The areas of responsibility that you should take on at the workplace are precisely regulated in your employment contract. But let's be honest: it usually doesn't take long before all sorts of things are added. Some of them of a professional nature, others you take on voluntarily because they correspond to your personality. What is meant are the roles that each individual slips into in the job. These can be positive and increase your reputation with colleagues and the executive suite. Or make sure your career is on the decline. Which roles you take on in the job are up to you. Our typology shows you the most common functions that you will encounter in your professional life.
Roles in the job: Not always positive
Everyone likes to show their best side at work. You want to be liked and appreciated by your colleagues, you want to maintain a friendly relationship with your office neighbors, and the boss should recognize your lines.
It is not uncommon for employees to slip into different roles on the job. The committed employee, the understanding friend, the strong shoulder, or, if need be, the scapegoat. If you don't overdo it with these roles and maintain your personality, you can make many connections in the workplace.
Some roles are also expected from the environment. In mind, there is a concrete picture of how, for example, an employee should behave in the office. If a colleague deviates from these ideas, i.e., if he no longer corresponds to the expected role, the behavior is usually perceived as inappropriate.
Hiding behind played roles at work also has disadvantages :
- It is exhausting. It takes a lot of energy always to meet everyone else's expectations. This can also include pretending to be yourself. At the same time, many fear that they will not live up to expectations, leading to a lot of pressure.
- It is unbelievable. Many people have a good sense of whether the other person means it honestly with them. Once credibility is lost, it can hardly be restored.
- It isn't sincere. Anyone who expects honesty from their fellow human beings should also be honest about themselves. Everything else leads to a hypocritical double standard. In short: Anyone who plays something for others shouldn't complain if a facade is being built across from them.
Roles in the job: a typology of well-known characters
In the job, roles that have something to do with the job are not only taken on. But on the contrary. Every day you come across a wide variety of roles in the office, most of which have absolutely nothing to do with professional tasks. But you, too, take on different roles in your workplace - consciously or unconsciously. We have put together a typology in which you will probably recognize some of your colleagues - and, if you are honest, maybe yourself.
The mother
She ensures order, sometimes clears away the rubbish that someone else has left behind, and explains to new employees how the work in a team works. Her colleagues appreciate her for her good nature and helpfulness. Or, if appropriate, the mother can get angry and give a good lecture. She has a good relationship with everyone. The only way to mess with her is through lies and intrigue.
The master chef
Indeed, it is not difficult to recognize a master chef: He is the one who regularly brings homemade goodies to work and takes care of the entire team. He is pleased when his colleagues like it. Of course, the master chef is popular with his colleagues because he ensures a good mood and eats together for a stronger cohesion. What he doesn't like at all, however, is the feeling of being exploited.
The teacher
It doesn't matter what it's about: the teacher knows better - and she likes to let it go. She interferes in discussions and adds her mustard without being asked. In short: she teaches others. This type does not always go down well with colleagues. Some see an opportunity for improvement, and others are just annoyed by the know-it-all. To get on well with the teacher, one should ask her advice on important decisions. Because despite her intrusive manner, she usually has good ideas.
The nerd
When it comes to computers, the internet, or technical things, the nerd is simply unbeatable. If a computer goes on strike, five minutes are enough to repair it, and he has also known the latest online trends for some time. In the office, he is mainly valued for his intelligence and problem-solving. You can make him happy if you can talk shop about the latest apps.
The gossip
They exist in every workplace, and when the gossip is mentioned, every employee immediately knows who is meant. Her favorite thing at work is getting the latest information. She knows the new plans for the department even before the boss does and knows which colleagues met over a glass of red wine after work. When it comes to professional news, listen to the gossip. However, with all other rumors, the following applies: hold back and do not gossip with them.
The Craftsman
The chair squeaks, the desk wobbles, or there is an endless paper jam in the copier - no problem for the craftsman. He ensures that everything in the office always works and is in the right place. But his colleagues like him, because as soon as a problem arises, you can rely on the craftsman. However, caution should be exercised if you question his abilities. A dubious "Are you sure you can do that?" Offends him in his craftsmanship.