Mind your language was an all-time favorite comedy series that mostly those from the 80’s and 90’s would remember enjoying and having a good laugh to. Although it was popular decades ago, it remains one of those shows that occasionally makes a comeback with a joke or a memory from someone who had enjoyed. Featuring individuals from different nationalities the story unraveled the obstacles that many migrating to English speaking countries faced. This was a classroom with an English teacher that was on a mission to correct the pronunciation and grammar of those that were rediscovering English in it truest form. Unknowingly their words and behavior become humorous to the audience and to themselves, as they struggle to get the language right.  Although we often don’t think about it, the workplace becomes one of those places that sparks awkward moments, some that get a good laugh and others that get various reactions depending on the circumstances. Dive into the Mind Your Language, work edition where we look at those personalities that bring an extra flare to the workplace.

The know-it-all

This personality is not too hard to spot, they usually like to bud into conversations and make it their own by focusing deeply into the topic that was probably spoken at a casual level. They enjoy giving out facts about the new things that they learned recently or even sometimes repeats older ones for added emphasis. Often the main man in a conversation, this personality brings fact to what would have started off as a fiction. May leave some laughing of how the conversation went, annoyed at the interruption or even sometimes informed of something new and exciting.

Nosy Nancy

If you hoped no one saw, though no one knew, this personality probably saw, heard and may have told a few as well. Nothing goes unnoticed, as they have eyes everywhere. Their radar is on high alert and most of the time, they have internal sources helping them. It’s your very own FBI at work, that has it all covered. They are usually known characters at work by many to be that extra bit detailed about the questions and their stories about others hence often kept distance from. Often associated with care, many tend to keep the conversation short or just smile politely in response.

Negative nelly

A start of a project, a crisis situation or a normal day at work just starts off with a bit of nag for these guys. A day seems exceptionally long and tiring for them and anything out of their comfort zone is a bit of leap they are not willing to take. They assume the worst of situation and is always prepared for the worst case scenario in their heads. They often tend to bring doubt to those around and hesitate in getting involved in places that pose higher risk. Many tend to convince these personalities of a silver lining in their painted dark cloud or some just give up without trying.

Chatter box

A short conversation gets elasticated with these personalities, as they take you on a journey of personal information, random chats and distractions that just end on a completely irrelevant note to what it started out from. You can sit and listen all day to a conversation they initiate and they would still have things to say. Interesting or not they enjoy just spilling the beans about anything and everything in their lives. Often, listeners end up knowing a vast amount of details about them that otherwise would be out of their interest. Those who can tolerate stick around and those who can’t move quick and far for their own safety.

Unknowingly these personalities bring that extra spark to the workplace, and build it to what it is. Although with technology coming in to the picture these personalities amplify to the next level. With the use of social media, things can get out of hand very quickly. And add to the personality list the silent stalkers that watch it all unravel. It is important to know and be aware of the different interesting personalities at work and prompt them to mind their language, especially not to offend or hurt anyone unknowingly. Culture matters, and most importantly a healthy one can elevate the workplace ethos to the next level.