In his book The Cactus and Snowflake at Work (Amazon bestseller), coach and consultant Devora Zack explains what they are the differences between those at work who are guided by emotions and those who are rational. The first are called by the author snowflakes, the second are called cacti. The cactus type tends to be logicalanalytical, reserved and very direct in his approach, while the snowflake is more sensitive, empathetic and capable of mediation and diplomacy. A topic already explored in the twenties of the twentieth century by Carl Gustav Jung, which spoke of extroverted and introverted personalities (with a series of further sub-categories). Why is it important to know if you are a cactus or a snowflake in your workplace? An expert explains it to us.
Explains Davide Cortesiconsultant and empowerment specialist: «Devora Zack’s book, famous among insiders, deals with a classic theme of work psychology, namely that of psychological types or personality traits. This is a very interesting topic and a useful application, because it allows people to get to know each other better (self-awareness), but also to get to know each other better, for example the boss, colleague or co-worker you work with every day. This way you can refine your strengths, understanding what areas for improvement and limiting behaviors are that we automatically activate in various situations. It is essential to remember, however, that every human being is unique and therefore unrepeatable. Typifications represent important tools to get to know, understand, improve ourselves, but they must not imprison people in pre-packaged boxes, destined to become stereotypes ».
In the gallery the expert reveals us what are the features that distinguish those at work who are guided by emotions (snowflake), who by logic (cactus). And the secrets to work well, aware of your needs, strengths and weaknesses.
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Getty Images1/6Characteristics of the snowflake
Snowflakes are subjects whose attention is naturally oriented towards the relationship and the (profound) purpose of things. They are inclined to feel and experience emotions and to be guided by them. Of course empathic, they know how to tune in to the other and understand him to the point of putting himself in his shoes. They are attentive to the relationship and to the other, as a bearer of diversity, and therefore of value. They love sharing and exchange. Good negotiation skills.
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Getty Images2/6Characteristics of the cactus
Cacti are oriented towards knowledge and information. Naturally inclined to analysis, they evaluate every little and big situation as if they had a microscope. Everything has a why, they tend to think about the various implications. They struggle to manage emotions, especially intense ones, because they basically consider them misleading and illogical. They may appear aloof and cold, but it is often a way to defend themselves and protect their privacy because they don’t like intrusions. They are direct in expressing their point of view.
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Getty Images3/6Snowflake, needs and demands
It needs true, deep and generative relationships. He asks his bosses, collaborators and colleagues for the possibility of human contact. He loves collaborative work and teaming up to achieve results without bullying. He needs people who do not abuse his availability and who do not make him feel weak because of his “exposed” sensitivity.
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Getty Images4/6Cactus, needs and requests
He doesn’t want anyone to invade his territory, unless permission has been explicitly given. He doesn’t like being asked personal questions. He loves to work with competent and reliable people, not too pressing in the relationship and able to respect the sacred silence, necessary for reasoning. He doesn’t like people who make him waste too much time, he asks colleagues and superiors to get to the heart of the matter quickly.
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Getty Images5/6Useful tips for the snowflake
In order to avoid being too unbalanced in their modality, the cactus type can try to be alone, taking time out of the group dimension. He should practice saying a few no and asking himself with an exercise in self-analysis what he expects from the other, learning to transform this expectation into an explicit request. \
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Getty Images6/6Useful tips for the cactus
Take some time to get to know your colleagues and co-workers on a deeper level (one at a time). Make it a point to socialize and get inspired (a little more). Every now and then go out of your secret hermitage and ask a colleague if he needs anything. Reduce (indirect) e-mail communication and tackle hot and emotional issues in person: it will help you grow and teach you to manage emotions, yours and others.
Source: Vanity Fair
