„‚ CONDITIONS THAT HINDER EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Figure 1. The Social-Style Profile 3
4. Do something for others. Adapt your style to others by understanding how they
perceive you, both positively and negatively; and use their styles to make contact
with them, to complement their “weaknesses” in a sensitive manner.
The objectives of social-style awareness training lead to the ultimate goal of
improving one’s versatility—the ability to handle behavioral preferences skillfully so
that others remain comfortable and nondefensive. Increased versatility increases the
probability of more respectful relationships and more productive work.
The Values of Social-Style Awareness Training
The goals of social-style awareness are based on values that result from the acceptance
of differences in others. These values include the following beliefs:
1. People perform best in positive relationships.
2. People need to work on productive relationships.
3. A change of approach to people is not manipulative; rather, it demonstrates
respect for the uniqueness of others.
4. Maturity involves the recognition that others are important.
5. Developing skills for dealing with interpersonal relationships is a desirable goal.
6. The use of skills to manipulate others becomes known.
7. The effort required to learn about social styles represents growth.
8. Controlling one’s actions need not conflict with one’s beliefs and values.
3
From Personal Styles and Effective Performance, by David W. Merrill and Roger H. Reid. Copyright © 1981 by David W. Merrill and
Roger H. Reid. Reprinted with the permission of the publisher, Chilton Book Company, Radnor, PA. This book contains documentation related
to the original work done by the TRACOM Corp. in Denver in the SOCIAL STYLE Models.
The Pfeiffer Library Volume 6, 2nd Edition. Copyright ©1998 Jossey-Bass/Pfeiffer ❚❘ 107