I read a managerial training article recently that addressed employee personalities, and began thinking about my own two employees in terms of the nine personality traits that the article outlines. As the article suggests, these traits are nothing to "freak out" over; as a manager, I just think they're interesting to think about for both training and posterity. Perhaps when the employees have been with the company for twenty years or so, they can look in this file for some help "finding themselves." Whatever that means.

1. Activity Level

K.Lo: She's an active one, more high-key than Management, anyway. At times, she seems unstoppable, and if Management were ever to defy all laws of nature and eliminate the Night Shift, this employee might think it was the most fantastic company decision ever.

N.Lo: Still limited to the Floor Area during the Day Shift, so it's hard to tell just yet. He is content to observe, but occasionally will kick and flail up quite a storm during work activities.

2. Regularity

K.Lo: Responds well to somewhat of a routine and daily structure, but does better if you shake it up now and again. Afternoon Break must be between 1 PM and 1:30 PM, or all hell breaks loose in the office; likewise, the Night Shift begins between 8 PM and 8:30 PM. Office excursions are generally limited to the Morning Shift. Within these parameters, however, the employee becomes restless if day after day presents the same old tasks.

N.Lo: Thrives on routine, particularly with the Night Shift. Dinner schedule is rock solid. Functions in many ways like clockwork.

3. Sociability

K.Lo: Loves to be around people, always has. Too many people in one setting is initially overwhelming, as are new people. Also, though: will openly stare down/size up certain people for no apparent reason. Loves her coworker and often sings the praises of both colleagues and our extended training network.

N.Lo: Smiles a lot, with just about anyone, but most responsive to The Manager, about which The Manager is secretly--okay, not-so-secretly pleased.

4. Adaptability

K.Lo: Adaptability is very dependent on mood and circumstances. I give this employee a lot of credit for high adaptability in social situations and on office excursions or retreats.

N.Lo: Being so new to the company, the New Guy is still becoming aware of his surroundings and therefore is adaptable by default.

5. Intensity

K.Lo: Yes, she is intense.

N.Lo: He is much more low-key. Though he has had his moments of full-fledged employee dissatisfaction, it takes a dire set of circumstances to get him there. His complaints are relatively few and do not often escalate.

6. Disposition

K.Lo: Perhaps the most complex aspect of K.Lo's personality. Perhaps it is the most complex aspect of any female employee's personality. When she is happy, she can be most pleasant and highly entertaining. She is, as a stranger once commented, "magnetic." When is she not happy, on the other hand, she can be quite a bear, and Managerial Patience Reserves deplete quickly. See traits 7 and 8.

N.Lo: Mainly pleasant, though like everyone has his moments or days.

7. Distractibility

K.Lo: No, she is not easily distracted. If she wants something, she is single-mindedly driven to have it. As an adult, this trait will serve her much better than it does as a two-year employee.

N.Lo: Seemingly distractable, unless he is facing an especially difficult work obstacle.

8. Persistence:

K.Lo: Yes, she is extremely persistent. Tenacious! In the positive sense, this employee possesses quite a bit of contagious enthusiasm for workplace ventures. In the negative sense, the employee is not yet able, at all, to reign in her desires.

N.Lo: If faced with a difficult work obstacle, the employee will request assistance, but initial requests are calm. However, at this juncture in his career, needs and obstacles are admittedly simple and few.

9. Sensitivity:

K.Lo: Possibly sensitive, as shown in her reactions to loud noises, such as bus brakes and airplanes and barking dogs. However, her "fright" may be just a phase.

N.Lo: Possibly sensitive. Workplace morale improves significantly when physical conditions are improved, such as a new diaper or changed shirt.

Conclusions: The employees might just be polar opposites? At least in terms of temperament and routine. However, insofar as their working relationship, they may eventually complement each other's work styles very well. Overall, because N.Lo is so new to the company, and K.Lo is still a relative new-hire herself, the true nuances of each trait remain to be seen.