People in general can behave in many

Communication Skills Identifying personal styles

ways, that can be categorised by the distinctions below. Where would you place yourself on this scale? The pages following explain key characteristics.

activity centred

analytical
asks

driver
tells

amiable
people centred

expressive

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Communication Skills Analytical personal style

technically orientated, seek structure, certainty and evidence before making decisions quiet, unassuming, show little emotion when dealing with others take little social initiative with others until a strong relationship has been formed interested in discovering and solving problems

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Communication Skills Analytical strengths

approaching problems based on facts and logic tries to make the most practical decision by being thorough and conservative approaches people with caution and care, only establishing strong bonds once comfortable with people conscientious about working out a problem or getting a job done right
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Communication Skills Driver personal style

dominant, forceful and strong-willed not sharing or showing personal feelings self-starters who like to initiate and control efficient, hard-working and results orientated direct and to the point when dealing with others

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Communication Skills Driver strengths

like to take charge, command and control quick to act and make things happen like challenge, prefer to deal with things which are difficult to master seen as taking responsibility and relieving others of it

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Communication Skills Amiable personal style

accepting of others with a high priority to get along quiet, co-operative and supportive easy to get to know and work with tend to minimise interpersonal conflict wherever possible

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Communication Skills Amiable strengths

helpful to others and willingly gives advice, support and encouragement has a deep sense of loyalty and dedication to colleagues and friends communicates a great deal of trust and confidence in other people naturally displays empathy

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Communication Skills Expressive personal style

excitable, fun-loving and talkative people-orientated, likes an audience and views applause or recognition as a cherished award for accomplishment achievement-orientated, a risk-taker, competitive and spirited futuristic, creative and inspirational

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Communication Skills Expressive strengths

the responsiveness and friendliness create excitement and motivation in others has the ability to make people feel comfortable and friendly shows enthusiasm and does not feel inhibited about sharing dreams and ideas actions are ambitious and results-orientated but gives encouragement
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Communication Skills Working with analyticals

do
be well prepared listen carefully be specific and logical question thoroughly be formal give them time

do not
be disorganised be late push or coax be flippant use testimonials appear casual

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Communication Skills Working with drivers

do
get straight down to business and be succinct be specific and use their time efficiently talk about results and outcome be factual and avoid detail

do not
waste their time be vague or ramble get too personal stray away from purpose ask irrelevant questions try to take control

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Communication Skills Working with amiables

do
show genuine interest chat before business look for non-verbal signs of concern be informal and non-threatening uncover their needs with open questions

do not
be totally task focussed cause them to respond quickly be rapid or abrupt dominate the discussion make wild claims about demands decide for them

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Communication Skills Working with expressives

do
socialise before business discuss opinions and other people be enthusiastic and energetic be fast paced offer your ideas

do not
lay down the law suppress their opinions fix on facts and figures or details be impersonal and business-like be task orientated let them go off at a tangent

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