Thursday 17 May 2012

The Four SOCIAL STYLES

Nearly 50 years of research has revealed that people operate with four distinct ways of interaction, or SOCIAL STYLES: Analytical, Amiable, Driving and Expressive.

TRACOM Analytical Style Analytical Style people value facts above all, and may appear uncommunicative, cool and independent. They have a strong time discipline coupled with a slow pace to action. They value accuracy, competency and logic over opinions, often avoiding risk in favor of cautious, deliberate decisions. Analyticals are usually cooperative, providing they have some freedom to organize their own efforts. Power often arises suspicion in Analyticals, but if they come to see it as necessary for achieving goals and objectives, they may seek power themselves. In relationships, Analyticals are initially more careful and reserved, but once trust is earned they can become dedicated and loyal.  "More about the Analytical Style."


 

TRACOM Amiable Style Amiable Style people are people-oriented, and care more about close relationships than results or influence. They usually appear warm, friendly and cooperative. Amiables tend to move slowly with a low time discipline, minimizing risk and often using personal opinions to arrive at decisions. Belonging to a group is a primary need, and Amiables may make every effort to gain acceptance. They typically seek to uncover common ground, preferring to achieve objectives through understanding and mutual respect rather than force and authority. When managed by force without relationship, Amiables appear to cooperate initially but will likely lack commitment to the objectives and may later resist implementation.  "More about the Amiable Style."

 

TRACOM Expressive Style Expressive Style people are motivated by recognition, approval and prestige. They tend to appear communicative and approachable, often sharing their feelings and thoughts. They move quickly, continually excited about the next big idea, but they often don’t commit to specific plans or see things through to completion. Expressives enjoy taking risks. When making decisions, they tend to place more stock in the opinions of prominent or successful people than in logic or research. Though they consider relationships important, the Expressive’s competitive nature leads them to seek quieter friends who are supportive of their dreams and ideas, often making relationships shallow or short-lived.  "More about the Expressive Style."

 

TRACOM Driving Style Driving Style people want to know the estimated outcome of each option. They are willing to accept risks, but want to move quickly and have the final say. In relationships, they may appear uncommunicative, independent and competitive. Driving styles tend to focus on efficiency or productivity rather than devoting time and attention to casual relationships. They seldom see a need to share personal motives or feelings.  Driving styles are results-oriented, tending to initiate action and give clear direction. They seek control over their environment.  "More about the Driving Style."

 

Each of the categories represent roughly 25 percent of the population, which means only about one-fourth of the people you work with prefer to interact in the same way you do. This provides a plethora of opportunities for workplace conflict to manifest. What are you doing to manage your relationships?

Learn about SOCIAL STYLE training programs.
Find answers to frequently asked questions about SOCIAL STYLE and Versatility.

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This article was originally published HERE