|
Communication Variables
A Short Course on Forte Communication Styles
While people are generally aware that they have communication strengths which
govern their everyday behavior or communication style, they are not aware that
these communication styles are well defined and produce specific and unique
profile patterns.
An individual's communication style can be determined, shared and enhanced
through the use of the Forte Interpersonal Communication System.
In most profiles, a primary communication style strength will be evident,
which, depending upon the intensity of the strength, will control that individual's
attitude, action and responses 50% to 60% of the time.
The measurement of communication style strength intensity (the distance from
the graph's center line) will range from 0 to 36 above or below the center
line, a 72-point scale. The importance of this measurement will become
apparent as communication style categories are discussed below.
The following information will assist you in understanding the characteristics
of the four primary strengths listed. Keep in mind that these strengths
reflect how you think, understand, are self-motivated and relate and can come
across to others; thus, there is tremendous value in knowing your communication
style characteristics and the characteristics of others.
Dominance/Non-Dominance
The Decision Style Strength
(Represented graphically as Dominant to Non-Dominant or Controlling to Cooperative)
The Dominant or controlling person is results-oriented and primarily concerned
with getting things done. Dominant people are hard-driving, to the point,
and dislike indecisiveness. They appear outwardly secure, and are innovative,
venturesome, ingenious, big-picture oriented, and sometimes abrasive. They
are trouble-shooters, decisive and risk-takers.
The Non-Dominant or cooperative person is characterized by a non-threatening
way of working with others. This person is not forcefully demanding. A
Non-Dominant person will seldom impose upon others, is mild-mannered, composed,
and often modest. They prefer direction.
Extroversion/Introversion
The People Strength
(Represented graphically as Extroverted to Introverted or Outgoing to Reserved)
The Extrovert or outgoing person is people-oriented. Extroverts are friendly,
pleasant, persuasive, emphatic, enthusiastic, talkative, stimulating, motivating,
and optimistic. They are good mixers and good coordinators. The Extrovert likes
to be with and influence people. They are verbal.
Introverted or reserved people are selective in whom they place
their trust; they take greater care in protecting their private life and prefer
not to speak without weighing the potential consequences. They are creative
and have an individualistic side that can manifest itself in a vivid imagination
and the ability to think things through to a conclusion. They tend to be contemplative,
enjoy quiet, and do not need others around for self-fulfilling activities.
Patience/Impatience
The Pace Strength
(Represented graphically as Patient to Impatient or Paced to Urgent)
The Patient or paced individual is relaxed, easygoing, steady, amiable, warm,
dependent, sincere, likable, and a good listener. The paced person likes peace
and harmony, likes to be cooperative, likes to save time, and likes time to
adjust to changes.
The Impatient or urgent person is action-oriented and does not tolerate delays
for extended periods of time. This person often has to do things twice for
lack of adequate planning. Impatient people have a strong sense of urgency,
both for themselves and for those around them. It is important for these individuals
to keep busy and have others respond quickly to them. They learn quickly and
prefer variety as opposed to a single area of concentration. Their sense of
urgency often drives them to seek out new, exciting situations which offer
them a change of pace.
Conformity/Non-Conformity
The Systems Strength
(Represented graphically as Conformist to Non-Conformist or Systematic to
Independent)
The Conformist or systematic person, depending upon environment and experience,
will be careful, accurate, precise, thorough, skillful, dependable, meticulous,
conservative, prudent, anxiety-prone, worrisome, sensitive to criticism, and
a perfectionist. Liking details and systems, this person prefers to work systematically,
wants outcomes to be "right," and wants to be fair.
The Non-Conformist or independent person is characterized by a generalist
orientation to life. This person often shows a rather independent attitude,
with a tendency to avoid detail work. These individuals usually are uninhibited,
candid, and relate well to activities that take them out of ordinary or prescribed
situations. These individuals want freedom and minimal controls, both in work
and personal relationships. They can be resistant to controls and will tend
to rationalize.
While there are over 250,000 possible strength combinations that can be generated
by the Forte system, The Forte Institute provides much more than the basic
Communication Style Profiles. The Forte system measures how one is adapting
to their environment, their logic style, and stamina level; the Forte system
can create top-performer profiles for any job position; it can build model
profiles and design interaction strategies between individuals, pinpointing
areas of potential conflict. The Forte system is the ideal team-development
tool that will enhance understanding and communication among team members.
The Forte system is quick, easy to understand, and extremely accurate in its
analysis. And, of great importance to your budget, Forte is very cost-effective.
|
