Lesson 7: Communication and Behavioural studies

1. Above, you will find 15 rows of 4 descriptive word groups, which describe how you see yourself working and communicating with others.

Identify 2 of the 4 words for each of the 15 rows (left to right) that best describe you. Then, add the total number of words and place that total number in the space below.

Follow these instructions to determine your style.
Identify the largest total number. The column for which you scored highest is the style you most often use to influence others. Find the corresponding style description and discover more about your own style and the styles of others.
The column for which you scored lowest may be an area in which you would like to grow. Find the corresponding style description and read to discover areas of potential growth.
Insert your scores below in the following format:
I:
II:
III:
IV:

Think of the youth you currently work with or have worked with in the past and answer the following questions:
Can you think of someone who might have been in an opposite category from your style?

What were the ways in which that trainee behaved that bothered you?

What did you do about them?

Some examples might be

a. You are a person who is highly expressive, and a young person you work with does not answer questions right away or does not disclose much about himself/herself.
b. You are a person who likes to “play it safe” and a young person you are working with likes to take risks and welcomes challenges.
c. You are a person who likes to be direct and to the point, and a young person you are working with takes time and doesn’t really say outright what he or she means.
d. You are a person who makes statements based on facts, and a young person you are working with responds with emotions.

COLUMN I
HIGHLY ANALYTICAL: BEAR
If you answered most often like a Bear:
You move carefully and like to thoroughly examine all sides to an issue. You are skilled at finding flaws and working with limited resources to achieve your goals. You appreciate tradition and procedure. Your value words are “objective” and “logic.” You value personal autonomy and privacy. When others work with you, they should give as much information as possible, give you plenty of time to make decisions and avoid bringing emotion into the decision-making process—keep it straightforward, accurate and realistic. Strong bears can get lost in the details and at times can become stubborn and entrenched in a position because they’ve weighed all the other options before deciding. They tend to be watchful observers and unmoved by emotional please. Be aware of these tendencies so you don’t develop a reputation for being withdrawn and resistant to change.

COLUMN II
HIGHLY DIRECT: CHEETAH
If you answered most often like a Cheetah:
You are assertive and quick to act and enjoy fast-paced work with a variety of tasks. You think in terms of the bottom line and results and persevere even when people tell you “no.” You’re comfortable being in front and are good at motivating others. Your value words are “action” and “courage.” When others work with you, they should give you plenty of autonomy, be specific and to the point, and provide positive feedback publicly. Strong cheetahs can be impulsive, impatient, direct and argumentative, and tend to have little tolerance for ambiguity. They may ignore other people’s feelings and have trouble relinquishing control. Be aware of these tendencies so you don’t develop a tendency for being dictatorial.

COLUMN III
HIGHLY EXPRESSIVE: EAGLE
If you answered most often like an Eagle:
You are a visionary who sees the big picture and focuses on the future, at the same time cultivating casual, warm relationships. You appreciate having a lot of information, so you can look for overarching themes and ideas. You enjoy experimenting and developing solutions creatively. Your value words are “option” and “possibility.” When others work with you, they should avoid judgment and rigidity and give you space to generate ideas, while leaving time for some socializing. Strong eagles tend to lose track of time, and may lose focus and enthusiasm for ideas, which can lead to poor follow-through. Be aware of these tendencies so you don’t develop a reputation for being undependable.

COLUMN IV
HIGHLY STEADY: ANTELOPE
If you answered most often like an Antelope:
You are more interested in collaboration than competition and establish relationships in order to accomplish tasks. You are good at supporting and nurturing others and creating a positive environment. You are values-driven when it comes to your work and focus more on the process than the result. Your value words are “fair” and “inclusion.” When others work with you, they should provide positive reassurance, allow space for expression of feeling, and recognize that ethical considerations are important in decision-making. Strong deer can find it difficult to say “no,” and may be uncomfortable when confronted by anger or sudden change. They can get stuck when they think people’s needs aren’t being met or when others don’t value relationships. They also tend to be immersed in the present and can lose track of time, and lose initiative when others consistently make decisions for them. Be aware of these tendencies so you don’t develop a reputation for being easily manipulated.

What are you?