The Raving Red Temperament in the Workplace

Raving Red is a leader, organiser and control freak par excellence. Their theme song is certainly Frank Sinatra’s “I did it MY way!”



To appoint Red in a leadership position, is not only wise and constructive, but a good investment in getting the job done. Red is a problem fixer and a fearless decision-maker who excels in crises. He or she can manage money and tasks to a fault – but has little to no sensitivity for people.

Red’s arrogant and task-driven approach makes them unemotional, over-confident and often cold-blooded when it comes to the workforce. Yes, they will no doubt get the job done in record time, but leaving many injured team members behind in the wake of a finished project, is for them no problem. 

In conflict situations they overwhelm less aggressive colleagues, totally oblivious of the hurt and long-term harm they cause. To calm the waters and create balance in the office, they need to work on their own patience and allow others to take the lead or even make contributions. Although this is a considerable challenge, they also need to lower their own standards when the situation allows and not expect others to over-work and over-perform as they do.

Looking inward could be beneficial for Red Managers’ personal growth – identifying where they might be taking advantage of others, bulldozing them into accepting only their solution to the problem. Delegating and learning to listen with empathy are characteristics that do not come naturally to Red, but might just tip the scale in their favour to avoid conflict and instil trust and team spirit in their followers.