FOUR INTERACTION STYLES

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Since childhood, we all have certain patterns of behavior, certain preferences and, in general, a certain attitude towards life. We all express ourselves in different ways and influence others in different ways. Often we cannot understand the behavior of other people, and they cannot understand ours. Moreover, sometimes we cannot understand what is driving our own behavior.

In order for individual characteristics to be used with benefit, and not to become a barrier in relationships between people, it is worth understanding what goals, motivations and beliefs underlie people's behavior. Understanding your own interaction style and the style of other people contributes to more effective communication and helps to avoid many misunderstandings.

There are four interaction styles

Different styles are characterized by different aims, and different strategies are applied to achieve these aims.

• Integrating style. People with the Integrating style are driven to create unity and harmony. They smooth out conflicts, help find consensus, unites people with different visions into a coherent team, create a harmonious environment.

• Changing style. People with the Changing style are driven to implement changes. They destroy old systems and patterns, initiate changes, act decisively and confidently, pave the way in a new field and lead others along.

• Engaging style. People with the Engaging style are driven to organize collaborative activities. They draw the attention of others to a particular issue and engage them in a joint discussion and activity.

• Ordering style. People with the Ordering style are driven to ensure order and stability. They order chaotic activity, structure, create a system, develop rules and monitor their observance.

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In order to simplify comparisons between four styles, we chosen to give an exaggerated description of the behavior of representatives of different styles on vacation:

Ordering (O) - Makes a detailed itinerary months in advance. Wants to spend his vacation with benefit: go to the museum or bookstore. Corrects the guide on each excursion.
Museum. Exhibition dedicated to ancient Egypt.
"This sarcophagus is five thousand years old," the guide explains.
“Five thousand and three years,” corrects O-type.
“Look, sir, but how can you date such ancient exhibits so accurately?”
“It's very simple! When I last visited this exposition, which was exactly three years ago, you said that this sarcophagus was five thousand years old.”

Engaging (E) – Suggests a lot of options of vacation and articulates these to the people around. Plans all the outfits for each day. During the holidays engages everybody in joint activity: cooking, playing, hiking. Prevents O-type read the book in peace.

Changing (C) – Changes plans at the last moment. Doesn’t care what anyone thinks. Throws spontaneous vacation with 8 people he just met. Refuses to sleep because there is so much to do!

Integrating (I) – Doesn’t go where he really wants to because he can't say no to С-type. Enjoys nature in a quiet place alone. Sometimes participates in C-type’s crazy activities. Creates a calm, harmonious environment, smoothes out conflicts.

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There are two pairs of psychic attitudes that underlie the four interaction styles:

• Two opposite attitudes that define one’s favorite way to respond and operate;

• Two opposite attitudes that define where someone gets their energy from and how one puts out energy.