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Understanding Work Styles to Minimize Conflict

by Dena Moscola

Understanding the 4 basic work and behavioral tendencies you and those around have is essential in preventing and managing conflict at work. It allows you to shift perspectives, alter actions and improve business relationships. It will help you improve communication, motivation, cooperation, accountability and more. This ultimately results in improved performance. Below are the 4 tendencies and some of tips to improve results with them:

1. Strong domineering styles
This style tends to be direct, result oriented, realistic, assertive, visionary, skeptical, opinionated, and intense. Some may view them as overbearing, controlling and aggressive. They base decisions on the facts that will bring them the fastest and highest quality results. Getting their buy in is easiest when you:

*	Show respect by making the most of their time
*	State the bottom line first and support it with brief, very brief details
*	Keep emotions minimized
*	Be aware of their short attention span

2. Outgoing, high energy styles
This style is very people oriented, creative, social, optimistic, and flexible. They are visionaries and good at delegating. Some may view them as dreamers, not serious enough or too trusting. Intuition plays a large part in their decision making and they like to enjoy their work. For best results when working with this style, keep the following in mind:

*	Remind them of particular details needed
*	Be clear on expectations and deadlines
*	Be aware of their short attention span
*	Keep track of time

3. Practical analytical styles
This style is curious, loves to learn and tends to be quite logical. Being intellectuals, they make decisions based on the facts. The more information they have that makes sense the more the support and cooperation you can expect. They usually are very businesslike and detail oriented. When viewed as ineffective, others see them as too serious, detailed oriented, know-it-all's and over analytical. A working relationship with this style is strengthened when you:

*	Show respect by giving them time to process information
*	Provide many facts, details and clarity
*	Take the time to explain "why"
*	Avoid the words "I feel". Instead use "I think"

4. Sensitive steady styles:
This style enjoys the status quo. They are very focused, loyal and compassionate. When they have respect for you and your purpose they will excel in their role exceed your expectations. This style can be viewed as over-sensitive, emotional and revengeful. To maintain a rewarding relationship with this style consistently practice the following:

*	Remind them to depersonalize by focusing on the situation not the person
*	Build trust by showing your human side
*	Consistently demonstrate how much you appreciate them
*	Use manners and be fair

Hopefully this has provided an initial look into how beneficial it can be to understand other people's work and behavioral styles. Exploring this further through assessments, coaching and/or training can add to your effectiveness in any business setting.