Social styles indicator is a profiling assessment used in Corporates, mostly to understand Leadership behaviors. I have found it useful in Corporate. It was interesting to see how the indicator can help understand oneself in normal day to day activities as well!
Broad view of the indicator
driving
Typically, these people like to tell (than ask). They like to be in control of the conversations and its scope. They easily can take charge of conversations and fill up the room with topics to converse and drive the direction of the conversations. They are usually known for their speed of action. While they can plan meticulously, they are also results-oriented and hold the ability to adapt their approach to remove inefficiencies. They might be seen as spontaneous by some and impatient by others. They are quite decisive. They are usually seen to be tough leaders who deliver results.
expressive
Typically, these people have a lot of stories and experiences to share. They are willing to expose their vulnerabilities and comfortable expressing their feelings and emotions, and fear the risk of being ignored. They can be a team player and win the trust of audience easily. They interact well with others and are creative and outgoing. They always look for an adventure and dislike routine. They are persuasive and sometimes come out as passive aggressive. They are usually seen as socially savvy leaders in small or large groups.
amiable
Typically, these people relate well with others. They try to understand others’ perspectives and dislike taking sides, delaying their decisions. They are expressive and also good listeners. They spend time to understand their environment and people around them, before expressing themselves. They prefer to be team members and follow others. They look for constants and processes around them that they can lean on. Typically those are new to a group or organization, volunteers exhibit this style.
analytical
Typically, people who work with a checklist / to-do list who are meticulous at problem solving, analysis, focus on facts than opinions to make judgements fall in this category. Their productivity is better when they work alone than in groups. They do not fear asking questions or reaching out to a group (or experts) to know more information about what they need, however – their choices and decisions are mostly data and fact-driven. They are cautious in making their choices and often want it to be right. They go the extra mile to work behind the scenes to ensure they get it right. They are usually over-critical about themselves.
So, how can you figure out someone’s social style from a group conversation?
- How frequently do they ASK questions?
- What do they choose to express – feelings, timelines, emotions or perspectives?
- How quickly are they choosing or deciding on any aspect?
Now, an individual can exhibit a particular style with a specific group of people. For example, amongst friends circle one can be a Driver, at workplace one can be Analytical, with a non-profit organization where they volunteer – they can be amiable. Social style is dependent on the scope of engagement and the role one gets to play with the given group of people!