PeopleSmart in Business eBook - The Platinum Rule

individuals. Talking allows them to get something off their chests and
can even become an end in itself, since their energy is largely infl uenced
by the quality of their relationship with a person.
Correcting Interacting Socializers
When stress hits Interacting Socializers, they prefer looking the
other way and searching for more positive, upbeat experiences. Th ey
avoid problems as long as they can. If the pressure persists, they tend
to literally walk away from the problem. When this tactic fails, they
may become emotionally candid in attempts to meet their needs. “I
can’t believe I let this happen, but I brought it all on myself.” Sometimes
stress manifests itself in animated panic. “I can’t talk now, Hal.
It’s really hit the fan this time!”
Let these individuals know specifi cally what the challenge happens to
be. Defi ne the behavior that can eliminate it and confi rm the mutually
agreeable action plan in writing to prevent future misunderstandings.
Since they prefer keeping the conversation light, avoid what they view
as negative or distasteful approaches. Rather than, “Why did your sales
drop off 50% last month?” use more optimistically stated questions
like, “How’d you like to bolster your sales up to your normal range and
beyond it?” Th ey’d simply rather deal with things going right.
Communicating with Interacting Socializers
Be prepared to listen to their personal feelings and experiences,
since they have a need to be both expressive and able to share their
emotions with others. Th eir style requires open and responsive interaction
with others, preferably in a manner of congenial and unhurried
conversation. It’s much like that between long-time friends. “Just
between you and me, Chris, I feel very uneasy about Jill and Howard
handling this account by themselves.”
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