Cactus or snowflake: who is who at work and how to communicate with different types of colleagues

When we find a common language with colleagues, work moves forward easily and simply. Difficulties in relationships, on the contrary, turn even the most elementary tasks into difficult ones. Various personality tests help you better understand yourself and others. Networking for Introverts author Devora Zack offers another approach in her new book The Cactus and Snowflake at Work. According to him, there are only two types of personality at work - "cactus" and "snowflake".

What is the difference between cacti and snowflakes

People-"cacti" most often listen to the mind, and "snowflakes" - to what their heart tells them. This makes the "cacti" logical analysts who clearly and straightforwardly express their thoughts. Snowflakes, on the other hand, are sensitive, empathic and diplomatic.

All these character traits determine how different types make decisions. Common sense is usually important for "cacti", while "snowflakes" rely on their emotions and feelings.

However, the key word here is "usually". It doesn't have to be strictly "cactus" or "snowflake", although most people instinctively associate themselves with a certain type. A person can be somewhere in between or switch depending on the situation. This is similar to differences in temperament and behavior in society. Perhaps someone is a “snowflake” by nature, but at work, for one reason or another, prefers to behave like a “cactus”. This rare ability to change helps to find common grounds with everyone.

Devora Zach emphasizes that there is no good or bad type - each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. To succeed at work and find an approach to colleagues - both "cacti" and "snowflakes", you need to use your unique qualities.

The main features of cacti

They value stability and accuracy. But in these excellent qualities lies one of the main drawbacks of this type. Its brightest representatives consider everything that does not meet their criteria for success to be useless nonsense.

"Cacti" also clearly separate their private life and career. Usually, when they come to work, they prefer to leave personal problems at home.

This type of personality is easy to recognize by vocabulary. "Cactus" often says "I think" instead of "I feel" and builds his goals and motivation around problem solving.

At their best, cacti are ambitious and productive leaders. At worst, they focus too much on efficiency, ignoring the feelings of others.

The main features of snowflakes

While they may be just as much workaholics as Cacti, Snowflakes pay much more attention to teamwork and empathy. People of this type strive for a positive atmosphere and are ready to do everything possible to help colleagues come to an understanding.

"Snowflakes" like to meet and collaborate with new people much more than "cacti". They are very "connected" to their emotional side and will say "I feel" rather than "I think".

The brightest representatives of this type are able to effortlessly cope with any conflict, maintaining good relations with everyone. However, often "snowflakes" take everything too personally, especially if their feelings do not really care about others.

How to Approach Colleagues with the Opposite Personality Type

Use differences for a common cause

Logical "cacti" and sensitive "snowflakes" cannot and should not agree with each other on everything. These two personality types use different approaches, even when they are striving for the same goal. Moreover, trying to see things the same way is counterproductive. Devora Zach compares this to the effect we get when we tell someone not to do something. Our brain often skips the “not” particle, which only creates new problems.

It is worth trying to find a common language. For example, identifying a path to a goal that works for everyone, and then figuring out how to use the differences to achieve success. Say, "cactus" is much better at doing routine tasks that require focus and attention. And the “snowflake” will perfectly understand everything related to working with people and presenting a product.

speak their language

Motivation is essential for productive collaboration. Both types of personality can get the same result, however, the motivation that will make them succeed will be different.

It is better to explain to the “cactus” and “snowball” why the project is important and what its successful launch will bring from different positions. For a snowflake, you can focus on how the project will help people and improve their lives. Cacti, on the other hand, need to be told about such aspects as explosive media interest or a profit jump.

Avoid non-existent conflicts

Sometimes the tension in the work team is one-sided. This is due to non-existent conflicts. For example, when someone feels that a colleague treated him unfairly, while this colleague himself did not want to offend anyone and does not even suspect that he did something wrong.

Imagine a situation. Two employees ride in an elevator. One looks over the notes for a presentation he plans to give later, and then silently exits the elevator on his floor. The other is shocked, because no one paid any attention to him, and may think like this: “Yes, he doesn’t even remember my name.” Or: "Most likely, he thinks he's better than me." As a result, one of the colleagues was upset, and for the second nothing happened.

To avoid such situations and get rid of unnecessary stress, it is worth looking at work conflicts from a different angle. Often they are based on a simple mismatch of characters, and not malicious antagonism.

Apply the "platinum rule" in communication

Remember the "golden rule" of communication - treat others the way you would like to be treated. It needs to be redone a bit and treat others the way they want to be treated. In the case of the “snowflake”, this means not forgetting about her feelings, in the case of the “cactus”, it means focusing all attention on work and achievable goals.

Devora Zach gives the example of a colleague returning to work after a vacation. "Snowflake" will want to hear something in the style: "We missed you so much! Welcome to work. How are you?" Cactus, on the other hand, will consider such behavior to be inappropriate and prefer to be treated as usual on any other day.

Put yourself in their place

“Cacti” and “snowflakes” give feedback in different ways, and this should not be forgotten either. "Snowflakes" try to smooth out corners and critical moments, which annoys the "cacti", who want to be clearly pointed to all the mistakes. And vice versa: the straightforwardness and criticality of "cacti" often hurts "snowflakes".

Therefore, it will be useful to change the style of communication depending on what type of personality you are dealing with. “Snowflakes” - gently explain their mistakes, and “cacti” - give clear instructions without unnecessary introductions. This will help better understanding.