and gives them a chance to signal their priorities – a good thing to know if you’ll be working together.

Social: Considerateness is important to Advocates, and so is decorum. When getting to know them, an extra dose of gentle politeness (and paying attention to their responses) will help them feel honored. These personalities take time to get used to new people and situations, but warm, low-pressure social overtures will appeal to them – they just need to get their bearings first.

Mediator (INFP)

Professional: Mediators are dreamers at their core, and in many cases, they apply their imagination to their job. Try to spot any quirky, clever work habits or methods that they have and compliment them. If you don’t see anything obvious, feel free to start a job-related “wouldn’t it be great if…” conversation to tap into their imagination.

Social: Socially, Mediators can be a conundrum, being both openhearted and somewhat private. Chances are they’ll be juggling some internal hopes and doubts in a new workplace, so be sensitive to that. Ushering them into big groups may put them off-kilter even if it appeals to them, so consider starting things off with one-on-one friendliness first.

Protagonist (ENFJ)

Professional: Protagonist personality types often step into a new work setting with big ideas and sincere, positive expectations. A great way to connect is to avoid harshness or irreverence, even in a joking or sarcastic way intended to break tension – save it until you know it’s welcome. Keeping things light and on the level will help Protagonists happily establish themselves.

Social: Figuring out where they can fit into a group is a likely a priority for Protagonists, so feel free to be forward with your welcoming gestures. They’ll probably appreciate being introduced around and meeting everyone. But just to be safe, make sure that the timing is right by asking when, as well as if, they’d like to make the rounds.

Campaigner (ENFP)

Professional: Campaigners love to jump into new things and may throw a lot of energy at their new job. Finding ways to help – or, at least, let – them productively go with their own excited flow can give them much satisfaction, and they’ll appreciate you for it. If some moderation is needed, they’ll be more open to hearing that later.

Social: When it comes to socializing, Campaigners can be a bit scattered yet very enthusiastic. They’ll likely appreciate being invited into groups and activities in or outside of work, but don’t be surprised if their engagement style is a bit random. So, be open and don’t saddle them with strict expectations.

Connecting with Sentinel Personality Types

Logistician (ISTJ)

Professional: These personalities can be very methodical, so doing your best to get them up to speed in their job is a good way to spark a positive professional connection. Logisticians can be particular in their preferred approach, so you don’t necessarily want to give them too much instruction (unless it’s sought or required). It’s more about clueing them in to available tools and resources.

Social: Hands-off, low-pressure social friendliness works well with these types, who may be slow to warm, even if they maintain a scrupulously polite exterior. One of the best ways to connect socially with a Logistician is to earn their respect by mirroring things that they value, like dedication, precision, and efficiency. They’ll find that personally appealing and let you in their circle.

Defender (ISFJ)

Professional: Defenders work best in orderly, harmonious environments. If you can create cooperative, focused circumstances where they can achieve good results by working in tandem with someone else, it’ll help their morale and motivation. They’ll put down solid, satisfying professional roots.

Social: Similarly, Defenders will appreciate the chance to make personal connections with others at a modest, deliberate pace. Exposing them to many people or large groups early on can just make them dizzy. So a sequential series of social invites and gestures is a great way to let them adjust gradually and make the most of their new opportunities.

Executive (ESTJ)

Professional: Executive personalities are born organizers, so giving them an early opportunity to create a little order from chaos can make them feel good and help you connect with them. It’s best if it’s something with a hint of prestige more than a routine chore, but don’t discount the satisfaction they can get from being the ones to solve a long-standing issue that others have ignored.

Social: Executives can be bold and exacting even about their social activities, so while they will likely appreciate any social invitations and overtures, don’t count on them employing a lot of graceful tact. That said, their focused energy can add to any social setting that they do enjoy, so don’t hesitate to welcome them.

Consul (ESFJ)

Professional: Consuls place a lot of value on ideas like teamwork and structure, so involving them in organized group projects early on can create good opportunities to connect with them. Plus, you’ll get a taste of what they can contribute to their new role, and Consul personalities love to feel like they’ve added to the group.

Social: Likewise, Consuls tend to be very socially focused, wanting to find a way to connect with others in the workplace on a personal level. Showing them your own network of professional friendships is a gesture that will be greatly appreciated – and may possibly earn you some real benefits once they’ve established their own connections.

Connecting with Explorer Personality Types

Virtuoso (ISTP)

Professional: These personalities love the freedom to experiment. Any way in which you can help Virtuosos find some room to flex their unique form of ingenuity will help them get going in their job. They’ll appreciate the chance to show their skills and be valued for their differences, without calling uncomfortable attention to them.

Social: Virtuosos often walk an unconventional social path, rarely needing others to feel fulfilled but very happy to find kindred spirits. So, just like in their professional efforts, they often do their best when granted some independence – and appealing options. They’ll choose which coworkers to spend time with, in their own unexpected way.

Adventurer (ISFP)

Professional: Adventurers usually learn best by doing. To support and connect with these personality types, help them find opportunities to engage in tasks with minimal complex verbal instruction beforehand. Get them started and encourage their questions, and they’ll adapt to their role and environment – and appreciate the way you facilitated their learning style.

Social: Gentle and whimsical, Adventurers are usually socially flexible, though not always confident or energetic when it comes to large groups. (They can only take so much before needing a break.) As they’re invited into various social worlds and meet new people, you’ll notice that they’ll naturally gravitate in certain directions, which can give you a clue as to how to support them.

Entrepreneur (ESTP)

Professional: Entrepreneurs are often adept at navigating unfamiliar circumstances. However, these personalities sometimes do so with more bright, dexterous vigor than focus. Gaining a better understanding of the structure and long-term goals of the workplace can help them refine their approach – and if you can find a nonjudgmental way to support that learning, you may become their ally.

Social: Entrepreneurs enjoy spirited banter and social contact, so don’t hesitate to welcome them into any groups. Often ambitious, they may especially appreciate it if you share some targeted networking efforts that can boost their career or personal status. They may not always put much effort into connecting deeply with people, but they are usually an exciting presence.

Entertainer (ESFP)

Professional: Entertainers bring a lot of energy and curiosity to the workplace, and they’re rarely shy about speaking up and venturing into the unfamiliar. To connect with them, consider jumping into something new alongside them, contributing your own style of thinking to the mix in a supportive way. They’ll appreciate the shared enthusiasm and outlet for their energy.

Social: No personality type is more socially inclined than Entertainers, so you may not have to do much more than act lightly as a tour guide to the social world that stems from your shared workplace. They’ll make their own connections. If you like them personally, you can always consider extending friendship outside of work, if it’s appropriate to do so.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a peer or a superior, one of the kindest and most responsible things you can do for someone new to your workplace is to set them up for success. That can involve a lot of moving pieces, not least of which is their personality type and how you approach them. I hope that the above ideas help you get along with that new person, whoever they are.

One thing you can keep in mind is that even in work where success may be defined technically, human beings have a deep emotional need to feel like they belong. How they’re treated by others can boost their morale and productivity – or make them miserable and sluggish on the job. So helping a new person feel genuinely valued is not only a moral thing to do. It can also make a positive practical impact in the workplace. I think that’s a win-win.