How to Work With People Who Don’t Think Like You (and Actually Win Together)

Working with people who are not like us can be challenging. You’re organized, they’re chaotic. You communicate directly, they talk in riddles. You’re about action, they need three meetings and a Google Doc just to make a decision. 😅

But here’s the thing—diversity in personality is a gift when we learn to work with it instead of against it. Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or just trying to stop side-eyeing your coworker during every Zoom call, here’s how different personality types can not just coexist, but actually win together.

1. Respect the Differences, Don’t Just Tolerate Them

Not everyone processes like you, and that’s okay. Introverts may need silence to think. Extroverts might need to talk it through (out loud, every step of the way). Analytical minds want details. Creative minds want freedom. We need all of it.

Respect is the minimum. Appreciation is the goal.

2. Know Yourself and Your People

You don’t have to be a certified coach to get curious about personality types. Tools like MBTI, DISC, or even the Enneagram can help you understand how someone leads, communicates, and deals with conflict.

💡 Pro tip: If you’re always clashing with someone, chances are your styles are different—not your values.

3. Play to People’s Strengths

Listen—if your coworker loves the details and you’d rather poke your eye out than read a spreadsheet, let them take the lead there. Meanwhile, you can handle the strategy, vision, or client relationships.

This isn’t about labels. It’s about alignment. Let people shine in their lane so you can stay in yours.

4. Talk. Like, for Real.

Some people love a blunt “Let’s fix this” convo. Others need you to ease into it with grace. You’ve got to learn how to speak with people, not at them.

Consistent communication beats assumptions every time.

5. Stay Flexible—Your Way Ain’t the Only Way

Your preference might be structure and spreadsheets, but your teammate might thrive in brainstorming sessions with Post-Its and a playlist. Can both exist? Absolutely.

The most effective teams make room for different styles without trying to force uniformity.

6. Create a Safe Space for People to Show Up Fully

Let people know it’s okay to ask questions, challenge ideas respectfully, and show emotion. High-performing teams don’t just share wins—they share truth.

You don’t need a bunch of clones. You need real ones.

7. Shared Values > Shared Vibes

It’s not about being best friends or personality twins. If you’re aligned on values, purpose, and the bigger mission—you can work through anything.

Because when different types come together with mutual respect and a shared goal? That’s magic.

Final Word:

The goal isn’t to change people. It’s to understand them, value them, and co-create something powerful. Different doesn’t mean difficult—it means dynamic.

So the next time someone’s approach makes you raise an eyebrow, pause and ask yourself: “How can we work with this instead of against it?”

That shift alone can change everything.