Appendix B
The Style Sheets
Contents
In this section, you will find a detailed profile of each learning style. Each profile features a general description of people who prefer that style, including their preferred environment, stressors, and capabilities; the drawbacks of overusing that style; tips for using the style to communicate and lead teams; and finally, tips for shifting into the style when it is unfamiliar to you.
The Experiencing Style
Capabilities
Establishing trusting relationships
Being involved and engaged
Connecting personally when communicating
Being comfortable with emotional expression
Preferred Environments
Lively conversational spaces
Natural settings
Environments rich in sensory stimuli
Stressors
Making decisions without concern for the people involved
Focusing on future plans without regard to the present moment
Relying on facts alone
Being locked into a routine
Key Questions
Am I present to “what is”?
Am I grounded and aware of my breath?
Am I aware of my physical reaction?
What is my felt sense?
What is my intuition telling me?
Am I paying attention to my surroundings?
Do I trust my own experience to transform me in the moment?
Am I sensitive to others and to myself?
Description: Your Inner Connector
If you prefer the Experiencing style, you are adept at connecting with others in deep relationships. You are insightful, empathetic, warm, and engaging. Expressing your emotions probably is comfortable for you. You know how to be present and engaged in whatever is happening around you. This mindfulness extends to your awareness of your five senses. You relish being able to touch, see, hear, taste, and smell. Dining with friends, making a delicious meal, feeling different textures, and spending time in nature may be some of your favorite activities.
You may prefer to approach your personal development through having rich conversations with others, practicing mindfulness, and paying attention to what you can learn from your emotions and physical sensations.
Overusing the Experiencing Style
If you overuse the Experiencing style, you probably dread the word “objectivity.” You may become overly emotional or call exclusively on your inner circle of friends rather than seeking out critical evaluation. Overusing the Experiencing style may cause others to lose trust in you because your decisions are not always grounded in logic.
Using the Experiencing Style to Lead a Team
The strength of the experiencing style is a focus on relationships and the big picture. Build team spirit to make connections and promote team members’ confidence to express new ideas. When you are leading a group process, remain self-aware and identify your feelings and intuition as well as the feelings of your team. Be open to new information that sparks unconventional approaches and innovation. As your team members progress in their work, use stories and drama to engage them emotionally. Inspire, build relationships, and help team members succeed.
Communicating in the Experiencing Style
When you want to communicate in the Experiencing style or communicate with someone who prefers the Experiencing style, begin by focusing on your emotions and feelings. This helps you connect with others on a personal level. Strive to remain open, listen, and accept. Then work toward using language that is sensitive and engages emotions, incorporating stories, metaphors, and creative writing into your communication. Address conflict in a warm, personalized way, and defuse tension by acknowledging emotions and the shared desire to feel good when the conflict is resolved.
Key Phrases
“Something feels off to me.”
“How is everyone feeling?”
Here is a typical e-mail communication using the Experiencing style:
Subject: Meeting tomorrow
Message: Please join us tomorrow at noon. We will be meeting in the conference room for lunch prior to the start of our formal agenda so that we can get to know our new team members. Looking forward to being together.
Flexing to the Experiencing Style
In the Experiencing style, you can learn to connect with others and with yourself: your emotions, your physical sensations, and your intuition. You become able to engage with whatever situation you face instead of becoming detached and dispassionate. Rather than reliving the past or worrying about the future, you learn to become present in the moment and aware of what you are experiencing with your five senses. This awareness helps you tune in to concrete experiences—that is, specific situations instead of general concepts. You can use this awareness as a foundation for your decisions.
You should flex to the Experiencing style when you want to recognize your emotions and physical sensations; connect, communicate, and collaborate with others; and be present and mindful in your environments. To begin flexing to the Experiencing style, you can embody the physical characteristics of the style, practice exercises that draw your attention to the capabilities of the style, or ask yourself key questions that will help remind you how to use the style effectively.
Use your body to help you flex to the Experiencing style:
Place your sensory perceptions on high alert.
Turn your attention to your sensations, your emotions, and your environment.
Use a wide field of vision to take in a broad view of a situation.
Use these techniques to begin flexing to the Experiencing style:
Focus on your breathing.
Take a walk in nature.
Develop awareness of your senses.
The Imagining Style
Capabilities
Generating new ideas
Demonstrating empathy for others
Seeking others’ opinions
Imagining new possibilities
Preferred Environments
Lively conversational spaces
Natural settings
Environments rich in sensory stimuli
Stressors
Focusing on one “right” path
Focusing on details needed to complete projects
Lacking harmony in relationships
Excluding people or ideas
Key Questions
Am I promoting trust?
Do I have unconditional positive regard?
Have I included everyone?
Am I receptive to all possibilities?
Do I have diverse sources of information?
Can I find more?
Am I listening with an open mind?
What can I do to help?
Description: Your Inner Dreamer
If you prefer the Imagining style, you are sensitive to the feelings of others, and you demonstrate this empathy through your ability to listen. You recognize patterns—in events, relationships, and interactions—and make meaning from them. You are more comfortable leaving things open than narrowing down the options before it is necessary.
You may prefer to approach your personal development with creativity. You might even think of your own self-development as a creative project.
Overusing the Imagining Style
If you overuse the Imagining style, you probably dread the word “choose.” You may be indiscriminate or undervalue the practical results of reaching a goal. You may find yourself losing focus when working toward a goal, reopening discussions that have resulted in decisions, focusing on others more than on yourself and allowing your empathy to prevent you from making decisions, or feeling disorganized or unable to complete projects.
Using the Imagining Style to Lead a Team
The strength of the Imagining style is creating a culture that is open to new ideas and new people. When you are leading a group process, recruit people who value and believe in you, and allow for conversation and debate. As your team members progress in their work, slow down decisions that are being made prematurely and minimize interpersonal upset and drama by acknowledging your team members’ feelings and coaching them to resolve differences. Value different opinions and ideas as a source of information, and be open to new information that sparks unconventional approaches and innovation.
Communicating in the Imagining Style
When you want to communicate in the Imagining style or communicate with someone who prefers the Imagining style, begin by asking powerful questions that encourage new ideas. Brainstorm, reach for the stars, and create an ideal vision. Use words that convey empathy and trust, listen closely to what people have to say, and strive to include everyone in a conversation while taking a pulse on each person’s feelings. Create alternative paths to a situation that unite and inspire others. Address conflict after making a personal connection based on shared values, and defuse tension by showing a warm, easygoing approach, expressing the intent to maintain a positive connection, and being empathetic.
Key Phrases
“How can I help?”
“Let’s imagine the possibilities.”
“What other information do we need?”
Here is a typical e-mail communication using the Imagining style:
Subject: Tomorrow’s meeting
Message: Please come to tomorrow’s meeting with all of your new ideas for the program. We want this to be a great experience for the entire team. Is there anyone else who should be included who has not been cc’d on this e-mail? Thanks.
Flexing to the Imagining Style
In the Imagining style, you can learn to gather information from diverse sources, generate ideas, and create a vision. You can begin to seek novelty, envision possibilities, and connect with your values. Rather than dwell on details, you learn to see the big picture. This awareness helps you consider new, diverse approaches to solving problems.
You should flex to the Imagining style when you want to demonstrate empathy, appreciate diversity, and expand your horizons. To begin flexing to the Imagining style, you can embody the physical characteristics of the style, practice exercises that draw your attention to the capabilities of the style, or ask yourself key questions that will help remind you how to use the style effectively.
Use your body to help you flex to the Imagining style:
Be relaxed and adopt a leisurely pace.
Imagine yourself becoming lighter, more open, and gentle.
Use warm, inviting movements to draw people in.
Use these techniques to begin flexing to the Imagining style:
Imagine three possible solutions for any one problem.
Place yourself in new cultural settings with an attitude of curiosity and no goal in mind.
When speaking with someone, ask three questions before making a judgment.
The Reflecting Style
Capabilities
Listening with an open mind
Gathering information from a variety of sources
Identifying underlying problems and issues
Viewing issues from many perspectives
Preferred Environments
Natural, solitary settings
Spaces that inspire journaling with rich visual imagery and auditory stimuli
Environments that allow for contemplation, creation, and discovery
Quiet spaces for pursuing independent projects
Stressors
Feeling the urgency to act
Making mistakes
Taking a public stand without preparation
Key Questions
Have I considered thought-provoking questions?
Am I allowing time to struggle and find answers?
Can I slow things down?
Have I considered other points of view?
Have I observed and deliberated?
Have I taken time to recuperate?
Description: Your Inner Observer
If you prefer the Reflecting style, you probably dread the word “now.” You connect experience and ideas through sustained contemplation. You dive into thoughts and observations and mull over information from every perspective. You find the deeper meaning that underlies the obvious. Because you are a great observer and understand so much, you find it easy to be sensitive to the feelings and needs of others. You may be quiet in groups, but there is always something insightful going on inside that head of yours. Given the opportunity, you love to have deep conversations to continue the sense-making process. You just have to take your time.
You may prefer to approach your personal development with rehearsing, visualization, and careful thought.
Overusing the Reflecting Style
If you overuse the Reflecting style, you may have trouble implementing goals or taking action. This can cause you to miss opportunities. You may also have trouble keeping track of time and maintaining your energy or sense of urgency throughout a project.
Using the Reflecting Style to Lead a Team
The strength of the Reflecting style is recognizing the connection between feelings and thoughts. When you are leading a group process, create effective processes that incorporate the needs of people and the need for accurate information, inquiry, and advocacy. As your team members progress in their work, slow down decisions that are being made prematurely.
Communicating in the Reflecting Style
When you want to communicate in the Reflecting style or communicate with someone who prefers the Reflecting style, begin slowly and thoughtfully by asking powerful questions to go deeper. Listen carefully and build credibility by weighing your words and ideas prior to speaking. Take time, be cautious, pause, process ideas, and observe role models. Address conflict slowly, asking questions along the way. Defuse tension by being patient and allowing for time alone before making decisions.
Key Phrases
“Let me explore this further.”
“Can I get back to you after I have time to think this through?”
(Sometimes, simply be silent.)
Here is a typical e-mail communication using the Reflecting style:
Subject: Tomorrow’s Meeting
Message: During our meeting tomorrow, please be prepared to offer your perspective on the proposed policy. We want to have time to hear every angle and make sense of unintended consequences before we decide if we should adopt it.
Flexing to the Reflecting Style
In the Reflecting style, you are able to consider multiple perspectives by listening and observing. You can exercise patience to be thorough. Rather than jump to a decision or conclusion, you learn to become interested in the process. This awareness of the process can help you make people and things work effectively to minimize downsides.
You should flex to the Reflecting style when you want to recuperate, make sense of feelings and thoughts, listen with an open mind, or consider the best action to take while remaining calm in urgent or ambiguous situations. To begin flexing to the Reflecting style, you can embody the physical characteristics of the style, practice exercises that draw your attention to the capabilities of the style, or ask yourself key questions that will help remind you of how to use the style effectively.
Use your body to help you flex to the Reflecting style:
Remain still and calm.
Be deliberate and unhurried in your movements.
Use these techniques to begin flexing to the Reflecting style:
Try debating a topic from one side of the argument, then from the other side. Notice what happens to your perspective when you assume these positions.
Repeat and rephrase statements directed at you, especially those that are emotionally charged, for clarity and understanding.
Take a new route home and notice ten different things.
The Analyzing Style
Capabilities
Planning ahead to minimize mistakes
Organizing information to get the full picture
Analyzing data
Using theories and models to explain
Preferred Environments
Quiet environments with few distractions
Solitary spaces that allow for detailed work
Stressors
Feeling a sense of urgency
Being in unstable, chaotic environments
Needing to constantly be in communication
Participating in large groups in an intimidating atmosphere
Key Questions
Have I been thorough and precise?
Can I use a model or theory to explain?
Can I provide data or specialized knowledge?
Are my thoughts organized?
Have I considered the best structure?
Have I eliminated distractions?
Description: Your Inner Planner
If you prefer the Analyzing style, you like to organize and systematize vast quantities of information. Your ideal way of learning is to plan ahead to minimize mistakes by taking a structured, methodical approach. To do this, you use your skills of control, restraint, and organization. In the Analyzing style, you adopt an objective stance with no emotional interference. You tend to be more comfortable in controllable research conditions than in messy relationships.
You may prefer to approach your personal development with careful planning in settings that allow for some control and management.
Overusing the Analyzing Style
If you overuse the Analyzing style, you probably dread the word “improvise.” You may become fixated on the details of a project without making progress toward a goal. Your rigid need for structure may cause you to be critical and exacting, and you may feel the need to control all variables. You may find yourself avoiding people to work alone.
Using the Analyzing Style to Lead a Team
The strength of the Analyzing style is providing facts and logic before taking action. When you are leading a group process, maintain clarity of purpose to help your team members understand why their work is important. As your team members progress in their work, use your analytical skills to manage projects with precision. Help your team members stay on task by setting objectives based on a strategic plan.
Communicating in the Analyzing Style
When you want to communicate in the Analyzing style or communicate with someone who prefers the Analyzing style, begin by using concise, logical language—seek details, organize facts, synthesize data, use research, and create a plan. Use theories or conceptual models to test your assumptions and ideas before applying them. Address conflict by focusing on facts and showing appreciation for the contribution of the other people in the situation. Defuse tension by acknowledging your collaborators’ expertise, respecting their unique approach, and avoiding the urge to become emotional.
Key Phrases
“Let’s get organized.”
“I’ve created a graphic to illustrate this point.”
“How can we minimize mistakes?”
Here is a typical e-mail communication using the Analyzing style:
Subject: Tomorrow’s meeting
Message: Tomorrow we will be meeting to discuss our approach to providing service to our new client. It took us 6.8 months to capture the business—130 percent over our average, so we want to make sure to carefully plan our strategy. We anticipate that this new work will add 23 percent to our gross revenue this calendar year. Attached, please find a graph that details the income breakdown by division. Let me know if you have any questions.
Flexing to the Analyzing Style
In the Analyzing style, you can learn to carefully approach the details of a situation. You become able to organize and synthesize abundant information into a logical form. This ability can help you develop concise theories about what the information might mean and how you should respond to it.
You should flex to the Analyzing style when you want to organize and synthesize detailed data, develop models and theories to explain information, remain unemotional and analytical, or be accurate and precise. To begin flexing to the Analyzing style, you can embody the physical characteristics of the style, practice exercises that draw your attention to the capabilities of the style, or ask yourself key questions that will help remind you of how to use the style effectively.
Use your body to help you flex to the Analyzing style:
Be closed, narrow and rounded, as if you are sitting at a computer.
Focus your mind and hold yourself still for long periods.
Use precise, controlled movements.
Use these techniques to begin flexing to the Analyzing style:
Create a budget that includes every detail of your spending plan.
Study a theory or model; for instance, take time to understand the learning cycle and your own learning preferences.
Learn how to use a new feature on your smart phone or computer.
The Thinking Style
Capabilities
Using data to analyze solutions
Framing arguments with logic
Using critical thinking for objective communication
Making independent judgments
Preferred Environments
Predictable, controllable environments
Spaces that allow for time alone without distractions
Stressors
Being in emotional situations
Facing unclear expectations
Working with others without time alone
Being in chaotic environments
Key Questions
Am I focused?
Am I aware of my thoughts?
What is my logic telling me?
What is the precise plan?
What is the next step?
Am I accurate?
What does the evidence show?
Can I support my idea with numbers?
Description: Your Inner Healthy Skeptic
If you prefer the Thinking style, you are probably known for your disciplined involvement in abstract and logical reasoning. You like to remove yourself from the bias of emotions and specific situations. In fact, you probably prefer to work alone. This allows you to make predictable, dependable plans and look for weaknesses and inconsistencies in other’s work. You may be described as skeptical, structured, linear, and controlled. You can detect a problem a mile away.
You may prefer to approach your personal development by understanding the concept behind the change you’re trying to make. This helps you be committed to taking the emotional risk of leaving your comfort zone.
Overusing the Thinking Style
If you overuse the Thinking style, you probably dread the word “emotional.” You may devalue the importance of emotions and relationships and avoiding working with other people. This can make you seem cold or lost in thought. You may also find yourself latching on to one idea without keeping an open mind.
Using the Thinking Style to Lead a Team
The strength of the Thinking style is a balance between neutrality and precision. When you are leading a group process, maintain your conviction and use data to support your approach. As your team members progress in their work, calmly override emotional outbursts with a neutral position. Review all the team members’ ideas and concerns in a logical analysis. Bring accuracy, high quality, and thoroughness to the team’s process and outcome.
Communicating in the Thinking Style
When you want to communicate in the Thinking style or communicate with someone who prefers the Thinking style, begin by focusing on a logical progression of facts. Strive to back up your claims with numbers. Focus on facts and issues, make a thorough spreadsheet, and discuss costs and benefits.
Address conflict by focusing on facts and figures and being prepared for skepticism. Defuse tension by stepping back, being objective and logical, and downplaying emotions.
Key Phrases
“Where are the numbers that prove this point?”
“I see a problem here.”
“What evidence do you have?”
Here is a typical e-mail communication using the Thinking style:
Subject: Tomorrow’s meeting
Message: Meet in the conference room at 12 to discuss new client approach.
Budget attached.
Flexing to the Thinking Style
In the Thinking style, you can learn to generalize information through the use of concepts. You become able to think in a disciplined, logical way and give clear directions. Rather than let emotions cloud your thoughts, you learn to distance yourself and remain neutral. You can use this neutrality as a foundation for developing experiments that yield hard data.
You should flex to the Thinking style when you want to make rational decisions, conduct experiments, analyze and manipulate quantitative data, or be consistent and accurate. To begin flexing to the Thinking style, you can embody the physical characteristics of the style, practice exercises that draw your attention to the capabilities of the style, or ask yourself key questions that will help remind you of how to use the style effectively.
Use your body to help you flex to the Thinking style:
Narrow your vision to the task at hand.
Turn your body toward your work.
Be thorough and accurate in your movements.
Use these techniques to begin flexing to the Thinking style:
Listen to a newscast and identify the way the newscaster uses implication and innuendo instead of facts.
Engage in a political discussion in an election year and remain detached.
Conduct a cost-to-benefit analysis.
The Deciding Style
Capabilities
Finding practical solutions to problems
Committing to a goal
Making decisions and solving problems
Taking a stand, even on controversial issues
Preferred Environments
Orderly, uncluttered spaces
Efficient, ergonomically designed spaces
Environments conducive to completing projects
Stressors
Being in ambiguous situations
Dealing with indecisive people
Losing control
Facing unclear expectations
Being unable to complete tasks
Key Questions
Can I make small comparisons?
How will I know if I have reached my goal?
What is the low-hanging fruit?
What is the most practical approach?
What is the bottom line?
How can I focus on one course of action?
Description: Your Inner Judge
If you prefer the Deciding style, you take risks to identify the best option of many, confident that you have considered the available facts. You focus, commit, measure progress toward goals, and drive efficiency. You determine standards and criteria for success so that you can measure whether or not you make it to the finish line. If progress does not go as planned, you seek critical feedback so that you can make positive adjustments.
You may prefer to approach personal development with a specific goal in mind. Once you commit to change, you will measure your progress toward attaining that goal.
Overusing the Deciding Style
If you overuse the Deciding style, you probably dread the word “brainstorm.” You avoid dealing with ambiguity and lack of focus. You can become obsessed with goal achievement and efficiency, making you seem judgmental and impatient. You may also find yourself missing opportunities by clinging to one course of action.
Using the Deciding Style to Lead a Team
The strength of the Deciding style is a focus on the finish line, with practical results and well-defined success. When you are leading a group process, respect hierarchy and organizational structure. As your team members progress in their work, help them base decisions on data, and then fiercely guide them through following up. Commit to a plan, clarify the goal, and balance efficiency and effectiveness.
Communicating in the Deciding Style
When you want to communicate in the Deciding style or communicate with someone who prefers the Deciding style, begin by using language that is clear, pragmatic, direct, and efficient. Take a practical approach, measure success, and provide critical feedback. Focus on best practices. Address conflict clearly and directly, making efficient use of time. Defuse tension by setting clear standards of success and focusing on how to reach a mutual goal.
Key Phrases
“Here’s our goal.”
“How will we know if we succeed?”
“Take this direction.”
Here is a typical e-mail communication using the Deciding style:
Subject: Tomorrow’s meeting at 1 p.m.
Message: I want to make certain that our meeting is productive. Please be clear about the goals and expectations for the session. We need to be able to determine the associated costs to get the job done efficiently.
Flexing to the Deciding Style
In the Deciding style, you can learn to focus on solving problems to reach practical outcomes. You become able to commit to one path toward reaching one goal. This commitment helps you adopt an attitude that is realistic, accountable, and direct.
You should flex to the Deciding style when you want to solve problems, commit to a goal or clear intention, make a strong impact, or focus on practical outcomes. To begin flexing to the Deciding style, you can embody the physical characteristics of the style, practice exercises that draw your attention to the capabilities of the style, or ask yourself key questions that will help remind you of how to use the style effectively.
Use your body to help you flex to the Deciding style:
Focus on feeling strong and grounded.
Be firm, intentional, and perhaps even abrupt with your movements.
Use these techniques to begin flexing to the Deciding style:
Set a goal and determine how you will measure success.
Avoid procrastination and perfectionism, the enemies of decision making.
Watch videos of referees in action and notice how firmly they commit.
The Acting Style
Capabilities
Meeting time deadlines
Finding ways to make things happen
Taking goal-oriented action to achieve results
Implementing plans with limited resources
Preferred Environments
Dynamic environments
Work environments that reward achievement
Stressors
Waiting
Focusing on the process without clear outcomes
Being delayed by perfectionism
Being unable to complete tasks
Key Questions
Are my actions purposeful and efficient?
What small action can I take now?
How can I engage with the environment?
Am I holding myself back?
Am I completing my checklist?
How can I keep things moving?
Description: Your Inner Achiever
If you prefer the Acting style, you take assertive, goal-directed steps to get things done. You implement, execute, coordinate, and drive toward the finish line. With this style, you are adept at leading teams because you care about completing tasks and meeting people’s needs. You are on time, achievement-oriented, and fearless. You have a checklist going all the time. Your assertive attitude is dynamic and commanding—you just want to do it and do it now! You can always try again. Who cares if you make a little mistake? You may just get it right the first time—and you will be ahead of the game if you do.
You may prefer to approach your personal development by trying new things whenever you have an opportunity.
Overusing the Acting Style
If you overuse the Acting style, you probably dread the word “wait.” You often take risks to be successful, even if you sometimes aim at the wrong target or solve the wrong problem. You are prone to panicking, acting prematurely, or being busy without achieving actual results.
Using the Acting Style to Lead a Team
The strength of the Acting style is the ability to move constantly toward a goal. When you are leading a group process, balance the needs of your team members with the need to get things done. As your team members progress in their work, keep sessions short to allow maximum time for getting things done.
Communicating in the Acting Style
When you want to communicate in the Acting style or communicate with someone who prefers the Acting style, begin by speaking dynamically and rapidly, in a commanding tone. Focus on checklists and the urgency to complete them. Return phone calls immediately. Address conflict by showing concern for people and issues while focusing on getting things done quickly. Defuse tension by taking a walk with the people involved in the dispute. Do something that moves toward resolution. Allow people to voice their feelings, and do not take it personally.
Key Phrases
“Let’s do this!”
“Who does what by when?”
“What one action can we take right now?”
“Time is money.”
Here is a typical e-mail communication using the Acting style:
Subject: Tomorrow’s meeting
Message: We have a quick turnaround time on the decisions that we must make tomorrow. Here is a checklist of the items we expect from you. Come early for lunch—the meeting will begin precisely at noon.
Flexing to the Acting Style
In the Acting style, you can learn to implement plans and get things done. You become able to seize the moment to accomplish goals, even when you need to experiment with a trial-and-error approach. Rather than fixate on developing a perfect strategy, you learn to act quickly in urgent situations.
You should flex to the Acting style when you want to make a change, accomplish goals, and take risks. To begin flexing to the Acting style, you can embody the physical characteristics of the style, practice exercises that draw your attention to the capabilities of the style, or ask yourself key questions that will help remind you of how to use the style effectively.
Use your body to help you flex to the Acting style
Use an assertive, dynamic, and commanding tone.
Be alert and ready to act at a moment’s notice.
Move quickly and confidently with strong but fluid motions.
Use these techniques to begin flexing to the Acting style:
Make a to-do list and check things off.
Practice doing something more quickly than you typically do just for a short time: walking, getting dressed, or talking. Notice how differently you feel.
Ask a question when you do not know what to do. Speaking is a form of action.
The Initiating Style
Capabilities
Flexibly adapting to changing contexts and conditions
Influencing and motivating others
Recognizing new opportunities
Bouncing back from failure
Preferred Environments
Dynamic, real-life situations
Environments with networking opportunities
Spaces conducive to completing projects
Stressors
Facing ambiguity and indecisiveness
Losing control or clarity
Being alone for too long
Being unable to complete tasks
Key Questions
What action would I take if I had no fear?
How can I use humor?
How can I best relate to the people around me?
What is at the edge that I may not notice?
How can I curb my inhibitions in the moment?
Description: Your Inner Influencer
If you prefer the Initiating style, you probably prefer starting things rather than getting caught in the thick of the details, but you can influence others to do that for you. You thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. This allows you to focus on many things in rapid succession, remaining innately optimistic about all the possibilities. You thrive on social interactions and your networking skills, and others may call you outgoing, energetic, or courageous. You are proud of your accomplishments and never shy away from the limelight. In the Initiating style, you are able to shrug off losses or “failure” in favor of trying again.
You may prefer to approach your personal development using trial and error whenever an exciting opportunity presents itself.
Overusing the Initiating Style
If you overuse the Initiating style, you probably dread the words “status quo.” You sometimes have trouble listening to others and can be perceived as impulsive, pushy, or impatient. You may find yourself needing to be in the spotlight and acting carelessly or illogically—like a whirlwind.
Using the Initiating Style to Lead a Team
The strength of the Initiating style is being able to take decisive action in a changing environment. When you are leading a group process, use your gut instinct and persuade others to follow your lead by communicating the need for urgency. As your team members progress in their work, you can keep things moving along without excessive deliberation.
Communicating in the Initiating Style
When you want to communicate in the Initiating style or communicate with someone who prefers the Initiating style, begin by using inspiring, energetic language. Set the pace, seize the opportunity, and grab the prize. Make connections and introductions while being improvisational and persuasive. Address conflict after showing optimism, enthusiasm, and nonjudgmental humor. Defuse tension by facing situations quickly and directly, remaining open to change, and expecting spontaneity and rapid-fire questions.
Key Phrases
“Let’s go with it.”
“Don’t miss out.”
“You can do this.”
Here is a typical e-mail communication using the Initiating style:
Subject: Way to go
Message: Great job—on time and on budget! Lunch is on me tomorrow. Now, let’s move on to our next opportunity. Comment on the attached agenda ASAP.
Flexing to the Initiating Style
In the Initiating style, you can learn to seize opportunities by jumping right in without deliberating. You become able to push forward in the face of challenge, improvise to keep moving forward, and bounce back in the event of failure. This ability helps you think quickly, act on a hunch, and take risks while using your powers of persuasion to enlist others to join your cause.
You should flex to the Initiating style when you want to influence or take the lead, act on new opportunities, think in the moment, and manage high-energy situations. To begin flexing to the Initiating style, you can embody the physical characteristics of the style, practice exercises that draw your attention to the capabilities of the style, or ask yourself key questions that will help remind you of how to use the style effectively.
Use your body to help you flex to the Initiating style:
Use exuberant, spontaneous movements.
Be ready to seize new opportunities in an instant.
Focus on self-confidence, fluidity, and mobility.
Use these techniques to begin flexing to the Initiating style:
Try improvisation by beginning each sentence with “Yes, and.”
Make three positive statements for every negative statement.
When feeling afraid, count to ten so your “thinking brain” can come to your aid.
The Balancing Style
Capabilities
Identifying the blind sports in a whole situation
Bridging differences between people
Adapting to shifting priorities
Displaying resourcefulness
Preferred Environments
Quiet, organized, solitary environments when using the
Reflecting, Analyzing, Thinking, and Deciding styles
Dynamic, social, stimulating environments when using the Experiencing, Imagining, Acting, and Initiating styles
Stressors
Facing ambiguity and indecisiveness
Needing to specialize
Needing to take a strong stance in any one style
Remaining committed to one style throughout a situation
Key Questions
Have I considered all possibilities, weighed all options?
Is there a blind spot?
Do we need to change our approach?
Have I filled in the gaps?
Am I accommodating and adapting?
Description: Your Inner Adapter
If you prefer the Balancing style, you adapt by moving between acting, reflecting, feeling, and thinking as the situation demands. Although you may still have preferences for other learning styles, you are able to change your approach to match the context. You see the value of all the learning styles. Therefore, you may be able to help others take a particular perspective and fill in gaps as needed. It can be a little confusing at times since you are rooted in a style that is more flexible than stable.
Overusing the Balancing Style
If you overuse the Balancing style, you probably dread the word “commit.” You may risk becoming a chameleon that adapts dutifully to the situation at hand, which can be confusing both for you and for the people you interact with. You may find yourself unable to sustain commitment or hold to your opinion, frequently changing your mind and direction.
Using the Balancing Style to Lead a Team
The strength of the Balancing style is the ability to bridge differences and identify blind spots. When you are leading a group process, change your approach based upon the context. As your team members progress in their work, involve each of them and empower them to contribute their ideas. Fill in the gaps by identifying parts of the learning cycle that might be missing from the team’s process.
Communicating in the Balancing Style
When you want to communicate in the Balancing style or communicate with someone who prefers the Balancing style, focus on remaining flexible. Use verbal and nonverbal communication in a way that reflects how a situation might be changing, and strive for a holistic perspective. Address conflict by being appreciative, cheerful, and adaptable. Defuse tension by allowing other people involved to identify options and blind spots and collaborating to share a solution.
Key Phrases
“On one hand . . . yet, on the other hand, . . .”
“We have a blind spot.”
Here is a typical e-mail communication using the Balancing style:
Subject: Tomorrow’s meeting
Message: If you cannot make the meeting tomorrow, please let me know. We have lots of moving pieces to this project, so we want to detect any blind spots before we make decisions.
Flexing to the Balancing Style
In the Balancing style, you learn to wear many hats, weigh different options, and change your approach based on the situation. You can become a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. Rather than cling to one learning style, you learn to fluidly use the style that is called for or the one that is missing from the process. This fluidity helps you fit in everywhere.
You should flex to the Balancing style when you want to adapt to a new or changing situation or work with diverse people. To begin flexing to the Balancing style, you can embody the physical characteristics of the style, practice exercises that draw your attention to the capabilities of the style, or ask yourself key questions that will help remind you of how to use the style effectively.
Use your body to help you flex to the Balancing style:
Practice jumping between calm, relaxed states and alert, reactive states.
Practice alternating between still, tense motions and open, fluid motions.
Use these techniques to begin flexing to the Balancing style:
Practice being a “chameleon” by adapting your clothing, level of formality, body language, and communication style to match the group you are joining.
Attend a function you would not normally attend and notice the ways you adapt.