The 9 Types – And What Comes Next

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.

The Worrier – Type 7

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

The Driving Force – Type 4

They can move mountains - or mow you down! The Driving Force can be one of the most valuable people in your organisation - if you know how to channel their energy.

The Martyr – Type 3

Some of the most difficult people at work are highly principled, uncompromising, and quietly self-sacrificing. But under pressure, judgement, withdrawal, and unilateral action can stall progress and block decision-making.

The People Pleaser – Type 9

The most dangerous word at work isn’t “No”. It’s “Yes.” Here’s the final type in my 9 Types of Difficult People series: The People Pleaser.

The Dark Strategist – Type 2

Some of the most difficult people at work aren’t disruptive or emotional, but when strategy starts to matter more than people, trust and delivery suffer!

The Rock – Type 8

Why do some colleagues feel impossible to shift!? This video explains the Rock type and how to work with them more productively.

The Scary Specialist – Type 1

Someone can be brilliant at their job and still drive people out. Meet the Scary Specialist: the expert whose blunt criticism and high standards often undermines teams.

The Empire Builder – Type 6

Empire Builders look like natural leaders, inspiring and full of confidence. But when it’s all bravado, they’ll crush dissent and shoot the messenger rather than face a complex issue. Here’s what to do about it.

The Revolutionary – Type 5

Working with a Revolutionary can feel like holding a tiger by the tail: but with the right leadership they can be transformational.