Stefan Taylor
02/20/2015
Green Team 2015
Green Team Blog Post - Session 1 Homework
There exists a myriad of interpersonal frameworks from which
organizations utilize. Within the Green Team Fellowship, Social Styles
& Versatility by TRACOM GROUP is the interpersonal style platform
that is focused on. It is quite apparent that utilizing such a tool illuminates
certain aspects of oneself/the group that would otherwise be unrecognizable or
typically not confronted. While speaking to why this may be viewed as having
positive outcomes throughout this reflection, I will be also be entertaining
the impact of this, how it affects my work relationships, and how it affects
the output I produce in tandem with co-workers. Before discussing how Social
Styles benefit my output and work with others, a brief understanding
of the different styles as well as some highlights of the utilized
interpersonal style tool will be mentioned.
It has been explained that four quadrants of different social
styles exist and everyone fits into a portion of at least one, in varying
levels. Analytic/Driver and Amiable/Expressive seem to group easily together.
The Analytic/Driving styles most easily could be described as 'type A;’ these
are the folks that push fast for results with little time designated for
personal reflection, other's emotion or opinion. The difference between these
two social styles is that those who are Analytic tend to uncover all facts via
inquiry, taking more time to come to a conclusion than those who are Drivers.
Drivers are the folks who seem to always be rapidly getting to the point.
Analytic/Driver style folks are those who most often assume the leadership
role. On the other-hand, Amiable/Expressive styles are those that have the
sensitivity to take a situation to an emotional level; these are the type of
people you want to be on your team and servicing your customers. The main
difference between Amiable and Expressive styles is that the Expressive style
tends to get lost behind the facts as they make decisions based off of emotion
and don't seek out the right questions at the right time. On the contrary,
something that makes the Amiable Social Style different than Expressive is the tendency
to hold tight to what is the perceived norm for fear of conflict. These
different social styles are all unique and we all fit into the 'spectrum' of
one/many of these styles. It is important to understand that some of these
styles combat each other.
Keeping in mind that it is very possible to fall between the lines
of one style into another, it is natural to share contention with the opposing
social styles. After taking the initial assessment, I was able to determine
that I have a highly versatile Amiable style. Naturally, as an Amiable social
style, I am very sensitive to other's emotional/social states. Because of this,
I think that it is safe to say that I get along and work pretty well with
almost anyone. Even though this is the case, it doesn't mean that it comes easy
all across the board. I've been able to perceive that there is a breakdown
between my social style and another social style (Driver). When I say
'breakdown,' I really mean that our approaches to work/interpersonal
relationships are different. Because of this difference, I believe that there
are certain things that can be done in order to most effectively work together.
I find it interesting to compare some of the differences between the Driver and
Amiable Social Style.
The difference between Driver and Amiable Social Styles are nearly
polarized; similar to that of the Analytic and Expressive styles. The way that
Drivers may often approach a task and chose to work with someone or not is very
different than the way I, as an Amiable Social Style, would. From my experience
and learning in class, Drivers navigate through tasks based on power and
assertiveness. They say, 'let’s get the job done NOW,' without much concern for
past/future/other's opinions. This is very different than the way I approach a
given task. As an Amiable Social Style, I address the situation, the parties
involved, and work with my colleagues. I take my time to address the different
components before diving into execution; it is easy to see that has a positive
effect on work and work relationships. This approach is contrary to the
approach of a Driver; nevertheless, there are things that can be done to bridge
this gap. I feel the need to mention that a Driver's style definitely has many
positive attributes that lead to business success; their process leading up to
execution is just different. Now that I've spoken about why, in my experience,
Amiable and Driver Social Styles differ, I'd like to highlight how this relates
to my own interpersonal and work related success.
What has really assisted me the most in working with Drivers
specifically is understanding how they operate, what their work preferences
are, and how my style conflicts. By being aware of these things, it has allowed
me to better cooperate and work more efficiently with Drivers. For example,
instead of informally consulting the Driver about the project and talking
through where I believe we should go, I instead schedule a meeting. Prior to
the meeting I hand over the facts about the project and where I see a path
forward. During the meeting, the Driver has more ownership of the material and
comes to the table with already formulated discussion points/vision of
execution. I do this in attempt to make sure to not waste their time with
irrelevant information and not interrupt their natural flow of work day-to-day.
The result leads to faster outcomes that gain the buy-in of all parties
involved, raising the quality of output. By being aware of how different Social
Styles 'tick,' I can work better/smarter/faster with my colleagues;
consequently, using their Social Style to the advantage of the projects/task at
hand. Here-in lies success. Because of my ability to consciously cater my work
habit to the recipient's Social Style preferences, I believe I have been able
to rise to different opportunities that are more client facing; expanding the
scope of my work.
Being aware of Social Styles positively affects the way I work
with others and the success of my professional career. Over the past year or so
working for Computer Aid Inc., I have been able to work with all different
sorts of people with all different kinds of social styles. Through
evaluation/education of Social Styles, I have been able to strengthen my
intuition as to how various people will act/react in relation to the projects I
work on. I am able to accomplish this by studying the various preferences and
patterns of other Social Styles and reinventing my natural approach to cater to
all different parties. This 'situational awareness' opens doors to new projects
and builds stronger relationships.
