The Whitsunday Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently welcomed Judy Porter from Shiift for an engaging and practical session on Managing Difficult Personalities in the Workplace.
The breakfast event explored one of the top challenges faced by small to medium businesses: understanding and managing diverse personality types to strengthen team performance and workplace culture.
Judy highlighted that difficult workplace personalities can significantly impact employee well-being, organisational culture, and productivity. Research shows that workplace incivility affects up to 96% of workers and leads to absenteeism and lower performance (Porath & Pearson, 2010). Examples of toxic behaviours include gossip, belittling comments, double standards, and taking credit for others’ work (Holloway & Kusy, 2009).
Participants learned practical strategies to navigate these challenges such as staying calm and self-aware, addressing the bigger picture impact of behaviours, providing constructive feedback, and maintaining consistent follow-up.
Judy emphasised that while personalities can’t be changed, behaviours can be managed through communication, empathy, and adaptability.
She encouraged attendees to identify and leverage the positive aspects of each personality type, adapt their communication styles, and respond rather than react to difficult situations.
As Judy shared, managing people effectively is not just about avoiding conflict it’s about fostering an environment where all team members can thrive.
Even the most challenging personalities can become valuable contributors when guided with patience, structure, and understanding.
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