Behavioral Styles: 5 Dimensions of Personality

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Discover the 5 core dimensions of personality and how they influence one’s behavior, relationships, and career success. Learn practical tips for understanding and leveraging your behavioral style for personal and professional growth!

Have you ever wondered why you interact with others in a certain way? Or why do you gravitate towards specific tasks and environments? The answer might lie in your behavioral style. Our personalities are complex and multifaceted; however, they can be broken down into five core dimensions, which we will explore in this article.

Highlights

Behavioral styles are recurring patterns of thought, feeling, and action that influence our interactions, decision-making, and problem-solving. Understanding them is essential for improving communication, strengthening relationships, fostering personal development, enhancing decision-making, and ensuring better business outcomes.
The DISC model and other personality frameworks, like the MBTI and Big Five, categorize human behavior into various styles based on traits such as dominance, influence, steadiness, conscientiousness, openness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.
The Leonard Personality Inventory (LPI), invented by Dr. Leonard Yong, measures five dimensions of personality (Openness, Neutrality, Analytical, Relational, and Decisive) that influence one’s behavioral style and preferences.
Different leadership styles (directive, supportive, participative, achievement-oriented, and coaching) affect how leaders interact with their teams, with each approach having its own unique strengths and weaknesses.
Identifying behavioral styles requires introspection, self-assessments, observation of verbal and nonverbal cues, analysis of behavior in different situations, open-ended questions, and 360-degree feedback.
To adapt to and motivate people with different behavioral styles, one needs to connect to their motivators, delegate based on strengths, offer various rewards, and present opportunities for growth.
Behavioral styles can change through internal factors like self-awareness and external factors like life experiences, with the process involving awareness, exploration, experimentation, integration, and mastery.

What Are Behavioral Styles?

Behavioral styles are recurring patterns that reflect how we think, feel, and act. They’re like personality fingerprints that reveal how we interact with others, make decisions, and approach problem-solving.

From the bold and outgoing to the calm and collected, behavioral styles run the gamut. They’re the building blocks that shape our relationships and professional lives. By analyzing them, we can better interpret and predict how people might behave in different situations.

The Importance of Understanding Behavioral Styles

The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people.
Theodore Roosevelt

Improved communication

Whether you tend to be direct and concise or empathetic and persuasive, self-awareness is key to understanding others. It enables you to adapt your communication approach to suit different styles (e.g. providing detailed explanations for steady individuals or concise facts for more conscientious ones), thereby improving collaboration effectiveness and reducing the risk of misunderstanding.

Strengthened relationships

When we know someone’s behavioral style, we can better relate to their actions and motivations. For example, if a colleague is typically reserved and prefers to work independently, being aware of their introverted nature should prevent us from misinterpreting their quietness as disinterest or aloofness. On the other hand, if another team member is a “Driver,” known for their direct and assertive communication, we may anticipate that they like expressing their opinions forcefully; as a result, we no longer take their comments personally and are able to respond calmly.

Aside from fostering empathy, awareness of behavioral differences also aids in resolving conflicts, identifying triggers, and finding mutually agreeable solutions. For instance, knowing that a “Thinker” might prefer data and logic, while a “Relater” might value emotional connections, we can then approach discussions in a way that aligns with their preferences. Or, if a colleague is a “Dominator,” known for their competitive nature, we may choose to focus on shared goals and outcomes rather than trying to win.

Personal development

Being aware of your own strengths, weaknesses, triggers, and blind spots lays the foundation for coming up with effective self-development and change management strategies. For example, let’s say you identify a lack of attention to detail as one of your shortcomings. Recognizing this, you may then take proactive steps to address the issue, such as taking notes, using checklists, scheduling frequent check-ins, and practicing mindfulness exercises.

Enhanced decision making

Traditional thinking is often based on the assumption that people make decisions rationally, driven solely by facts and logic. However, it ignores the significant influence of emotions, biases, and cognitive limitations on human behavior. Overconfidence, for example, may prompt people to underestimate risks and overestimate their abilities, while confirmation bias may cause them to seek out information that confirms their existing beliefs and ignore evidence that contradicts them.

Behavioral science offers valuable insights into how people truly make decisions. By understanding these psychological factors, one may develop strategies that are more likely to achieve desired outcomes.

For example, let’s say a company wants to encourage its employees to adopt healthier lifestyles. A traditional approach might involve implementing a mandatory wellness program with strict rules and penalties for non-compliance, which will only lead to resentment and resistance from team members. Instead, a behavioral science-based approach might involve creating a “nudging” environment. For example, the company could place healthy snacks prominently in vending machines and cafeterias, offer incentives for participating in wellness activities such as free gym memberships, and nurture a culture of wellness by encouraging people to share their success stories and support each other.

Better business outcomes

Understanding the behavioral styles of team members enables leaders and organizations to tailor their approaches to accommodate each individual’s preferences (e.g. assigning detail-oriented tasks to Conscientious people, while providing clear goals for Dominant ones), thereby improving productivity and engagement. On the other hand, organizations that tailor customer experiences based on behavioral insights (e.g. enthusiastic greetings for Influence-oriented customers and data-driven recommendations for Conscientious ones) enjoy better satisfaction and loyalty as a result.

Types of Behavioral Styles: Models & Theories

Over time, researchers have proposed numerous psychological models for interpreting behavioral styles. According to them, human behavior can be classified into a variety of types; examples include amiable, analytical, expressive, driver, decision-making, etc.

One of the most popular frameworks is the DISC model. Developed by psychologist William Moulton Marston, it categorizes human behavior into four distinct styles:

Dominance (D): Characterized by traits such as directness, decisiveness, and result orientation, Dominant individuals are often found in leadership roles.
Influence (I): Enthusiasm, optimism, and a focus on building relationships are the core qualities of Influential figures, who typically excel in communicating and fostering rapport with others.
Steadiness (S): Marked by cooperation, patience, and attention to detail, the Steadiness style is synonymous with dependability and reliability in both personal and professional contexts.
Conscientiousness (C): Defined by traits such as analytical thinking, precision, and strict adherence to rules, Conscientious people are known for their structural and meticulous approach to tasks.

While the DISC model delineates distinct behavioral styles, it also acknowledges that people often exhibit a blend of the above-mentioned personalities. No single type is inherently superior to others; what matters is that we realize our dominant style and how we interact with others.

Beyond the DISC model, there are also many other popular personality frameworks:

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI): Drawing upon Carl Jung’s theories, the MBTI classifies people into 16 personality types based on cognitive functions and preferences.
The Big Five Personality Traits: This model identifies five broad personality factors: Openness to experience, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism (OCEAN).
Blake-Mouton Managerial Grid: It analyzes the balance between task orientation and people orientation, delineating five leadership styles based on these dimensions.
Others: Models such as Belbin Team Roles and Thomas Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument present unique insights into team dynamics and conflict resolution strategies.

5 Dimensions of Behavioral Styles by LPI Profiling

Invented by Dr. Leonard Yong, the Leonard Personality Inventory (LPI) is a self-assessment tool that measures five dimensions of personality, which are said to influence one’s behavioral style and preferences.

(Source: Leonard Personality Inventory Report)

Openness

Openness demonstrates one’s propensity for novelty and intellectual exploration. Those scoring high on this dimension typically exhibit traits such as independence, curiosity, and a penchant for abstract thinking. They tend to thrive on intellectual challenges, embrace novelty, and constantly seek new experiences/ ideas to stimulate their minds.

Behavioral tendencies:

Open to new experiences and ideas.
Enjoy intellectual stimulation and challenges.
Prefer variety and change.
Independent and nonconformist.

Neutral

Neutrality encompasses emotional resilience and composure in the face of adversity. Those who score high on Neutrality typically demonstrate even temper, adaptability, and the ability to maintain perspective amidst stressful situations. Their calm demeanor and flexibility enable them to navigate challenges with grace and objectivity.

Behavioral tendencies:

Manage stress effectively.
Remain calm under pressure.
Adaptable to different situations.
Easygoing and agreeable.

Analytical

Analytical people tend to excel in logical reasoning and systematic problem-solving. They often exhibit traits such as methodical thinking and meticulous attention to detail. In addition, they tend to approach tasks with a systematic mindset, relying on facts and logical analysis to arrive at informed decisions.

Behavioral tendencies:

Think logically and analytically.
Value accuracy and precision.
Enjoy problem-solving and critical thinking.
Organized and methodical.

Relational

The Relational dimension reflects one’s aptitude for social interaction and relationship-building. Those who score high on Relationality are known for exhibiting empathy, compassion, and a genuine desire for connection with others. They excel in fostering strong interpersonal relationships, communicating, and cultivating a collaborative environment.

Behavioral tendencies:

Build strong relationships with others.
Communicate effectively and empathetically.
Value teamwork and collaboration.
Helpful and supportive.

Decisive

Decisiveness is about assertiveness and confidence. Those scoring high on Decisiveness typically exhibit traits such as confidence, goal orientation, and a proactive approach to decision-making. They embrace challenges with vigor, taking initiative and demonstrating a willingness to assume responsibility for their actions.

Behavioral tendencies:

Make decisions quickly and confidently.
Take initiative and responsibility.
Goal-oriented and achievement-driven.
Independent and assertive.

Just like the DISC framework, LPI acknowledges that most people exhibit a combination of personality dimensions instead of one single type. Specifically, they can be:

Neutral & Analytical.
Neutral & Relational.
Decisive & Analytical.
Relational & Analytical.

Sample of LPI Behavioral Styles Profile

The LPI framework serves as a valuable tool for self-awareness, career development, and team dynamics. By gaining insights into their behavioral dimensions, one becomes better equipped to enhance communication, cultivate stronger relationships, and align their actions with their personal and professional aspirations.

How Behavioral Styles Impact Behaviors

The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn’t being said.
Peter Drucker

Motivation & values

Each style emanates from distinct internal drivers and values, dictating one’s aspirations and priorities. For instance, Decisive gravitates toward achievement and tangible results, whereas Relation values cooperation and interpersonal harmony. These intrinsic motivations steer our actions, including how we approach tasks, interactions, and decision-making.

Information processing

Behavioral styles play a significant role in shaping one’s cognitive processing mechanisms – how we perceive, interpret, and assimilate information. For instance, while Analytical people may enjoy meticulously scrutinizing details and factual data, Relational ones might place a stronger emphasis on emotional cues and relational dynamics. These differing lenses through which information is filtered are what give rise to differences in perspectives, conclusions, and responses to situations.

Communication style

A Decisive person may embody assertiveness and forthrightness, whereas a Neutral one may resort to diplomatic and indirect approaches. These divergent communication preferences not only define how we articulate our thoughts but also shape how we perceive and embrace others’ perspectives.

Interaction with others

Our behavioral styles have a significant impact on our inclinations toward collaboration, leadership, and conflict resolution. A Relational person may be prone to fostering patience and cooperation within team settings, while a Decisive one may inherently assume leadership roles.

Cognitive biases

Each personality comes with its own set of cognitive biases, which shape one’s mental shortcuts and heuristic-driven decision-making processes. For instance, Decisive may prioritize efficiency and expediency, potentially leading to oversight of critical details. Conversely, Analytical may err on the side of caution and analytical deliberation, which results in exhaustive information gathering.

Emotional reactions

Behavioral styles modulate our emotional expression and regulation mechanisms – specifically, how we respond to stressors and challenges. An Open person may readily exhibit optimism and enthusiasm, while an Analytical one is likely to adopt a more reserved demeanor.

Emotional triggers

A Decisive individual is particularly sensitive to criticism and feedback; on the other hand, one who scores high on Openness may be more prone to upheaval in response to change or uncertainty. Recognizing these idiosyncratic triggers may empower us to navigate emotional landscapes with heightened self-awareness.

Adaptability

By discerning the nuances of their behavioral tendencies, one becomes better equipped to consciously modulate their actions to align with situational demands or overarching goals. For instance, an Analytical person may consciously aim to cultivate flexibility in social settings to enhance interpersonal engagement and rapport.

Read more: Habits in Personality Development – A Comprehensive Guide

Behavioral Styles of Leadership

The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority.
Ken Blanchard

Those in leadership roles typically exhibit differing behavioral patterns, which are influenced by their personality and experiences. Some of the most prominent styles include:

Directive leadership:
- Focus: Providing clear instructions and expectations, closely monitoring performance, and making most decisions.
- Strengths: Efficient in high-pressure situations, clear direction for new or inexperienced teams.
- Weaknesses: May stifle creativity, demotivate team members, and hinder learning & development.
Supportive leadership:
- Focus: Enhancing team well-being, building trust and relationships, and providing emotional support.
- Strengths: Creates a positive work environment, fosters collaboration, and increases team morale & loyalty.
- Weaknesses: May act indecisively, have difficulty providing constructive feedback, and struggle with decision-making.
Participative leadership:
- Focus: Involving team members in decision-making, encouraging open communication, and valuing diverse perspectives.
- Strengths: Boosts team ownership, increases engagement, fosters problem-solving skills, and increases the likelihood of coming up with innovative solutions.
- Weaknesses: Requires lots of time investment, struggles with managing large groups and resolving internal conflicts.
Achievement-oriented leadership:
- Focus: Setting high standards, challenging team members to improve, and emphasizing performance & goal achievement.
- Strengths: Drives results, motivates high-performing teams, and fosters a competitive spirit.
- Weaknesses: Can contribute to a stressful work environment, neglect team well-being, and demotivate those who struggle to meet high standards.
Coaching leadership:
- Focus: Developing individual potential and skills through ongoing constructive feedback and guidance, goal setting, coaching & mentoring, and creating opportunities for learning & growth.
- Strengths: Empowers individuals, enhances skills and performance, fosters long-term development and career growth.
- Weaknesses: Requires time investment and effective coaching skills, may not be suitable for all situations or team members.

Each of the leadership styles above reflects a distinct approach to influencing others and asserting authority. In reality, most people exhibit a combination of power styles depending on the context and their goals. Understanding them and their associated strengths and weaknesses is crucial to becoming a more adaptable and effective leader.

How to Identify Behavior Styles

The greatest ability in business is to get along with others and to influence their actions.
John Hancock

Reflect on your natural preferences

Take time to introspect and analyze your tendencies in resolving tasks, communicating with others, and making decisions. Consider whether you prioritize speed and results, value relationships and influence, seek harmony and cooperation, or focus on details and analysis. Reflect on past situations and your typical responses to them.

Take self-assessments

There are various online and offline tools designed to explore one’s dominant behavioral style. Validated ones like the DISC assessment or the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) provide in-depth analyses based on questionnaire responses and scoring models. As such, they offer valuable insights into your behavioral tendencies and preferences.

Observe verbal and nonverbal cues

Pay close attention to people’s verbal and nonverbal cues. Notice their speech patterns, body language, facial expressions, and choice of words, and determine whether they convey assertiveness, persuasiveness, detail orientation, or precision.

Take note of behavior in different situations

Observe how individuals interact in various contexts such as meetings, presentations, or casual conversations. Assess whether their behavioral style adapts to the situation or remains relatively consistent. Notice whether they take charge, actively collaborate, or prefer to follow instructions.

Ask open-ended questions

Engage people in open-ended conversations about their work style, preferred communication methods, and decision-making approaches. Actively listen to their responses and observe their tone of voice for further insights into their behavioral tendencies.

Seek 360-degree feedback

Confidential input from colleagues, managers, and direct reports should significantly aid in identifying your dominant behavioral tendencies. That being said, this tactic requires trust and openness for optimal results.

Read more: Not Listening – The Silent Killer in Life

How to Adapt to & Motivate People with Different Behavioral Styles

The only way to change someone’s mind is to connect with them from the heart.
Rasheed Ogunlaru

Connect to their motivators: It’s about understanding the intrinsic motivators associated with each behavioral style (e.g. achievement and results for Decisiveness; accuracy and competence for Analytical, etc.), based on which one may adapt their communication to resonate with each individual’s preferences (e.g. speak directly and concisely with Decisive; provide data-driven logic for Analytical).
Delegate based on strengths: As a leader, one needs to assign tasks that align with a person’s preferred styles to maximize their strengths and engagement (e.g. leverage Relational for relationship-building; engage Analytical in data analysis tasks).
Offer different types of rewards: It’s about recognizing and rewarding achievements in ways that resonate with each behavioral style. For example, you should provide public recognition and challenging goals for Open people, while offering social rewards and praise for Relational ones.
Present opportunities for growth: Sometimes, it may be a good idea to ask people to work on their less dominant styles and encourage behaviors that are not within their comfort zone. For instance, you can tell Decisive people to practice active listening, while empowering Neutral ones to take calculated risks. Within a workplace setting, organizations should provide skill development opportunities and training programs that cater to different learning styles – so as to empower people to enhance their capabilities.

Change in Behavioral Styles

Change in behavioral styles is a dynamic process influenced by various factors:

Internal: Self-awareness, personal growth goals, value clarification, and a desire to improve relationships or career prospects.
External: Life experiences, feedback from others, changes in career or relationships, exposure to diverse perspectives, and training programs.

Generally speaking, the process typically goes through the following phases:

Awareness: Recognizing your dominant style and its impact on your behavior and interactions.
Exploration: Learning about other styles and understanding their strengths and weaknesses.
Experimentation: Trying out different behaviors associated with other styles in safe environments.
Integration: Incorporating new behaviors gradually based on the specific situations.
Mastery: Achieving a level of flexibility and control over your behavioral style, adapting it consciously and effectively.

Example:

A young professional named Alex works in a fast-paced corporate environment. His dominant behavioral style is direct and assertive, often leading to misunderstandings with colleagues who prefer a more collaborative and consensus-oriented approach. Alex is aware that his directness sometimes comes across as harsh or insensitive, and he wants to improve his relationships and build stronger connections with his team members.

External factors, such as recent conflicts and feedback from others, have also contributed to Alex’s desire to change his behavior. On the other hand, exposure to diverse perspectives and participation in training programs have enabled him to be aware of different behavioral styles and develop strategies for adapting his own.

To change his behavior, Alex starts by becoming more conscious of his dominant style and how it affects his interactions. Then, he learns about other styles, including their strengths and weaknesses. Next, he experiments with different behaviors in low-stakes situations.

Over time, Alex gradually incorporates more collaborative behaviors into his daily interactions. Eventually, he achieves a level of flexibility and control over his personality, adapting his approach to different situations and individuals.

Questions for Exploring One’s Behavioral Styles

Communication:

How would you describe your preferred communication style?
- Direct and to the point?
- Enthusiastic and persuasive?
- Patient and detail-oriented?
- Analytical and factual?
Do you enjoy being the center of attention during conversations, or do you prefer to listen and observe?
How comfortable are you expressing disagreement or constructive criticism?

Decision making:

Do you prefer to make decisions quickly and independently, or do you value input from others?
How much importance do you place on data and analysis before making a decision?
How comfortable are you taking risks and trying new things?

Motivation:

What motivates you the most in your work or personal life?
- Achieving results and goals?
- Building relationships and connections?
- Stability and security?
- Accuracy and precision?
What are some things that tend to demotivate you?

Stress management:

How do you typically handle stress and pressure?
Do you prefer to take action and solve problems directly, or do you need time to process and reflect?
How important is it for you to maintain a calm and controlled demeanor?

There are no right or wrong answers to these questions; they just provide a starting point for self-reflection. The most important thing is to be authentic to yourself while engaging in self-questioning.

Read more: 200 Self-reflection Questions – Toolkit for Life Pilgrims

Resources for Analyzing & Understanding Behavioral Styles

Quizzes/ Questionnaires

What’s Your Behavioral Style? – ProProfs Quiz.
Behavioral Style Questionnaire.
Free DISC Test – Personality Testing.

Assessments & checklists

Books

People Styles at Work and Beyond by Robert and Dorothy Grover Bolton

This book offers a practical framework for developing and applying behavioral science based on the DISC model. It covers topics such as recognizing, reading, and adjusting to different styles, finding common ground, avoiding conflicts, and relating more effectively in various situations.

Simply Said: Communicating Better at Work and Beyond by Jay Sullivan

Sullivan’s publication outlines the rules and best practices of business communication, with which one may better optimize their conversations with people of varying styles. It delves into topics such as structuring messages, using clear wording, incorporating body language consciously, giving and responding to feedback, and guiding meetings effectively.

The Platinum Rule by Tony Alessandra and Michael J. O’Connor

This book emphasizes treating others the way they want to be treated, rather than imposing one’s own preferences. It introduces readers to four basic business personalities – Director, Socializer, Relater, and Thinker – offering insights similar to the DISC model but with different names and descriptions.

Final Thoughts

As we conclude our exploration, it’s important to remind ourselves that behavioral styles are not rigid categories – but rather flexible constructs that are subject to evolution over time. One may exhibit behaviors that deviate from their dominant style; hence, it’s essential to avoid stereotypes and view the above-mentioned classifications as tools for understanding rather than passing judgment. In addition, each personality comes with unique strengths and weaknesses; rather than trying to change people’s ways of doing things, we should cultivate an environment that celebrates diversity and respects each individual’s strengths.

The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them.
Ralph G. Nichols

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