At UKG, we believe that understanding your workplace personality can help individuals develop and progress. It can also help managers understand their teams better and get more out of them.
Our latest survey set out to gain valuable insights into the most common work personality types. With the support of behavioural psychologist Donna Dawson, we've analysed these insights to define the key personalities at work and understand their distinct characteristics, traits and working styles.
Our research identified five prominent work personalities in the modern workplace:
● The Go Getter
● The Visionary
● The Negotiator
● The Thinker
● The Executive
This article delves into the Thinker. We look at 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 Thinker work personality.
The Thinker: Who are they?
Our survey found that 14% of respondents were classified as a Thinker. These individuals are often introverted and reserved in the workplace. They consider their actions and take an analytical and logical approach to working.
They are very methodical when it comes to tasks, especially problem solving, which they are very skilled at. Thinkers require as much information and context as possible and are very focused on the details.
Thinker traits
The Thinker work personality can be summarised as a problem solver. Their quiet yet thorough approach to work means they often spot issues in processes before anyone else. The Thinker will take a logical approach to every task they are given. The Thinker traits include:
● Introvert
● Logical and analytical
● Highly intelligent
● High attention to detail
Real-world examples of The Thinker
A good real-world example of a Thinker is Facebook founder and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Zuckerberg's critical thinking skills have enabled him to significantly impact the tech world and maximise the value of social connections. The world would be a very different place if Facebook had never been invented.
Similarly, Microsoft founder Bill Gates is another great example of a Thinker. Despite dropping out of Harvard, Bill Gates has gone on to be one of the wealthiest billionaires and most influential men in the world. His methodical approach has led him to create change in the world.
What the expert says
Following analysis of the Thinker work personality, behavioural psychologist Donna Dawson said:
"This personality type is usually introverted and reserved, with an analytical and logical approach to things. To get the best out of this type, don't be pushy or over-enthusiastic. Discuss the numbers or the logical outcome of something, and give Thinkers as much information, context and detail as possible."
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 Thinker, or perhaps you're a Negotiator or an Executive? 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.
