Dictator or Doormat?

“Whether you’re grappling with the office bully or trying to survive a turf war on the job, the way you were conditioned to respond to power [struggles] in your family may determine whether you come across as a dictator or a doormat,” says Maggie Craddock, author of Power Genes.

Many of us may not realize how our upbringing affects our workplace relationships. But learning your and your coworkers’ “power personas” can help you communicate better, “identify your strengths and weaknesses and develop an action plan for getting ahead at work,” Craddock tells PINK.

The four personas are the pleaser, the charmer, the commander and the inspirer. Charmer personas are sometimes developed by those who had needy parents

early in life, while inspirers often grew up in homes that valued self-expression over conformity. Many commanders were raised with household strict rules, whereas some pleasers became caretakers at a young age.

You can take the Craddock’s quiz to find which one best describes you. Identifying your persona can help minimize internal conflict and better assess whether you’re in the right job, says Craddock.

Studies have found employees who identify and apply a certain persona can improve a company’s cohesiveness, focus and efficiency at several levels.

Bonus PINK Link: Now that you know your power persona, find out how to obtain enlightened power.

By Caroline Cox

“Face your deficiencies. But do not let them master you.” Helen Keller