Welcome to our five-part series, Shapes at Work. In this series, we will focus on each of the five Shapes that may represent you or one of your co-workers.

Here’s what you need to know about the Box Co-Worker:

The Box Co-Worker

Co-workers and colleagues come in all sizes and Shapes. If you have a Box or two in your office, it will help you to more fully understand why they behave as they do. The following are some typical behaviors displayed by Boxes in the work setting. When you recognize a certain behavior, the reason for it will become clear to you.

Each of these typical behaviors can cause a challenge for co-workers, thus here are recommendations.

Challenge #1:  “The policy clearly states…” Boxes go by the book. Furthermore, they know the book by memory. It is not unusual to find the personnel policy, practice, and procedure manuals on the shelf above the Box’s desk or bookmarked on their computer.

Recommendation: “In the past, this has been an exception to the rule.” Or “The policy is intended as a guideline, not as a hard and fast rule.”

Challenge #2:  “We’ve always done it this way.” Boxes maintain the status quo.

Recommendation: “This new method will improve our efficiency. My analysis indicates a 12 percent increase in departmental productivity over the next two quarters (Facts and figures do work with Boxes).”

Challenge #3: “I’d like to help you, but my schedule is booked today.” Boxes do not react well to spur-of-the-moment requests. They see it as a disruption to their routine. Boxes follow a daily schedule and meticulously organize their work.

Recommendation:  Do not surprise the Box. Plan for the Box’s involvement ahead of time and garner their agreement. If the interruption is necessary, you may need a higher authority to change the Box’s priorities.

Challenge #4: “It sounds good, but I’d like to see the final figures.” Boxes always need more data.

Recommendation: Give them the information and time to process. Do not expect a Box to support a “knee-jerk” decision.

Challenge #5: “I can’t do any more until I get the report from quality assurance.” Boxes believe in a definite flow and organization to the work. If the process is not followed, they are stymied.

Recommendation:  Encourage the Box to be creative and find an alternative way to make it work. Overall, the Box co-worker is responsible and dependable. This person will certainly pull their own weight. You will learn to respect your Box’s dedication to the task, and you’ll love their attention to detail. No rock will be left unturned. Even with their challenges, you will appreciate a Box co-worker much more than someone who doesn’t get the job done, especially when you or others are depending on it.

If you want to learn more about other PsychoGeometrics resources, including our online DIY modules, upcoming certification online classes, or how we can customize a team-building workshop for your group, feel free to reach out to me directly. Our team truly loves helping people leverage their Shapes for effective and influential communication!

Susan Hite, CEO, PsychoGeometrics, The Science of Behavior - The Art of Communication

susanhite@psychogeometrics.com