ABCD Communication Styles Descriptions:

Our communication style can often be "read" in terms of our assertiveness, responsiveness, decision-making and relationship to time. In our communication in groups these characteristics tend to be perceived and responded to by others ultimately influencing and affecting our potential for success. Recognize that the descriptions below are describing "pure" styles. Most of us are hybrids with both a primary style and a back-up style. * Be sure to reference the "Dos" and "Don'ts" in the power point presentations for a complete profile.

A is for Analytical which comprises 25% of the population.

The "A" style communicator can be characterized as LOW in responsiveness so they control more and emote less. They are also LOW in assertiveness so they ask more and tell less. Compared to some of the other styles they make decisions more SLOWLY preferring to "Sleep on it" or to get mileage from previous approaches. They are interested in the whole picture and therefore, make their decisions based on DATA. They are not risk takers in communication and tend to be responsive in communication settings rather than initiators. This style relates more naturally to the group task than the social dynamics of a group.

B is for Behavioral or amiable and comprises 25% of the population.

The "B" style communicator can be characterized as HIGH in responsiveness so they emote more than they control. They are also LOW in assertiveness so they ask more than they tell. Compared to some of the other styles they make decisions more slowly preferring to establish trusting or reliable relationships before they are comfortable extending themselves. They are not risk takers in communication and tend to be responsive in communication settings rather than initiators. They are interested in interpersonal relationships, communicate easily, and prefer to talk things out rather then be pressured. They make their decisions based on FEELINGS. This style relates more naturally to the maintenance roles or social dynamics of the group.

C is for Conceptual or expressive and comprises 10% of the population.

The "C" style communicator can be characterized as HIGH in responsiveness so they emote more than they control. They are also HIGH in assertiveness so they tell more than they ask. Compared to some of the other styles they make decisions QUICKLY preferring to get the group activated and achieving. They are risk takers willing to be the center of attention. They are interested in the big picture rather than the whole picture preferring to discuss the possibilities and potentials in a given situation. They make their decisions based on FEELINGS and INTUITION. This style functions as an energizer in a group and relates more naturally toward the interpersonal or maintenance roles in a group.

D is for Driver or directive and comprises 40% of the population.

The "D" style communicator can be characterized as HIGH in assertiveness in that they tell more than they ask. They are also LOW in responsiveness controlling more than they emote. Compared to some of the other styles they make decisions VERY QUICKLY. They are interested in efficiency and can be authoritarian taskmasters who work hard expecting results. Not requiring the whole picture they are interested in DATA, but only as it relates to the expected results. They are risk takers who contribute more toward achieving the task of the group than its maintenance roles.