The zodiac of teamwork

The trick, however, lies in recognising the unique and individual strengths of our colleagues, no matter their personality type or sign, and learning to use these attributes for the good of both the team and the organisation alike.

There can be no doubt that working effectively within a team environment is, indeed, an art form. With so many varying personalities coming together to reach one common goal, the outcome can be a positive and motivating experience. The secret lies in understanding and appreciating that each person boasts important characteristics; this will ensure the smooth running of the working environment. Without these personality traits the success of your team may not taste as sweet.

Snake behind the desk

A person born under the zodiac sign of the tiger, by way of example, is described as colourful and passionate, which are arguably positive qualities to have on your side when engaging with clients on a more social level. In contrast, a snake who is a deep thinker and softly spoken might be better placed in a deskbound position, where the power of their minds can be put to better use.

We're all human and this means that we will come into contact with colleagues who have differing views from our own. It remains important, however, to keep a cool head and always remember that different people can bring interesting and unique ideas to the table. Always keep the overarching objective of the team in mind.

While the forthright and tenacious intensity of a person who resembles the rat on the Chinese zodiac may clash with the strong and self-assured pride of the dragon, both are necessary for a robust and driven team. If both signs can learn to work together the result would surely be dynamite.

Concentrate on your own attitude

A key and important part of working effectively in a team is, of course, to concentrate on your own attitude. Only by seeing the good in others will you begin to work with them effectively. A good example is the person born under the horse sign, who, according to astrology, can be seen as arrogant, but on a more positive note is perceptive, intelligent and open-minded. The question is: Which qualities would you like to view as an important part of your team's personality mix?

No matter the zodiac animals in your team, make sure you know how to work effectively with their personalities. Be the tiger that keeps your team together and embrace the multi-coloured personalities you are presented with.