John Edwards, Technology Journalist & AuthorApril 11, 20255 Min ReadMikhail Reshetnikov via Alamy Stock PhotoEvery IT team seems to have one -- the member who's highly dedicated and talented, yet also something of a free spirit. Knowing how to tolerate and cater to this individual's unique needs without alienating other team members isn't a task generally covered in Management 101 courses for CIOs and IT leaders, yet it's essential in order to keep your team happy and productive. Instead of trying to fit a quirky team member into a rigid mold, work to understand what makes them tick and leverage that unique perspective, suggests Anbang Xu, founder of JoggAI, an AI-powered video platform, and a former senior product manager at Apple and senior software engineer at Google. It’s important to give these individuals space to thrive in their own way, while maintaining clear communication and setting expectations, he observes in an email interview. "By focusing on their strengths, I’ve found that they can bring innovative solutions and fresh ideas that would otherwise be overlooked." Embracing Uniqueness Embrace uniqueness while setting clear expectations, recommends Chetan Honnenahalli, engineering lead at software firm Hubspot and a former team leader at Meta, Zoom, and American Express. "Focus on their strengths and the value they bring to the team but establish boundaries to ensure their behavior doesn’t disrupt team dynamics or project goals," he says in an online interview. "Frequent one-on-one check-ins can help address potential concerns while reinforcing their contributions." Related:Balance respect for individuality with the needs of the team and organization. By valuing their quirks as part of their creative process, you'll foster a sense of belonging and loyalty, Honnenahalli says. "Clear boundaries and open communication will prevent potential misunderstandings, ensuring harmony within the team." Tolerance should depend on the impact of their behavior on team dynamics and project outcomes, Honnenahalli says. "Quirks that enhance creativity or problem-solving should be celebrated, but behaviors that cause disruptions, undermine morale, or create inefficiencies should be addressed promptly." Toleration Techniques Quirky behavior can become an issue if it interferes with the employee's ability to perform their work or if it disrupts fellow team members, says Matt Erhard, managing partner with professional search firm Summit Search Group, via email. "In these cases, the best approach is to have a one-on-one conversation with that employee," he advises. "Address the specific behaviors of concern and establish some expectations and boundaries about what is and isn't acceptable within the workplace." Related:Give the quirky team member strategies and guidelines to adapt their behavior within the workplace setting, Erhard recommends. "It should be made clear that you aren't criticizing or trying to change their personality but rather establishing rules about how they're expected to interact with their colleagues or customers when they're at work." As long as a maverick's behavior doesn't impede team collaboration, project deadlines, or morale, there’s room for individuality, Xu says. "The level of quirkiness you’re willing to tolerate is really a matter of balance," he states. "If their personality adds value without disrupting the team's harmony or performance, then it’s worth embracing." Team Impact Set team norms that allow for individuality while ensuring mutual respect and collaboration, Honnenahalli recommends. Address issues directly and constructively, ensuring open dialogue and fair resolutions. "Highlight how the individual’s quirks contribute positively to the team’s success, encouraging a culture of acceptance." Open communication is vital, Erhard says. "Talk to other team members about the issues they're having and why it's a concern for them." Facilitating a dialogue between the individuals can help both parties see each other’s perspectives. Related:When to Clamp Down Leaders should aim to channel quirkiness constructively rather than working to eliminate it. For instance, if a quirky habit is distracting or counterproductive, the team leader can guide the individual toward alternatives that achieve similar results without causing friction, Honnenahalli says. Avoid suppressing individuality unless it directly conflicts with professional responsibilities or team cohesion. Help the unconventional team member channel their quirks productively rather than trying to reduce them, Xu suggests. "This means offering support and guidance in ways that allow them to thrive within the structure of the team." Remember that quirks can often be a unique asset in problem-solving and innovation. Diverse Perspectives In IT, where innovation thrives on diverse perspectives, quirky team members often deliver creative solutions and unconventional thinking, Honnenahalli says. "Leaders who manage such individuals effectively can cultivate a culture of innovation and inclusivity, boosting morale and productivity." Every team needs a mix of personalities to excel, Xu observes. "The most innovative teams I’ve worked with had a variety of thinkers -- some more conventional, others quirky in their approach." It's the diversity in thinking that drives creativity and breakthroughs. "As leaders, it’s our responsibility to cultivate an environment where these differences are not only accepted but celebrated."About the AuthorJohn EdwardsTechnology Journalist & AuthorJohn Edwards is a veteran business technology journalist. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and numerous business and technology publications, including Computerworld, CFO Magazine, IBM Data Management Magazine, RFID Journal, and Electronic Design. He has also written columns for The Economist's Business Intelligence Unit and PricewaterhouseCoopers' Communications Direct. John has authored several books on business technology topics. His work began appearing online as early as 1983. Throughout the 1980s and 90s, he wrote daily news and feature articles for both the CompuServe and Prodigy online services. His "Behind the Screens" commentaries made him the world's first known professional blogger.See more from John EdwardsWebinarsMore WebinarsReportsMore ReportsNever Miss a Beat: Get a snapshot of the issues affecting the IT industry straight to your inbox.SIGN-UPYou May Also Like