Here at UKG, our latest survey has provided valuable insights into the most common work personality types. Working closely with the support of behavioural psychologist Donna Dawson, we've been able to define these key personalities at work and understand their distinct characteristics, traits and working styles.
Our research has highlighted five prominent work personalities in the modern workplace:
● The Go Getter
● The Visionary
● The Negotiator
● The Thinker
● The Executive
In this article, we shine the light on the Negotiator. We explore who they are, what motivates them and what's important to them. We will also reveal real-world examples of those who identify as having the Negotiator work personality.
The Negotiator: Who are they?
Our survey found more than a fifth of respondents (21%) fall into this personality type, making the Negotiator the most common personality type found in the workplace. Typically categorised as a people person, the Negotiator is an individual who empathises with others and can see both sides of a situation.
The Negotiator has a reputation for being reliable and easy-going and, as a result of these characteristics, is often a popular member of a team both with management and their colleagues. Typically, they are flexible and adaptable and thrive in a fast-paced work environment working closely with others.
Negotiator traits
The Negotiator work personality can be summarised as mediators. Owing to their naturally diplomatic nature, they are often the go-to person when colleagues and management need balanced advice to help people resolve issues. The Negotiator traits include:
● Reliable
● Down-to-earth
● Supportive
● Empathetic
Real-world examples of The Negotiator
One of the clearest real-world examples of the Negotiator work personality is the former prime minister of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. Often referred to as the master negotiator, Nelson Mandela showed strong emotional intelligence and negotiation skills during his time as leader of a troubled country.
Another great example of the Negotiator is Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres. As the former prime minister of Portugal and head of the UN Refugee Agency, António Guterres is used to taking the role of mediator to tackle complex situations.
What the expert says
Following analysis of the Negotiator work personality, behavioural psychologist Donna Dawson said:
"In a working environment, the Negotiator has a reputation for being reliable, down-to-earth, easy-going and supportive. They are naturally diplomatic and are often called upon to mediate, providing their measured advice to help people meet in the middle."
Make good workplaces great with UKG
UKG is on a mission to inspire every organisation to become a great place to work through HCM technology built for all. We want to equip workplaces with the tools they need to lead through culture. Here at UKG, we recognise that a strong workplace culture can increase productivity, improve profitability and enhance staff retention.
Our solutions, such as the UKG Great Place to Work Hub, can help businesses take action to develop their workplace culture and promote a sense of belonging. We combine AI with the world’s most extensive collection of people, workforce and culture data to create exceptional workplace experiences.
Our HCM technology helps drive people and business success; we help over 80,000 organisations achieve better business outcomes.
Discover your work personality
Are you a Negotiator, or perhaps you're an Executive or Go Getter? Take our test to explore which work personality you are. Find out more about our research in our 'What's Your Work Personality?' white paper.
