What makes us "click"?

“Do you ever just “click” with someone and wonder why? And do you ever wonder why you struggle to get along with someone else? 

It happens to all of us, on a regular basis.  Chances are it’s all about different personality styles!

You've probably heard about the 4 main personality styles.  They have been given many different names over the years.  Essentially it's about what makes us all tick (and click!).  

We will use the following names for this exercise, Analytical, Driver, Expressive and Amiable.

Once you know the traits of each group, it’s easy to work out who you are and the people around you. Not only does recognising these different styles help at work but it is a very useful tool to have in your kitbag at home as well.  Your approach to life, your values and your character type will determine how you approach all others, and therefore will be how you would like to be approached. 

Our customer service guru, Carolyn Johnson, conducted an hour training session recently with sales staff, to identify and help us understand the personality styles of the different groups of people.  We were able to identify our own personality styles and found that the group was made up of a variety of the styles - - which is not unexpected as we need all styles in the workplace to operate effectively.  

If you fall into the Analytical or Driver groups, you like to control your emotions and are more task driven.  Whereas Amiables and Expressives are more emotional and people focused.  If you fall into the Driver and Expressive groups, you are more likely to be doing a lot more telling than asking. However Amiables and Analyticals will do a lot more asking.  And lastly, Drivers and Expressives are more interested in a quick result... JUST GET IT DONE!!!  This doesn't suit Analyticals and Amiables as they are more process driven.

Following the course, many staff were able to say "AHA!" and then pinpoint the problems they were experiencing with different types of people.  They could now understand what was motivating the people they were dealing with and would be in a better position to give them what they needed, based on their personality styles. 

Many staff reported back favourably a couple of weeks later, when asked if they had put the training into practise.  

So next time you are dealing with someone who is "doing your head in," step back and try to see things from their perspective.  You might just find a common footing to start on that will help you come to a resolution.