The 9 Types – And What Comes Next

I’ve now made videos about all nine types of difficult people.

In this final video in the series, I reflect on what the book and the conversations around it have meant — and where my work is heading next.

The 9 Types of Difficult People has spent a sustained period in the top 10 of its Amazon category, and I’ve had the opportunity to speak about it at major conferences and large webinars. But what has mattered most are the messages from people who’ve recognised themselves in one of the types, or who’ve said it helped them handle a difficult situation differently.

Because most of us will spend around 80,000 hours of our lives at work.

Those hours can be shaped by friction and misunderstanding — or by clarity, courage and collaboration.

In this video I share why difficult dynamics don’t just sit inside individuals. They play out inside systems. And why the senior leadership team has such an outsized impact on what becomes normal in an organisation.

If you’re dealing with a challenging dynamic, or you’re interested in strengthening the team at the top, this is for you.

📘 The 9 Types of Difficult People — available now
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The Worrier – Type 7

The workplace micromanager who can’t stop checking everything, and still ends up causing mistakes!

Ever worked with someone who hovers over every task, double-checks every detail and still ends up dropping the ball? That’s The Worrier, Type 7 in my 9 Types of Difficult People framework.

Worriers are so anxious about mistakes that they can become intense micromanagers. They stand over their team, trying to make sure nothing goes wrong, but that pressure often causes the very errors they fear.

In this video I share:

  • Why fear of mistakes can lead to constant checking and unexpected slip-ups
  • How to help a Worrier loosen their grip and let their team grow
  • Ways to shift their attention from “what might go wrong” to “what really matters”.

For more on tackling tricky workplace dynamics and helping teams thrive, check out my book The 9 Types of Difficult People or follow me here for more videos.

The Driving Force – Type 4

They can move mountains – or mow you down!

In this video, I unpack Difficult Person Type 4 from my book: the Driving Force.

You’ll learn:

  • Why they’re often seen as unstoppable heroes
  • The risks of their low tolerance for ‘timid’ colleagues
  • How to spot when they’re heading for overload
  • Practical tactics for getting win–wins and protecting your boundaries.

The Driving Force can be one of the most valuable people in your organisation – if you know how to channel their energy.

📖 Discover all nine types in my book The 9 Types of Difficult Peopl

The Martyr – Type 3

Some of the most difficult people at work are highly principled, uncompromising, and quietly self-sacrificing.

This video looks at The Martyr, Type 3 in The 9 Types of Difficult People.

Martyrs work harder than anyone else, care deeply about doing the right thing, and often step forward when others hesitate.

But under pressure, judgement, withdrawal, and unilateral action can stall progress and block decision-making.

If you’re leading, working alongside, or reporting to someone like this, understanding what’s really going on makes a big difference.