How to deal with office grinches

The control freak: Analytical-obsessive (A-O)

“These personalities are methodical and detail-oriented, and their perfectionist tendencies can come across as nit-picky,” Wainwright says. “A-Os take pride in high standards and are systematic in their approach to problems and projects. These are not bad qualities but they can be inflexible, and stand in the way of innovation. When they feel criticised, they avoid the issue, demonstrating their distaste of confrontation and argument.”

How can I best work with an A-O?

There is a great need for people like these in business, but when you’re trying something new you need to approach them with caution, warns Wainwright. “Firstly, acknowledge their work and their concerns without being critical or argumentative. Address their apprehensions then use logical language to map the path forward,” he says.