When working on communicating, we need to find ways to "connect" with others. Apart from a common language, we need to share interests and terminology to understand what the other is saing. In the same way, we must work to bridge our differences in personality.
     The following rule generally holds true:

     The further away you are from someone on the personality grid
     the more difficult it is to relate to them.

For example, a highly analytical person will likely find it difficult to work with someone who is very expressive. The same conflict could occur between a driver and an amiable. This is because their ways of thinking and working are quite different.

Most of the time we will not have the luxury of choosing who we will work with. Because of this, we must work with all personality types. To do this effectively, you will need to:

• Observe. Listen and watch for personality cues; be open to someone else's style, values and perspective.
• Adapt. Find common ground with someone who is different; this could be your speed of speaking or the terms you use (e.g., talking about facts vs. feelings).
• Connect. Watch for body language and get feedback from others to see if you are being understood; check your own thoughts/feelings. Do you feel harmony or discord?

The objective is to understand and relate to all other personality types. That is when communication clicks and working together works best.

For the Amiable:

• Speed up with "fast" people
• Talk more, listen less
• Take control occasionally; be assertive
• Take some risks

For the Analytical:

• Speak more and smile more
• Show appreciation and personal interest
• Relax; share information and be open to others
• Remember: Enthusiasm will not kill you...

For the Driver:

• Slow down with "slow" people
• Take time to listen to the ideas of others
• Hold back from dominating; relinquish some control
• Show more patience and act more relaxed

For the Expressive:

• Listen more; slow down, relax
• Write things down; set specific goals
• Check details and stay calm
• Learn to concentrate

Here are some ways the personality analysis can help you become a leader:

• Increased self-acceptance.
  You will begin to accept more of your strengths and your weaknesses.
• Improved awareness.
  You will recognize where your strengths can become weaknesses.
• More perspective.
  You wil be able to see (and have more understanding of) different sides of yourself and others.
• Greater choice.
  Knowing different personality qualities, you will be able to develop the ones you want.
• More understanding and ability to work with others.
  You will see the strengths and needs of people around you.
• Enhanced personal growth.
  You will feel more balanced, more integrated, and whole.

To discover more out about yourself and your potential,
read my book "Leadership from Within".
You can buy it at Books for Business. Call 1.800.778.9372.
Or at
   

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