What is your Personal Interaction Style?

The Personal Interaction Style® assessment by Lockwood Leadership International is one of my favorite self-awareness tools. The profile itself is easy to complete (58 yes/no questions) and the information discovered about oneself and others is simple to understand. More importantly, it has been my experience that the applicability in the workplace yields immediate, effective and long-lasting results.

Did you ever wonder why you “click” with some people easily, while others are more difficult?  Each of us has general tendencies and behaviors that we exhibit while expressing ourselves.  Some people can be very quiet and reserved, while others are loud and expressive. Through the Interaction Style profile, all of us fall into one of four categories – Expresser, Director, Analyzer or Relater. Expressers tend to be very talkative, humorous and enthusiastic, with a focus on the big picture. They are excellent promoters. Directors tend to be the take-charge types who get the job done. They are decisive with a primary focus on results. Analyzers tend to be reserved and fact based. They are systematic in their approach and focused on getting the job done right. Relaters are ultimate team players. They tend to be excellent listeners and easy to approach. They are focused on how decisions impact the group as a whole. It is important to note that one style is not better than another is, and you need all styles in a team setting to get the best results.

On a recent trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico where I delivered training as part of an ongoing series of programs that Kent State’s Center for Corporate and Professional Development is delivering for DDR, I utilized the Personal Interaction Style assessment to help participants discover their styles. The group was then able to learn how to work with the other styles more effectively, by giving them what they need. They also learned how to “flex” their style to be more influential with others.

I have utilized this assessment with hundreds of people, and each time I do it, I am amazed at the accuracy of this simple assessment and the applicability of the information learned.