The Four Communication Styles

Drivers

You treat them as follows:

  • These people get things accomplished.
  •  They cut to the chase and areaction-oriented.
  • Their worst fear is you are going to waste their time.
  • They are brief, no small talk, they get to the point.
  • They are poor listeners, don’t like detail and can make quick decisions, not based on all the information.
  • They are brusque and can be abrupt.
  • They know they are always right, arejudgmentaland highly opinionated.
  • Thinkbefore you open your mouth
  • Say just what they need to hear(talk in bullets)
  • Don’t take it personally, and don’t be friendly
  • You aren’t rude, but they don’t want to get into personal information, just what they need to know.

Expressive

You treat them as follows:

  • These people love to talk…a lot.
  • They are very verbal, never met a stranger, are abstract thinkers; the creative types.
  • They are articulate, enthusiastic and influence others easily.
  • They don’t like lots of detail.
  • They are people-centred, and don’t like working alone.
  • They are poor listeners and will often say the same thing in three different ways because they are constantly thinking and revising.
  • They have lots of energy.
  • Treat them in a friendly manner, but only for a few seconds, then take control of the conversation
  • Interrupt (using their name usually works) and control the conversation like a game of verbal tug of war

 

 

 


Amiables

You treat them as follows:

  • They are responsible, reserved, logical, cooperative, patient and persistent.
  • They won't delegate, they take all responsibility on themselves.
  • They are terrific listeners and are great team players.
  • They don’t like fast change, and want to be treated fairly.
  • They are a little more tentative, and don’t need the spot light.
  • Never, never take them at face value.
  • Listen with your eyes, between the lines, draw them out and treat them fairly.
  • Give ideas time to incubate.


 

Analyticals

You treat them as follows:

  • These people are quantitative.
  • They are precise, perfectionists and they see themselves as experts.
  • They are controlled, and always must have all the facts.
  • They love to teach, are critical thinkers and don’t like people to break the rules.
  • They are a little reserved and ask for everything with great detail.
  • Understand they must have everything in writing, need time to analyze and process information, and want you to give them documentation on everything, in writing.
  • They resist change and are not as flexible as others.