How can you help employees network with colleagues who have different work styles?

1 Identify work styles

The first step to help your employees network with colleagues who have different work styles is to identify what those styles are. Work styles are the preferences, habits, and behaviors that people have when they work, such as how they organize, communicate, collaborate, and make decisions. There are many ways to assess work styles, such as using personality tests, surveys, or observation. You can also ask your employees to self-reflect on their own work styles, and share them with their colleagues. By identifying work styles, you can help your employees understand their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of others.

2 Appreciate diversity

The second step to help your employees network with colleagues who have different work styles is to appreciate the diversity that they bring to the workplace. Diversity can be a source of creativity, innovation, and problem-solving, as well as a way to foster inclusion and belonging. However, diversity can also create conflicts, misunderstandings, and frustrations, if not managed well. You can help your employees appreciate diversity by encouraging them to be curious, respectful, and open-minded towards their colleagues who have different work styles. You can also highlight the benefits and opportunities that diversity offers, such as learning new skills, expanding networks, and accessing different resources.

4 Collaborate productively

The fourth step to help your employees network with colleagues who have different work styles is to collaborate productively. Collaboration is the process of working together towards a common goal, which can enhance the quality and efficiency of work, as well as the satisfaction and engagement of employees. However, collaboration can also be challenging, especially when people have different work styles, such as how they plan, execute, and evaluate tasks. You can help your employees collaborate productively by setting clear and realistic goals, roles, and deadlines for each project. You can also help them leverage the strengths and complement the weaknesses of each team member, as well as monitor and adjust the progress and performance of the team.

5 Manage conflicts

The fifth step to help your employees network with colleagues who have different work styles is to manage conflicts. Conflicts are inevitable in any workplace, especially when people have different work styles, opinions, and interests. However, conflicts can also be constructive, if they are handled properly. They can help people learn from each other, improve their relationships, and find better solutions. You can help your employees manage conflicts by creating a culture of trust, respect, and feedback in your organization. You can also help them develop some conflict resolution skills, such as identifying the root causes, expressing their emotions, listening to others, and finding common ground.

6 Seek feedback

The sixth and final step to help your employees network with colleagues who have different work styles is to seek feedback. Feedback is the information that people receive about their actions, behaviors, and outcomes, which can help them improve their performance, skills, and relationships. However, feedback can also be difficult to give and receive, especially when people have different work styles, such as how they respond to praise, criticism, and suggestions. You can help your employees seek feedback by creating a feedback-friendly environment in your organization, where people are encouraged to ask for, offer, and accept feedback regularly and respectfully. You can also help them use feedback effectively, by reflecting on it, acting on it, and following up on it.