Social Style

Where I work, we are all required to attend a two-day seminar called “Social Styles”. Prior to the seminar, we are sent five copies of a questionnaire which we give to co-workers to fill out. On these surveys, they rank their perception of our work style in various categories. Based on this feedback, each seminar participant is grouped into one of four social styles. The styles are as follows:

ANALYTIC: Task oriented. Likes to ask questions and collect data. Wants to be working with complete information and will research a topic to death before reaching a conclusion. Wants it done right.
DRIVER: Task oriented. Prefers to cut to the chase. Focuses on the “big picture” rather than on the small details. Wants it done yesterday.
AMIABLE: People oriented. Likes to ask questions to discern the thoughts and feelings of those around him. Prefers compromise. Wants it done in a way that makes everyone happy.
EXPRESSIVE: People oriented. Is fond of being the center of attention, the leader. Focuses on the end result. Enjoys recognition and reward. Wants it done in a way that makes people sit up and take notice.

The purpose of this training is to assist employees in recognizing the different personality styles and thus make it easier to work together. For example, if you’re an analytic and your boss is a driver, he will likely consider you slow to make a decision because you get too bogged down in details. When he asks a question, he wants an answer. He doesn’t want to hear, “Let me go research that and get back to you.”

In addition to our main style, we have a sub-style. If you’re an Amiable-Analytic, you’re detail oriented and task-driven, but you still have a strong desire to satisfy the people around you and look for an outcome that’s pleasing to everyone. (Provided that conclusion jives with your carefully-collected research.)

I discovered that I’m an Expressive-Amiable. In other words, I would rather be planning a party or blogging than doing my job. My goal is to win an award for making everyone around me happy. Don’t tell me I’m doing a good job; tell me you like me!

Clearly I’m not cut out for executive management.