Your Behavior Profile for Success

Who we are affects how and why we do what we do. In other words, you have a behavior profile that relates to your ability to achieve success.
Your Behavior Profile
Behavior profiling began in the late 1920’s as a result of psychologist Dr. William Marston’s theory that there are four basic personality types. Over the years, different versions of the same theory developed.
You and I fit into one of four basic personality types, which define the way we interact with other people, the way we go about life, our personal drivers and how we succeed. We often relate better to people who have a similar behavior profile, and find other behavior patterns annoying and maybe even a little intimidating. But more importantly, these behaviors have a major impact on how we progress through life.
After studying numerous models, I took the best of what I learned, combined it with what I learned from working with thousands of people in my workshops, and came up with an easy-to-understand explanation of the four major personality behaviors that are part of the four personality styles.
Two Behaviors Makeup Your Communication Style
Your communication style is determined by other people’s perception of two of your behaviors: how you communicate with people and how you respond to people. Please note that this discussion about your communication style is based on how others see you, not how you see yourself.
How You Communicate With People
Of the four personality styles, two are considered a direct communication style. Direct is described as being assertive. Here are characteristics of someone who would be considered very direct: decisive, quick, and displays lots of energy.
Of the four personality styles, two are considered an indirect communication style. If people see you as less direct, you would be considered not as assertive. Someone who would be perceived as being less direct would appear to have these characteristics: indirect, methodical, and less energetic.
How You Respond to People
Now let’s look at how you respond to people. Of the four personality styles, two are considered people-oriented. Here are characteristics of someone who would be perceived as people-oriented: friendly, expressive, likes being with others.
Of the four personality styles, two are considered task-oriented. If people see you respond less to others, you could be perceived as task-oriented. Someone who would be perceived as task-oriented would appear to have these characteristics: reserved, structured, and prefers working alone.
Two Communication Truths
When we think of communication, we think of talking. Great communicators understand that it is more than that. Which brings up the first communication truth; people only believe what they see. In other words, when you walk into a room full of strangers, you can either appear confident and approachable or tense and unapproachable.
The second communication truth is that you are responsible for people’s perception of you. This means that no matter what is happening inside of you or around you in that moment, you always have the choice to react and act as you wish.
More Information on Personality Profiling
To learn more about behavior profiling, check out Dr. William Marston’s theory of the four basic personality types â€" D for Dominant, I for Influencer, S for Steady and C for Compliant. There is the BEST theory â€" Bold-Expressive-Sympathetic-Technical. Dr. Gary Couture’s version uses bird names â€" Dove, Owl, Peacock and Eagle. These are just a few of the many versions available for you to use.
Action Steps
• Always embrace the essence of who you are. This means: Do not wish to be like anyone else. In other words, if you are outgoing, fun, and love being the center of attention, stay that way. Just remember, in certain environments, you may want to tone it down a bit.
• Love your strengths and strengthen your limitations. This means: Be true to who you are, but, if you realize you are indirect and need to speak up, then consider strengthening your assertiveness skills.
• Learn how to flex. This means: If you are in a meeting and you are asked to give your opinion, speak up. You might be indirect by nature, but you can choose to behave differently. I am not recommending that you attempt to adjust your communication style to everyone you speak to in every situation. What I am suggesting is that you be aware of the fact your communication style can affect how people perceive you. You can simply choose to flex when you need to.