Communication Styles

Here’s a communication types outline from the communication training courses Integration Training runs. Which type you and employees are has big implications for leadership and management. Thanks to Francis Briers for this one.

4 Communication Types

The Amiable
Also known as:
Phlegmatic
Feeler
People Man
Helper
Interpersonal   Symbol: Dove
The Amiable person:

  • wants to know “why?” (e.g., Why am I doing this?)
  • wants to build relationships
  • loves to give others support and attention
  • values suggestions from others

Amiables fear losing trust or having disagreements with others. While somewhat introverted, they also tend to display their emotions.
The Driver
Also known as:
Choleric
Director
Action Man
Boss
Behavioural   Symbol: Eagle
The Driver:

  • wants to know “what” (What will this do for me/the firm?)
  • wants to save time
  • values results
  • loves being in control, in charge, doing this his/her own way

Drivers fear giving up control. They tend to be extroverts, but do not like showing their emotions to others.
The Expressive
Also known as:
Sanguine
Intuitive
Front Man
Impulsive
Affective   Symbol: Peacock
The Expressive person:

  • wants to know “who” (Who else is involved; who have you worked for?)
  • values appreciation, applause, a pat on the back
  • loves social situations and parties
  • likes to inspire others

Expressives fear being rejected. They are extroverts and usually show their emotions to others
The Analytical
Also known as:
Melancholic
Thinker
Thought Man
Processor
Cognitive   Symbol: Owl
The analytical person:

  • wants to know “how” things work
  • wants to be accurate, and to have accuracy from others
  • values numbers, statistics, ideas
  • loves details

Analyticals fear being embarrassed or losing face. They also tend to be introverted and hide their emotions from others.

Communication Styles Strengths and Weaknesses

Type Strengths Potential Weaknesses
Analytical Thinking

Thorough

Disciplined

 Excludes feelings from decisions

Goes too far; perfectionist

Too rigid or demanding of self/others
Amiable Supportive

Patient

Diplomatic

 Tends to conform to wishes of others

No time boundaries; things do not get done

Not assertive or directive
Driver Independent

Decisive

Determined

 Has trouble operating with others

Does not take time to consider other perspectives

Domineering; too focused on doing it “my way”
Expressive Good communicator

Enthusiastic

Imaginative

 Talks too much, listens too little

Comes on too strong

Dreamer; unrealistic

Discussion

  1. Rita Vlahos

    You made a number of good points there. I did a search on the matter and found the majority of persons will go along with with your blog.

  2. Fiona Kelty

    Interesting! I don’t fit perfectly into any of the boxes, but can recognise some of my personality traits in all of them. How should we define the kind of person who needs to put human beings into boxes, and designs this kind of thing?!!

    My own preference is to define behaviours rather than people. I am not an “Owl” or a “Dove” or an “Eagle” etc., but at times, depending on my mood and the situation, I may behave or communicate in any of these ways.

    I think this is a useful exercise in getting people to think about how we communicate. I also think it highlights how we get trapped in particular patterns of behaviour.