What is my Communication Style?

When talking to a customer or co-worker....

• DR: I maintain eye contact the whole time.

• AM: I alternate between looking at the person and looking down.

• AN: I look around the room a good deal of the time.

• EX: I try to maintain eye contact but look away from time to time.

If I have an important decision to make ...

• AN: I think it through completely before deciding.

• DR: I go with my gut instincts.

• AM: I consider the impact it will have on other people before deciding.

• EX: I run it by someone whose opinion I respect before deciding.

My office or work area mostly has ...

• AM: Family photos and sentimental items displayed.

• EX: Inspirational posters, awards, and art displayed.

• AN: Graphs and charts displayed.

• DR: Calendars and project outlines displayed.

If I am having a conflict with a co-worker or customer ...

• EX: I try to help the situation along by focusing on the positive.

• AM: I stay calm and try to understand the cause of the conflict.

• AN: I try to avoid discussing the issue causing the conflict.

• DR: I confront it right away so that it can get resolved as soon as possible.

When I talk on the phone at work ...

• DR: I keep the conversation focused on the purpose of the call.

• EX: I spend a few minutes chatting before getting down to business.

• AM: I am in no hurry to get off the phone and don't mind chatting about personal things, the weather, and so on.

• AN: I try to keep the conversation as brief as possible.

If a co-worker is upset...

• AM: I ask if I can do anything to help.

• AN: I leave him alone because I don't want to intrude on his privacy.

• EX: I try to cheer him up and help him to see the bright side.

• DR: I feel uncomfortable and hope he gets over it soon.

When I attend meetings at work ...

• AN: I sit back and think about what is being said before offering my opinion.

• DR: I put all my cards on the table so my opinion is well known.

• EX: I express my opinion enthusiastically, but listen to other's ideas as well.

• AM: I try to support the ideas of the other people in the meeting.

When I make a presentation in front of a group ...

• EX: I am entertaining and often humorous.

• AN: I am clear and concise.

• AM: I speak relatively quietly.

• DR: I am direct, specific, and sometimes loud.

When a customer is explaining a problem to me...

• AM: I try to understand and empathize with how she is feeling.

• AN: I look for the specific facts pertaining to the situation.

• DR: I listen carefully for the main issue so that I can find a solution.

• EX: I use my body language and tone of voice to show her that I understand.

When I attend training programs or presentations ...

• DR: I get bored if the person moves too slowly.

• AM: I try to be supportive of the speaker, knowing how hard the job is.

• EX: I want it to be entertaining as well as informative.

• AN: I look for the logic behind what the speaker is saying.