Like families, offices are home to a whole host of personalities. So where do you fit in at your office? Take this quiz and find out!
1. Which one of these notes left in the anonymous suggestion box was yours?
a.“If we had on-site yoga classes during lunch, it might alleviate some of the stress in the office.”
b.“Keep up the good work, chief!”
c.“We haven’t had decent coffee in the break room for months. Could someone shell out for the good stuff instead of this cheap sludge we’re forced to drink?”
d.“We should set up a section of the office for a book swap.”
2. You’ve been asked to help plan your company’s monthly social event. When the committee meets to brainstorm, what activity do you suggest?
a.Learning improvisational acting exercises. You’ve read that it’s a great way to break the ice and communicate better with your co-workers, and you think this would really improve morale!
b.Playing coed softball. Nothing like a friendly game to bring the company together. You could even design matching jerseys incorporating the company logo. Wouldn’t that be fun?
c.Going home early in lieu of team-building activities. Don’t you already spend enough time in the office “bonding” with your colleagues?
d.Volunteering at a soup kitchen. This would be the perfect way to build goodwill in the local community and encourage employees to give back.
3. Rumors are circulating about possible layoffs (gulp). What do you say when a colleague mentions it over lunch?
a.“Do you think you might be at risk? What gives you that impression?”
b.“You’re such a valuable member of the team, I doubt you’d be affected. But if you were, then you’d finally have time to write that novel you’ve been talking about. This could be a major growth opportunity, don’t you think?”
c.“This company is so poorly managed, I don’t know why they keep half of these half-wits on staff. It’s about time they cleaned house!”
d.“I know, it sounds awful. Would you like another cookie?
4. Your boss asks for volunteers to help clean out the supply closet. Not exactly the work of a future VP. You:
a.Recognize the need for a cleanup and decide to help out. Besides, it could create bad karma if you didn’t.
b.Jump right in! Hey, someone’s gotta do it, and you’ll earn major brownie points.
c.Run for the nearest exit. No way are you ruining a perfectly good manicure.
d.Agree to supervise. After all, you’re better at managing than actually doing.
5. Your intern commits a major (unintentional) faux pas. How do you react?
a.“Let’s walk through your thought process and figure out how we got off course.”
b.“That’s okay. We can fix this together. It’ll be a great learning experience.”
c.“This is a disaster! Don’t they teach you anything at that college you go to?”
d.“I understand. I made a few mistakes at my first internship too. Next time come to me when you have questions.”
6. It’s 4:55 on the Friday before a three-day weekend. You’re:
a.Listening politely as this girl in marketing obsesses about her first overnight trip with her new boyfriend.
b.Moving toward the exit and wishing everyone a fun weekend!
c.Moping about how much work you’ll have when you get back.
d.Making the rounds with ice cream sandwiches as a tasty way to start off the holiday weekend!
7. Your cubemate was really psyched about interviewing for a promotion—until she got passed over. When she pops by to chat, you:
a.Let her vent, then suggest a few ways she could psych herself up for new opportunities.
b.Reassure her that everything happens for a reason and there’s an even better job waiting for her around the corner.
c.Remind her that “not everyone is management material.”
d.Suggest taking a walk to a nearby frozen-yogurt place. That always cheers you up.
8. Lunchtime generally finds you:
a.Analyzing your co-workers’ failed relationships.
b.Talking up the new marketing initiative. That’ll really liven up sales!
c.Ranting about your boss’ annoying habit of double-booking herself for meetings.
d.Passing around a tin of homemade biscotti.
9. Your boss is getting divorced and confides that her husband left her for his assistant, who is your age. What do you say to this shocking (and frankly unnecessary) revelation?
a.“I know you’re probably feeling rejected and hurt, but I’m here for you if you want to talk about it.”
b.“That’s terrible! But you have so much going for you, you’ll have no trouble finding an even better guy. He didn’t deserve you.”
c.“Typical male behavior… Have you reviewed my PowerPoint slides yet?”
d.“I’m so sorry. Would you like a double-chocolate-chip scone?”
10. Time for the 5K Corporate Challenge. You:
a.Join in the fun. You haven’t run in awhile, but why not?
b.Campaign to be team captain!
c.Groan at the thought of seeing your CEO in spandex.
d.Volunteer to record your teammates’ scores and give out Gatorade at the finish line.
Mostly A’s: The Shrink
Co-workers tend to confide in you when they have a problem or need a shoulder to cry on. You should be flattered that so many people trust you with their secrets, but there comes a point when you need to focus on your own projects. If you’ve reached that point, then shut the door to your office or put on headphones to signal that you’re working.
Mostly B’s: The Cheerleader
Building company pride and keeping the boss happy are your specialties. You’re also great at building morale and drumming up excitement about a new product. But this level of enthusiasm is best in smaller doses. And please, leave the pom-poms at home.
Mostly C’s: Debbie Downer
Sorry, but your coffee cup is half empty. Did you get up on the wrong side of the futon or what? You may see yourself as being realistic, but others see you as a party pooper. Bite the bullet and tag along for a few happy hours or the company picnic. Worst-case scenario? You might actually enjoy yourself!
Mostly D’s: The Mother Hen
You’ve always been maternal, and since you don’t have children of your own (yet), you tend to mother your co-workers with homemade baked goods and helpful suggestions for making the office a better, safer place. Just don’t take the homemaker routine too far. After all, nobody wants their table manners corrected by a co-worker!
