Birth Order: How Does It Impact You in the Workplace?
By Robin Throckmorton, MA, SPHR and Allison Pyles
Does the order in which you were born predict any common traits about you? Want to see? Try this quiz before you read this article to find out: http://bit.ly/kSqeF0. Did the quiz correctly identify your birth order? Did it provide an accurate description of your personality? Or, did it do both?
Like any assessment, there are so many variables that could impact the accuracy of the tool. We have to keep in mind that it is a gauge to help us understand the people around us better but not meant to be the end all be all. With the case of birth order, it is important that the siblings be no more than six (6) years apart in order to classify someone as being a first, middle, or last child. Furthermore, many variables such as socio- economic class, gender, and even the birth order of the parents could have an impact on the accuracy of these predictions. Nonetheless, having something that we can use as a benchmark to understand the person sitting next to us can only help as long as we don’t take it as gospel, right?
As we discuss each of the different birth orders below, think about how these traits play out in the behaviors and personalities you see in your friends, family, and co-workers. Keeping this in mind might help you understand a little bit more about why these people are the way they are. As with anything, once you understand and accept a person for the way they are, the more likely you are to get along with them. Don’t try to change them to be like you but rather use their differences to make you stronger.
First Born:
You’ll know you are working with a first born because he or she will likely come across as being very assertive and confident. This individual may be fearful about losing their position or rank and will do what it takes to defend it. To be comfortable in the work place or any place for that matter, First Borns must be in control.
They are born leaders. Robert Feeney describes First Borns in his article “Increasing Employee Retention with Birth Order,” as being practical, confident, and able to delegate and make rapid decisions. These are all great traits for leaders. However, these traits aren’t without flaws. In the article “How Your Birth Order and Management Style Connect,” First Borns are described as being intolerant of those that do not work 100%, are not necessarily team players, and tend to avoid risk.
Nonetheless, most of the research points to First Borns and Only Children as being very strong leaders. In fact, in a survey by Vistage of 1,582 respondents, 43% of the CEOs were First Borns. Likewise, USA Today conducted a similar study of 155 CEOs and found 59% were First Borns. Can First Borns be tough to work with? Some might say yes but they can also be great leaders that overcome a lot with their determination. Observe their traits and learn to accept them for who they are, making those traits strengths in the workplace.
Middle Born:
For those you work with that fall in the middle (2nd or 3rd born perhaps), we (because we both are) tend to be very independent and a bit more unconventional on the job and in our personal lives. We are indeed more empathetic and relationship focused, which makes us great team players. It is also a known fact that we are considered peacemakers, meaning we are a good resource to turn to when it comes to conflict resolution.
From a leadership perspective, we are not quick to voice our opinion and we prefer to search for options. Because of this, we do not make hasty decisions. Furthermore, according to “How Your Birth Order and Management Style Connect,” we are excellent risk takers and have a creative edge in our management style. As a result, we are outstanding small-business managers and owners because of our innate creativity and natural ability to work with others.
Like First Borns, we all have our strengths and our weaknesses. To work with Middle Borns, you have to find to find a way to capitalize on our strengths and accept our weaknesses. According to the aforementioned article, Middle Borns may need additional assistance if they lack general business skills. Although their ability to be the peace-maker and negotiator will ultimately help them, a lack of necessary business knowledge could lead to the demise of their career.
Last Born:
As the baby of the family, you can probably see the Last Born coming from miles away. They are the ones that are very outgoing, risk-oriented, and creative. Last Borns are also quite spontaneous according to “How Your Birth Order and Management Style Connect,” which can be both positive and negative in the workplace depending on the situation. Lastly, they are used to getting their way, and if turned down they know every trick in the book to get what they want.
Whether you enjoy the company of the Last Born, the life of the party, or find it hard to work with someone like this, Last Borns bring a great deal to the workplace too. We need that spontaneity and someone willing to take risks. The article “How Your Birth Order and Management Style Connect” points out how Last Borns strive to get to the top of their career through every way possible, including taking risks. Someone with this drive is certainly a positive in your company. Frank Sulloway even writes in his book Born to Rebel that Last Born or Younger Born scientists are more likely to be in support of new or revolutionary theories. However, it is important that Last Borns do not let their impulsiveness ruin their career. Although this kind of originality has led to some of the greatest inventions, it should be monitored in the workplace to prevent major business mistakes.
Only Child:
Only children are much like First Borns, but tend to mimic adult behavior from the beginning. The Only Child tends to be very self centered and an extreme perfectionist. Some say the Only Child can come across as impersonal. You’ll often find them just doing the work themselves rather than delegating it because of this perfectionism trait. For this reason, they will also impose very high expectations on their fellow co-workers or subordinates. They are definitely not quick to forgive. But, as Robert Feeney described in his article, they are very self motivated and extremely independent. These can be extremely positive traits to have in workplace, especially if you are managing this individual.
You may find that individuals with the same birth order will oftentimes relate to one another and get along more easily. But, watch out. Over time, conflict can erupt between these similar personalities, especially between two First Borns, two Last Borns, or two Only Childs as they fight to be the “center of attention.”
Do all the traits fit every individual in a category? Absolutely not! But, as you sit next to someone or work for someone, think about how they may fit into the birth order and how that may be affecting the behaviors you observe. There are always going to be conflicting personalities in any environment, including the work environment. Classifying a co-worker or boss’ personality based on their birth order is never going to be a completely valid predictor of behavior, but it is certainly an interesting tool that should be kept in mind when observing others’ conduct. If someone you work with tends to exhibit some of traits that match their birth order, you can keep it in mind as you communicate and work with that person in the future. Overall, considering birth order as you interact with co-workers may help you understand them better and become more aware of why they are the way they are.
Robin Throckmorton, MA, SPHR and Allison Pyles are with strategic HR, inc. (http://www.strategicHRinc.com). If you have any questions or would like to share your comments or retention strategies with Robin or Allison contact Robin@strategicHRinc.com or Allison@strategicHRinc.com.