Each behavioral style communicates in ways so different that it’s no wonder misunderstandings occur. Dominant Styles, for example, tend to communicate with short, task-oriented comments, particularly at the start of a meeting when they like to assume control and set the meeting in motion. More than the other Styles, they’re concerned about having a clear agenda and setting the tone. They like to keep the discussion on track and on time.

Influencing Styles, by contrast, communicate more frequently and more evenly throughout a meeting. Their comments are more likely to include jokes and cover a range of topics so wide that the Influencing Styles may appear to be hopping all over the place.

Steady Styles seem generally interested in discussions throughout the whole meeting. They may ask many questions, trying to understand others’ points of view or what follow-through will be expected. They naturally act as synthesizers, go-betweens, or translators, by saying things like, “Now, if I understand what Jane and Tom meant, it’s that the next step is to….”

On the other hand, Conscientious Styles usually just quietly observe until they grasp an issue fully and have figured out in some detail what they want to say and if they’ll feel comfortable saying it. They often begin by asking a few well-chosen questions. Then, if the climate seems receptive, they’ll build up to a longer statement on what they believe is the answer.