Solutions for Improving Interpersonal Interactions (PDF)

Our interpersonal styles are one of the factors that determine how we relate to others one-on-one. Understanding our own dominant interpersonal style helps us understand our own needs and how we perceive and interact with others. Understanding the needs and perceptions of others helps us to adapt to their needs and perceptions, resulting in interactions that promote cooperation and reduce the potential for conflict.

We often refer to differences with others as "personality conflicts." Doing so very effectively absolves us from any responsibility for getting along with others. Instead of difficulties with personalities, what we really experience are differences in interpersonal styles. Thus, we can be responsible for our relationships in making sure we understand and adapt our approaches to and interactions with interpersonal styles when they are different from our own.

The document includes information on 4 interpersonal styles common in the workplace:

1. Driven to Succeed
2. Attention to Detail
3. Expressive in Nature
4. Friendly in Nature

It also details advantages of adjusting to interpersonal needs different from your own, provides an abbreviated interpersonal style inventory, and includes a tally sheet for you to diagnosis/determine your own interpersonal style. Additionally, this guide lists the qualities and characteristics of each style as well as actions to take to accommodate each style. The strengths associated with each style are listed so that the value each style brings can be better appreciated.

Finally, to communicate more positive qualities and characteristics, we provide solutions for how each style can give others different impressions rather than what is often assumed.