Personality Styles
Analytical - Analytical people are known for being systematic, well organized and deliberate. These individuals appreciate facts and information presented in a logical manner as documentation of truth. They enjoy organization and completion of detailed tasks. Others may see him at times as being too cautious, overly structured, someone who does things too much 'by the book'. The Owl
controlled, orderly, precise, disciplined, deliberate, cautious, diplomatic, systematic, logical, conventional
Driver - They thrive on the thrill of the challenge and the internal motivation to succeed. Drivers are practical folks who focus on getting results. They can do a lot in a very short time. They usually talk fast, direct and to the point. Often viewed as decisive, direct and pragmatic. The Eagle
action-orientated, decisive, problem solver, direct, assertive, demanding, risk taker, forceful, competitive, independent, determined, results-oriented
Amiable - They are dependable, loyal and easygoing. They like things that are non-threatening and friendly. They hate dealing with impersonal details and cold hard facts. They are usually quick to reach a decision. Often described as a warm person and sensitive to the feelings of others but at the same time wishy-washy. The Dove
patient, loyal, sympathetic, team person, relaxed, mature, supportive, stable, considerate, empathetic, persevering, trusting, congenial
Expressive - Very outgoing and enthusiastic, with a high energy level. They are also great idea generators, but usually do not have the ability to see the idea through to completion. They enjoy helping others and are particularly fond of socializing. They are usually slow to reach a decision. Often thought of as a talker, overly dramatic, impulsive, and manipulative. The Peacock
verbal, motivating, enthusiastic, convincing, impulsive, influential, charming, confident, dramatic, optimistic, animated
Dealing with other personalities
Dealing with Analytics
Do Don’t
Prepare in advance Be disorganized or messy
Be accurate Be informal, casual or loud
Be direct Rush decision making
List Pros and Cons Fail to follow through
Present specifics Waste Time
Be persistent Leave things to chance
Use timetables for actions Threaten or cajole
Provide tangible evidence Use opinions as evidence
Be manipulative
Dealing with Amiables
Do Don’t
Start with a personal comment Rush into business
Show interest in them as people Stick to business constantly
Listen and be responsive quickly Force them to respond
Be casual and non-threatening Be demanding
Ask “how” questions Debate facts and figures
Provide assurances Be abrupt
Be patronizing
Dealing with Drivers
Do Don’t
Be specific and brief Ramble or waste time
Stick to business be disorganized or messy
Be prepared Leave loopholes or be unclear
Present facts clearly Ask rhetorical questions
Ask “what” questions Make decisions for them
Provide alternative solutions Be directive
Take issue with facts
Dealing with Expressives
Do Don’t
Be fast-moving, entertaining Legislate
Leave time for socializing Be cold, aloof, or tight lipped
Talk about their goals Press for solutions
Deal with the big picture Deal with details
Ask for their opinions or ideas Be dogmatic
Use ideas from people they respect Talk down to them
Offer incentives and rewards
Personality Types
The idea that there is a particular type of personality that is more prone to experience distress is now widely accepted although, of course, it must be recognized that not everybody can be put into a simple two-box category. In fact, most people are really a mix of many characteristics. But for our purposes, it can be helpful to think ourselves as fitting into one category or the other. No doubt you have heard many references to these personality categories- “Type A” and “Type B” (with those people who seem to have an even mixture of the two being labeled “Type X”).
In my experience, the tool of personality categorization has been very helpful. What are the traits displayed by those who are predominately Type A?
Type-A behavior is an “action-emotion complex” that can be seen in those persons who are always struggling to achieve more and more in less and less time. In essence, they are always in a hurry. Of course, there are other characteristics that describe that Type-A person well:
They have a high degree of competitiveness.
They are easily irritated by delays.
They have a low tolerance for frustration.
They are hard driving and ambitious.
They are highly aggressive.
They are easily angered and often have free-floating hostility.
They cannot relax without feeling guilty
They are confident on the surface but insecure within.
They speak aggressively, accentuating key words.
They have a tendency to finish other people’s sentences.
Type-B people, on the other hand, are relatively free of most of the habits I have mentioned above. They do not feel bound by time, have less sense of urgency, and find more time to play and relax. They are patient, slow to anger, and less concerned about what peers and superiors may think about their actions. They have resigned themselves to the restrictions that their humanness places them. Type B’s may appear to be the “tortoises” of our world along side the Type-A “rabbits,” but this is not altogether a fair analogy. Many type B’s are high achievers and are in positions of responsibility. They are energetic and fast when the task demands it, but they can “switch off” and take it easy when the crisis is over.
What percentage of the population is Type A? This is a hard question to answer. Estimates range from 50 percent to 70 percent, depending on how personality types are measured and whether the population being studied is urban or rural. Type B’s seem to be less prominent in our large cities, presumably because that is where Type-A qualities are most reinforced!
Of course, no person is a pure Type A or Type B. Most of us are a blend of the two. But this categorization helps to point up our predominating characteristics. There are some good things about being a Type-A person. People with this personality type accomplish a lot. But there is a physical penalty to be paid for being a predominantly Type-A person. The stress hormones, including adrenaline, are always found in excessive amounts in these individuals. The stress effect will bring these individuals to follow Type- B culture in their life.