A score of 34 in the “identifying social type” inventory means that I am highly assertive and responsive. High assertiveness means that I am more likely to demand things or tell others instead of requesting or keeping quiet. On the other hand, high responsiveness means that I respond to others in an emotional manner. Therefore, high responsiveness are people-oriented compared to low responsiveness (Reece, 2014) . When high assertiveness and high responsiveness are plotted on a grid, the individual styles that emerges is the expresser style. Other styles that emerge from the grid are the driver, analyzer, and amiable styles. People with the expresser style are expressive and open both verbally and nonverbally. They also express their feelings and thoughts openly, which means that can easily get into trouble. Additionally, their outgoing and upfront approach makes them excellent promoters. People with the driver style are direct and clear. Since they like getting things done and obtaining the desired outcomes, they can take control of a situation and direct others on what to do. Individuals with the driver styles careless about conflicts and they may appear to be arrogant due to their confidence. Individuals with the analyzer style tend to focus on facts and information. They use information or data to make their decisions; therefore, emotions and relationship building are insignificant to them. Finally, people who are amiable or have the relater style are team players and value relationships. They enjoy talking with others and are good listeners. They also like to shun conflict and consider the viewpoints and feelings of others before making their decisions.
When dealing with a person with a different style, it is important to flex one’s style. Flexing is changing one’s style temporarily to suit the style of the person they are communicating (Reece, 2014) . One can take several steps to flex their style. If a person has a different style and is communication with a person with a driver styles, he or she can flex their styles by limiting small talk, being punctual, and focusing on the outcomes of what they are seeking to attain. When dealing with a relater, one can style flex by inquiring about their personal life, showing empathy, and listening. Additionally, providing reasons for any decision and expressing concern for others are effective flexing strategies. When dealing with an analyzer, one can style flex by providing relevant information and data, being systematic and less emotional, and providing sufficient time for them to make their decisions (Wilson, 2004) . Finally, one can style flex when dealing with an expresser by creating an informal environment, expressing emotion, and being flexible. Furthermore, making time for conversation and showing interest in them are also effective flexing strategies.
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After sharing my scores with a family member, she described the results as accurate. According to her, the score reflects my social style. Her description of my social style are similar to those of an expresser. For example, she claimed that I am a fun-loving character who likes to joke with anyone. Other adjectives that she used to describe my social style include good persuasion and motivating skills, spontaneity, fear of being rejected or ignored, a dislike of routines. Based on her feedback about the inventory scores, the Social Style Inventory is accurate in measuring a person’s social style. Despite the greater assertiveness and responsiveness of expressers, they tend to be impatient and become sarcastic when stressed. These attributes were not mentioned by my relative after seeing the inventory scores.
A person’s social style may affect his or her listening skills. Since expressive people have little concern for the views and thoughts of others, they tend to be quick, articulate, and visionary. However, their assertiveness means that they are poor listeners and become distracted easily. Expressive people are highly responsive, which means that they are focused more on reacting or contributing to a conversation instead of listening ( Reece, 2014). Additionally, their vulnerability to distraction also means that they are not attentive, which is an important attribute of a good listener. Finally, a poor listener does not focus on the speaker or the content of the conversation due to their spontaneity and a tendency to exaggerate. These are the attributes of an expressive person, which makes them poor listeners. Though my social style is expressive, I can improve my listening skills by implementing some strategies. One strategy is by being fully present in the moment and minimizing distractions. Second, I can improve my listening skills by focusing on the words being spoken, but also nonverbal communication sues such as tome, body language, and facial expressions. Third, putting myself in the speaker’s position enhances listening skills because people appreciate that they heard and understood. Finally, picking the important points and letting the other person know about it enhances listening because it minimizes distraction.
Style flexing can also promote communication effectiveness because it enables a person to adjust his or her style to suit the other person’s style. Through style flexing, people can customize their social style to be closer to others. Since people with a similar social style tend to interact and get along well, style flexing promotes communication.
References
Reece, B. L. (2014). Effective human relations: Interpersonal and organizational applications . Mason, OH: South-Western.
Wilson, L. L. (2004). Social styles handbook - adapt your style to win trust . Nova Vista Publishing.
