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Discover your Personality Style and its Behavior Characteristics as well as the styles of those with whom you work and live. Once you are aware of your style and theirs, you will begin to understand the natural differences between you and learn how to fulfill the wants, needs and expectations of you both, thereby significantly increasing your ability to get along. This is perhaps one of the most powerful tools for improved human relations and productive work environments.
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Personality and Behavioral Styles
Since the time of Hippocrates, researchers and experts in the field pf personality and human behavior have been seeking ways to understand how different styles impact others. The following assessment instrument is the result of over 30 years of in-depth research and has continuously helped people improve the quality of their working and personal relationships.
Directions: This is NOT A TEST! There is no right or wrong answer. You cannot pass or fail. It is merely an assessment of your personality style and the behaviors particular to that style. There are no good or bad styles. Each one is different and has its own strengths and weaknesses. Next to each characteristic identify the degree to which you think it describes you in the workplace. If you aren’t sure, ask yourself, “What would my co-workers/ boss/subordinates say?” Keep in mind that this is not how you would ‘like to be’ or how you ‘hope others see you.’ It is how you really are - so for an accurate reading, respond as honestly as you can.
0 = Never 1 = Sometimes 2 = Frequently 3 = Very Much
Download a printable version of this assessment and interpretation.
Personality and Behavioral Styles Interpretation
Understanding the results of your assessment will help you to successfully get along with and influence the people around you by 1) realizing that people are fundamentally different in the way they think, act, feel, perceive and respond, 2) that these differences can be categorized into four basic and easily recognized personality styles which in turn have four sub-styles, and 3) understanding the different personality styles – yours and theirs – which will give you the tools you need to create alignment, and agreement. This in turn enables you to build better work/life relationships resulting in more effective communication and productive results.
This assessment identifies four basic personality styles each with its own particular behavioral characteristics: the Driver, the Promoter, the Supporter and the Analyzer. Most of us, to some extent operate in all four domains, yet each of us is oriented to one Dominant style (your highest score) which indicates your behavior preferences. That one style greatly influences your life choices, lifestyles, communication techniques, basic human needs, how you learn, what you fear, what you like/dislike, how you think and solve problems, what you avoid, how you react to other people and circumstances and how you use your skills and abilities. In short, it is your Basic Personality. We each tend to also have a Back-up style (your second highest score) which also influences your perceptions and behaviors.
Each style has strengths and weaknesses. It should be noted that when a strength is taken to an extreme, it becomes a weakness. Therefore, the goal is to balance out your extremes so that you and the people around you can thrive through successful interactions.
Let’s take a look at the four styles and learn a little more about each one.
| DRIVER | PROMOTER | SUPPORTER | ANALYZER | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEADERSHIP STYLE: | Directive | Visionary | Personal/Relating | Evaluating |
| STRENGTHS: | Action oriented, Determined, Produces results, Unemotional in crisis, Efficient, Problem solver, Takes charge | Idea generator, Optimistic, Creative, Spontaneous, Exciting, Motivator, Inspirational, Fun | Listens well, Helpful, Caring, Excellent follower, Collaborator, Great team player, Sensitive to others, Loyal | Thorough and accurate, Methodical, Detailed, Intelligent, Persistent, Inquisitive, Systematic, Logical, Practical |
| WHEN STRENGTHS ARE TAKEN TO EXTREME: | Can be Stubborn, Insensitive to others, Arrogant, Domineering. Manipulative, Impatient, Impulsive when taking big risks | Often Leaves things incomplete, Disorganized, Avoids or misses details, Dreamer, Unrealistic, Superficial, Impatient, Manipulative | Can be Self-effacing, Needs approval, Covertly manipulative, Sacrifices honesty for harmony, Resentful, Ignores own needs to help others | Often is Indecisive, Critical, Negative towards new ideas, Buries emotions, Picky, Dislikes change, Overly serious |
| MOST OVERPLAYED DRAMA: | Dictator | Runaway | Rescuer | Victim |
| VALUE TO THE ORGANIZATION: | Organizer, Delegates, Task accomplisher, Produces results, Self motivated, Hard working, Progressive, Decisive, Disciplined, Timely | Conceptualizes, Competitive, Loves a challenge, Fun to be around, Generates high energy, Initiates relationships, Motivates others to take action | Shares information, Builds consensus, Dependable and loyal, Good at reconciling factions, Very calming, Builds bridges | Thinks of all angles, Identifies loopholes, Evaluates, Maintains standards, Defines, Clarifies, Gathers information, Critiques and tests. |
| TENDS TO BE MOST SUCCESSFUL IN THE FOLLOWING PROFESSIONS: | Generals, CEOs of established organizations, Mergers and Acquisitions | Sales, Marketing, Entertainment, Public Relations, Advertising | Human Resources, Therapy, Education | Legal, Medicine, Accounting and Finance, Strategic Planning, Engineering, Computers |
| NEEDS LEADERSHIP WHICH: | Allows them freedom to do things their own way | Inspires them to bigger and better accomplishments | Details specific plans and activities, Reassures when doing well | Structures a framework or a track to follow, Provides well established rules and procedures |
| NEEDS TO BE GIVEN: | Opportunity to achieve and compete, Recognition | Approval, Recognition, Chance to be heard | Acceptance, Compliments, Emotional security | Security, Quality, No surprises |
| NEED TO SAVE: | Time | Effort | Relationships | Face |
| COMMUNICATION STYLE: | Direct, To the point, Makes statements, High eye contact, quick, fast paced | Animated, Dramatic, Unrestricted, Expressive, Enthusiastic | Relaxed, Gentle, High physical contact, Indirect, Listens | Restricted, Low Eye Contact, Factual, Unemotional, Listens |
| MOST NEEDS TO LEARN: | How to listen to others and respond to feelings, How to cooperate, Humility, Patience | Discipline and focus, To follow through and complete, To think before acting | To reach for goals, To act without agreement, To be more driven and results focused, Make sure their needs are met | To take risks and deal with the unknown, To respond more rapidly, To initiate, To lighten up, To appear wrong |
Click here to download a printable version of this assessment and interpretation
Based on the data you will find in Martha’s workshop, Understanding Me, Understanding You, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the Four Styles and learn how to apply this knowledge in practical influencing situations such as managing, coaching, consulting, selling ideas or products, servicing customers or living effectively with others. Discover:
- Their greatest fears
- How they approach problem solving
- What they must be allowed to have
- How to support them
- What they rely on for success
- How they express emotion
- What they can’t stand
- What each style needs to know to communicate successfully with the other
- What to avoid at all costs
And much, much more…
I’ve worked with Martha for only 5 years, but the lessons I’ve learned from her about myself and my influence on those around me has altered the very meaning of my definition of success. I find now, that I achieve more personally and professionally, and I have significantly reduced my own personal anxiety in all aspects of my life. What would have ever become of me without Martha’s influence maybe the one lesson I choose not to learn.
Beto Guajardo
Senior Vice President, Global Strategy, Starbucks
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