The Ontario Broker - June 2018 - 36

AN OFFICE OF
CHARACTERS
KEVIN O'HARE, EDUCATION SUPERVISOR & INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNER, IBAO

eing involved in education for the better
part of 20 years, I've encountered certain
'characters' in nearly every classroom. When I
transitioned to office environments, I noticed
that these personalities seemed to have followed me
there. Luckily, there are proven techniques for dealing
with these personalities in a respectful manner that
allows everyone to remain productive. Looking for
these personalities and knowing how to address
them could help you keep things moving smoothly in
meetings, group projects or day-to-day work.

to be coaxed out of their shell. For example, if they've
retreated into their phone, ask them about what they're
doing to pull their attention back. "See anything cool on
Instagram? My feed is full of bad pictures of brunch -
can you recommend any photographers I can follow?"
Lock onto a topic that inspires them, and use a short
mix of questions to get them to respond. Engage them
individually to hook them into the moment, but to
make this a long-term connection you'll have to inquire
about them regularly.

The Fidgeter is a person who seems anxious or overThe Attention Seeker is a particularly dominant
caffeinated. Either their leg moves with a mind of its own
person. They speak first and continue to speak
or they're endlessly tapping a pen, making everybody
whether or not they have a point.
crazy. The Fidgeter uses this
Everyone else is left listening and
physical outlet to burn some excess
can rarely interject a complete
energy and focus their attention in
thought. Their perception is that
less stimulating environments, like
EACH OF THESE
their contributions are active and
an office.
CHARACTERS ARE
engaged, but, in reality they derail
more than they build.
TEMPORARY STATES You'll want to give The Fidgeter
more to do than sit and observe. If
- ANYONE COULD
A trick that helped me work with
you have a one-on-one meeting with
an Attention Seeker is to set a START OR STOP THESE them, ask them for a walk while you
time-limit for how long I'm going
chat, rather than meeting at either of
BEHAVIOURS OVER
to be there. For example, if you
your desks. If you're holding a group
TIME.
have an Attention Seeker in your
meeting with a Fidgeter present, you
office, try saying, "I've got to leave
can give them a job to keep them
in 5 minutes, but I wanted to let you know I'm starting a
occupied, like taking notes or running the PowerPoint.
new project on a chore wheel, so I'll come by before the
For longer meetings, plan a break halfway through and
end of day to show you the design. Talk to you then!"
encourage everyone to get up for a couple minutes. It
Keep the point basic, make it a declaration without
may be awkward the first time, but beginning a meeting
room to discuss. They'll appreciate the clarity and will
by leading everyone in a stretch can help too.
respond well to the efficient way you get things done.
What I realized over the years being in front of a group
The Pedestrian is a person who seems very passive.
was how public my emotional reactions were and how
Appearing disinterested or distracted, they can be seen
much it impacted participation. How you deal with
having excessive side conversations during work or
each of these people really depends on how well you can
spending long periods of time on their phones. When
keep a mask of calm and fairness. Anyone who reads
asked to contribute they're very capable, but without
your frustration will immediately put up a wall and
prompting they seem disengaged.
shut out your intentions. It's important to remember
that each of these characters are temporary states -
The Pedestrian often stays in the background because
anyone could start or stop any of these behaviours over
they lack a level of confidence, that could be related
time. Long-held behaviours take longer to change, but
to hating the limelight or assuming another (i.e. the
if you're prepared to stick with an approach until you
Attention Seeker) will get it anyway. What they need is
see results, you'll continue to grow your circle of peers.

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Ontario Broker - June 2018