You have been introduced to a generalized method of classifying a large number of behavioral characteristics into four basic behavioral Styles. Besides differences in openness and directness, the Styles tend to differ in preferences for pace (a person’s natural rate-of-speed) and priority (what a person sees as most important toward accomplishing a goal).

Each style has demonstrated their internal motivators through a combination of priority and pace. Open types place a priority on relationships, whereas Guarded people place the priority on tasks. Direct types demonstrate a desire for a faster pace through impatience, whereby Indirect people come across as more cooperative and patient. You can almost visualize an automobile dashboard with only two gauges: Speed and temperature! Direct people go fast; Indirect prefer a slower, steady speed. Open people are warm; Guarded are more cool.

A open behavioral style tends to correspond with a relationship priority; guarded Styles with task-orientation. Indirect behaviors tend to be slower-paced than the direct-style types, which tend to be faster-paced.

An awareness of behavioral-style preferences becomes especially important when people of different Styles meet. When that occurs, and if each person behaves according to the preferences of his or her own style, tension often results.