Employee profiling

Got this email from one of my MBA classmates. There is a certain degree of truth to this email, and I know, managers will be able to use this to become more effective leaders:

*Aries Employee Profile (march 21 - April 19) *

Aries employees make excellent troubleshooters. They'll usually want to be
out in the field at a variety of different work sites fixing things. They
certainly won't be happy for very long behind a desk in a 9 to 5 schedule.
The bored Aries employee who has been forced into a square hole will
typically be restless, angry, and careless with details. No amount of money
would compensate for being stuck in a routine job. Money in fact isn't why
they are working at all. They do want to be paid fairly and need a status
position to satisfy their competitive tendencies-- but even more
importantly, they'll want challenging new projects They typically like to
have a sense of responsibility and need to feel needed. In return, they'll
give their all and provide detailed, consistent work. They will literally
work themselves to exhaustion to prove themselves. If you want to keep your
Aries co- worker productive and happy, you'll want to give them the
opportunity to work independently or let them help and lead less experienced
workers.


*Taurus Employee Profile (April 20 - may 20) *

Taureans make some of the best employees. They are loyal, hardworking, and
no-nonsense. They work methodically and follow projects through until they
are complete. Some may appear to work a little too slowly-usually because
they are so careful-but they will always finish what they start. They thrive
on structure, schedules, and routine. You'll find them doing the same exact
thing at the same time every day. Taureans, however, are not exactly the
malleable workers that they often appear to be. If they have to work in a
chaotic environment, they won't be happy and will be prone to child-like
temper tantrums and stubbornness. They might react similarly if they have to
work around ignorant people or at a job where there is no obvious potential
for advancement. Taureans will be very unhappy if there isn't a ladder for
them to climb. Even in the worst situations, they will find a way to advance
slowly, winning over the most difficult people who may stand in their way of
progress.

Taurus employees will only take so much patiently and happily before they
feel they are being taken advantage of. They will gladly accept orders and
do whatever dirty work needs to get done, but they expect rewards. They want
material gain, salary increases, and the potential for more power. To make
your Taurus employees happy, be sure to give them projects through which
they will see tangible results- hopefully something that will allow them to
express their unique creativity in addition to their practical side. They
don't want to feel mired in details for long periods of time. Make sure to
schedule regular performance and salary reviews. This show of respect should
keep them loyal to the company.

*Gemini Employee Profile (may 21 - June 21) *

Gemini employees can have difficulty concentrating on one thing for long
periods of time. They have quick-moving minds and love to talk and
communicate their ideas with others. They thrive on social interaction --
even if their jobs don't particularly support it. They can be powerful
persuaders in their speech and make ideal salespeople and mediators. They
love to negotiate and can work out the best Deal for everyone involved. When
properly stimulated, they can manage to keep their wandering mind focused
and actually be quite productive. When they are bored, bogged down with
mundane detail-work, or forced to work with people who they consider droll,
they can become mean-spirited. Their moods can fluctuate vastly day to day,
as well as their productivity. It is really against their nature to be
forced into an average workday schedule and environment. They are happier
travelling. lf they are in an office they will need constant new
stimulation. Most will be wanting advancement if they see this as a way to
escape the limitations of their jobs. This can motivate them to put extra
effort into their job. If you work with a Gemini, try to avoid getting into
any debates with them they will surely win and it could end in some hard
feelings on your part. They will need an accepting environment- one that
supports their need for multitasking.

*Cancer Employee Profile (June 22 - July 21) *

The Cancer employee isn't at work to feed their ego -- their job is just a
job and a means to get paid. They work steadily and are usually very
reliable. You'll be able to depend on them to up on time and do what is
necessary. They won't get involved in power struggles or get upset when
someone advances before them. They are able to accept the situation because
they see it simply as a rung on the ladder up. Their motivation is security.
They'll want more money the longer they've stayed at a job. They don't want
to have to worry about how they'll make ends meet tomorrow so they'll need a
stable position without much risk. Cancerian workers can slip into some dark
moods on occasion. During these periods productivity tends to drop-as well
as everyone else's in the office. Their moods can be so strong everyone
becomes affected. To avoid the frequency of these occurrences, managers and
co-workers should try to make the work environment as homey as possible-keep
it well heated, cozy, and friendly. Don't press them to reveal their true
inner thoughts-their tendency is to be secretive and protective, and they
could see prying as an attempt to disturb their security.

*Leo Employee Profile (July " - august 21) *

Leo workers want to be first and at the centre of the office. Even if they
can't lead, they'll look for every opportunity to increase their own status
and if someone else seems ahead of them, look out. They will make it clear
that they aren't happy by pouting and complaining. They want advancement so
much that they'll take on more responsibility and carry a heavier load than
anyone else does in the office. And they are self-promoters. It is likely
that they are telling everyone in the office what a great job they are doing
as well as giving everyone unwanted advice. They know they are superior and
want everyone to know it as well. This arrogance can sometimes cause
problems when working with management. But typically, they are just hard
workers out to demonstrate just how good they really are. They thrive in
sales positions - they can promote a product or company just as well as they
promote themselves. Their strength and arrogance isn't just show either. In
a crisis situation, Leos really demonstrate their true courage. Leos want to
lead and will be pushing for more responsibility and rewards. They are happy
to train and mentor new co- workers as they enjoy giving advice and being in
positions of authority. If you are trying to manage a Leo employee, you'll
need to give them plenty of praise, responsibility, and independence. They
will certainly want to help lighten your load of management
responsibilities. Just be careful- the next thing you know they could be
taking over your job.

*Virgo Employee Profile (august 22 - September 22) *

* *In the right situations Virgos love to work. They make ideal employees,
happily working late into the night to make sure everything is perfect and
in order. If you are looking for an employee who doesn't mind starting from
rock bottom in the most entry-level position at the company, hire a Virgo.
They'll have no complaints about the position being beneath them. They are
CONTENT with basic, honest hard work. Their contentment isn't always
apparent, however.. They love to complain and worry. They are quick to
criticize the way things are done around the office and are the first ones
to grumble disapprovingly at what they consider to be extravagance or
laziness. They are blunt and honest and don't mince words over what they
feel just isn't right. Usually, this will be brought on by someone doing a
half-baked job or not being considerate of other co-work ers. You'll want to
constantly reassure them, but this will do little to quell their anxieties.
They actually enjoy worrying, and there is little you can do about it. Just
give them a detail - oriented project and let them work alone on it. You
won't have to supervise a Virgo worker. They'll check all the facts before
getting started and catch their own errors when they are done. To keep a
Virgo employee happy, you should also make sure their environment is orderly
and calm. You should also provide small gestures of appreciation. They don't
need extravagance, just let them know you appreciate them in small ways that
won't embarrass them. They will probably just shrug their shoulders and
say, "It's no big deal." But deep down inside they need these little
reassurances.


*Libra Employee Profile (September 23 - October 22) *

Libra employees are detailed, dedicated workers with sensitive natures.
Managers and co-workers sometimes find them difficult to get a handle on.
They pick up the energy of the office and are unable to prevent it from
affecting them. Loud noise, flashy colors, and discordant vibrations will
put them off so much that they will have difficulty fulfilling their
obligations at work. One day they may seem like the most bright,
hardworking, ambitious employee around. The next day they might be down,
irritated, and unable to produce. Co-workers shouldn't fret when Libra
employees are in a dark mood. It really won't last, as a happy state of mind
can come over them just as quickly. When Libra employees are in a balanced
frame of mind, they can be a powerful presence at work-they have a way of
gracing everything they touch. Underneath that mess of moods, they really
are basically happy and stable people. They are capable of profound logical
thought and evaluate all sides of a situation before acting. They are one of
the most intelligent Signs around. They are expert researchers and
mediators. And their sensitivity to their environment makes them naturals at
keeping things looking great. They will easily help others resolve conflicts
and can act as a go-between with workers and management so that everyone
ends up happy. If you want to keep your Libran worker smiling, give them the
respect they are due and put them in a position where they can project their
great charm and diplomacy. They won't be CONTENT to take orders for very
long, either- make sure they are given increased responsibility.

*Scorpio Employee Profile (October 23 - November 21) *

Scorpio employees usually exude a quiet self-confidence. They are
self-sufficient and do not depend on others for a sense of self-worth. They
keep their private life separate from work and take complete responsibility
for their actions and their situation. They don't make excuses; they just
take care of business and expect everyone else to do the same.. Those who
don't, co- workers and managers- will have to endure the Scorpio wrath. They
don't mind being completely vocal about what they feel is wrong with any
given situation. And if you tread on their fire be sure to expect
retaliation. They won't take insults or opposition lying down. If you manage
a Scorpio employee, be sure to follow through with your word and don't break
any promises-Scorpio is keeping track and building up some heavy resentments
against you if you do. You may not even be aware of it until too late-but
when Scorpio gets too m uch, you'll be sure to know. Scorpio employees will
react towards those around them exactly as they are treated. When they get
what they want, they will be very accepting. If you are trying to work with
or motivate a Scorpio co-worker, be sure to treat them respectfully and act
professionally. Give them challenging work that allows them to utilize their
awesome self-confidence and courage.

*Sagittarius Employee Profile (November 22 - December 21) *

The Sagittarian employee is head strong, cheerful, and willing to help.
They exude self-confidence and take on tasks like there's no tomorrow. They
are willing to tackle even the toughest of projects as long as it is
challenging and gets them out of the routine. Lucky for them, their shining
personalities and honest enthusiasm seem like a bright spot in the office-
otherwise co-workers might begin to build animosity towards someone so
arrogant and extravagant. Their tendency to exaggerate and take on more then
they can handle usually results in missed deadlines and dropping the
ball-not because they are lazy of procrastinate, but because their
enthusiasm just gets the better of them sometimes. Don't let their
nonchalance fool you-they really do care about what they are doing. They
just have an easy-going attitude that allows them to keep on smiling even
when they just messed up big time. Just because they are flexible and
easy-going doesn't mean they won't tell you exactly how they feel-what is
working for them and what isn't. And they won't just blindly take orders -
they need to understand the method and reason behind the process. If you are
trying to motivate your Sagittarian employee, be sure to feed them plenty of
challenging new projects and hint that some business trips might be on the
horizon once deadlines are met. And whatever you do, try not to question
their intentions - it is the quickest way to make them upset. They aren't
capable of deceit.

*Capricorn Employee Profile (December 22 - January 20)*

A Capricorn employee with too much to do is a happy worker. They need plenty
of projects and responsibility. There is no sadder sight than a Capricorn
worker without a sense of responsibility. They need to be needed. They are
covertly ambitious - usually not flashy or obvious about it-but you will
usually know that they are serious and determined about advancing
themselves. They are completely scrupulous, so much so that they can be
self-disparaging. But they are no pushovers. They can wear down even the
toughest customers. Their persistence is incredible. Once they set their
sights on a goal, they work away at it until the bitter end-whether the goal
be that hard sell or the new hardware release. Capricorns don't work for
free, however. They expect to be paid handsomely and be given more and more
responsibility. They need to come out ahead of the pack in the end, and they
see the work environment as their primary vehicle. They won't go in for the
typical office gossip and politics, though. They want to get down to
business at work and see it as no place for fooling around. With a strong
sense of duty and respect towards their superiors, it is rare they will join
in on boss-bashing or knocking the system. They can get frustrated, however,
with blue sky management schemes that lack common sense, and they will
interject their dry sense of humour in the most critical ways. If they want
change, they will be unyielding. If all their effort leads to naught the
result will be deep moods of darkness and depression with a sense of
hopelessness. . Keep your Capricorn employee happy by paying them fairly and
giving them plenty of hard work. Arrange for a path of advancement within
your organization for them. If you don't, you might find them looking for
other opportunities.

*Aquarius Employee Profile (January 21 - February 19) *

* *The Aquarius employee can't tolerate unfairness in the office. Hair
brained schemes will get the positive attention they deserve if an Aquarian
has anything to do with it. They'll try to help everyone see the good side
of a bad situation if it's the last thing that they do. They are so
smart-they can't help but hold management in disdain if they feel that they
are being unfair and unintelligent. It isn't that they are overly ambitious
and think they could be doing a better job- just that they think people in
power should know better. Most Aquarius workers are still looking for
themselves and will want to try their hand at a variety of jobs in the
workplace. Whatever they are doing, they will do conscientiously. They
usually have strict personal codes that include a strong work ethic.Their
bright, off-beat intelligence, and trustworthiness will typically gain them
many friends-in and out of work. Beneath that sometimes odd-ball behaviour
is solid, concrete thinking and sensitivity to co-workers. Keep your smart
Aquarius co-worker happy by giving them plenty of opportunity to learn news
kills. Raises are less important to them. No amount of money will make it
worth their while to stay in a stagnant position. Don't let them get too
bored or they will simply find another job as easily as they found this
one-their genius is easy to spot.

*Pisces Employee Profile (February 20 - march 20*)

The Pisces employee can be a loyal and hard-working, if unconventional,
worker. In the right position, they are able to keep their daydreams in
check and buckle down on the detail work-giving their all to the boss and
corporation whom they feel are worthy of devotion. On the flip side, there
is no image of extreme misery like that of an ill-placed Pisces worker.
They will act as though their cubicle were a prison cell as they daydream of
their own business or next vacation. Unhappy Pisces workers usually won't
stick around too long. Often Pisceans will drift from one job to another
looking for that ideal environment to which they will be able to commit and
feel a sense of purpose. And if things are going in a bad direction at the
office, Pisces will be the first to sense it. They'd rather pick up and
leave then wait until the problem reaches a head. Pisces are often
misunderstood by their co-workers. Typically timid and introspective, they
usually keep their true nature hidden, for fear it wouldn't fit with the
corporate culture. What motivates a Pisces employee to not only stick around
but also excel? Try compliments. And show them how their work impacts the
entire organization. They need to know that what they are doing is worth
something on a grander scale. Acceptance of their unconventional
organization and planning will be necessary. Just because their sales report
isn't in the typical format doesn't mean it is any less effective. Keep
their environment bright and upbeat; and an after-work cocktail wouldn't
hurt.