Social Styles Handout
Snapshot of the Amiable Style
People with an Amiable Style openly display their feelings to others. They appear less demanding and
generally more agreeable than others. They are interested in achieving a rapport with others who often
describe them as informal, casual and easy going.
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Amiable Style Need: Personal Security
Amiable Style Orientation: Relationships
Amiable Growth Action: To Initiate
ABCs of the Amiable Style
A.
Actions Toward Others
The Amiable Style is the most “people oriented” of the four Styles. To this Style, people count as people
rather than a way to achieve results or recognition. The Amiable person prefers cooperating or
collaborating with others to competing with them.
B. Best Use of Time
The Amiable Style person tends to move slowly with less time discipline. They prefer to avoid direct
confrontations. They want time for small talk and socializing before moving to the matter at hand.
C. Customary Approach to Decisions‐making
The Amiable Style person values the input of others. Their decision‐making process can be influenced
by others. They are not risk‐takers and attempt to reduce risk by ensuring actions will not damage
ongoing personal relationships.
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Snapshot of the Analytical Style
People with an Analytical Style are typically described by others as quiet, logical and sometimes reserved.
They tend to appear distant from others and may not communicate with them unless there is a specific
need to do so.
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Analytical Style Need: To Be Right
Analytical Style Orientation: Thinking
Analytical Style Growth Action: To Declare
ABCs of the Analytical Style
A.
Actions Toward Others
The Analytical Style person can appear uncommunicative, distant and cool. These people are
cooperative as long as they have some freedom to organize their own efforts. They tend to be cautious
about extending friendships.
B. Best Use of Time
The Analytical Style person has a strong time discipline coupled with a slow pace to action. He or she
moves with deliberateness and takes time to review all facts and available data. They do not respond
well to being rushed.
C. Customary Approach to Decisions‐making
The Analytical Style person tends to make decisions based on facts and verifiable information. They
need evidence and want to be sure that decisions made today will be valid in the future.
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Snapshot of the Driving Style
People with a Driving Style are seen by others as active, forceful and determined. People with a Driving
Style are direct. They initiate social interaction and they focus their efforts and the efforts of others on
the goals and objectives they wish to get accomplished.
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Driving Style Need: Results
Driving Style Orientation: Action
Driving Style Growth Action: To Listen
ABCs of the Driving Style
A. Actions Toward Others
The Driving Style person is typically more oriented toward results and tasks than toward relationships
and people. They are typically described as cool, less personable, guarded and at times aloof. They
typically do not openly show their feelings or reveal the depth of their emotions.
B. Best Use of Time
Driving Style people have little tolerance for actions they deem a waste of time. They prefer getting to
the point and staying on target. They prefer others to show respect for time by sticking to a schedule.
C. Customary Approach to Decisions‐making
When making a decision, a Driving Style person prefers to be provided with facts, useful information
and viable options. Driving Style people enjoy having power and like making their own decisions. They
do not like being told what to do.
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Snapshot of the Expressive Style
People with the Expressive Style tend to be more willing to make their feelings known to others. They
can appear to react impulsively and openly show both positive and negative feelings. They are typically
described by others as personable, talkative and sometimes opinionated.
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Expressive Style Need: Personal Approval
Expressive Style Orientation: Spontaneity
Expressive Style Growth Action: To Check
ABCs of the Expressive Style
A.
Actions Toward Others
The Expressive Style person appears communicative, fun, exciting, approachable and competitive. They
generally approach situations in a more casual manner than other Styles of people. They often openly
share their feelings and thoughts with others.
B. Best Use of Time
The Expressive Style person tends to move quickly in their actions with less discipline about time. They
rapidly get into a social interaction and appreciate others to stimulate them. They often will change
course rapidly.
C. Customary Approach to Decisions‐making
The Expressive Style person tends to take risks based on the opinions of people he or she considers
important or successful. Opinions may mean more in decision‐making than facts or logic. The
Expressive Style person tends to respond to special benefits or incentive when making decisions.
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