Understanding the Four Personality Styles
The HRDQ Style Model, based upon William Marston’s Theory of Human Behavior, breaks down personality into four different styles:
- Direct: Someone who is upfront and realistic
- Considerate: Someone who is thoughtful and compassionate
- Spirited: Someone who is energetic and enthusiastic
- Systematic: Someone who is organized and logical
These four styles and who we are guide our actions, decisions, and general life approach. Looking deeper, your preference for one style over another is dependent upon two factors: your assertiveness and your expressiveness levels, which are learned behaviors that we use as a means of coping with the demands and expectations placed upon us. These help to explain how we can appear to have one personality at work, while actually having another in our personal life.
Your assertiveness level is the amount of energy and effort you invest in controlling and influencing the thoughts and actions of others. People who are more assertive tend to be active, confident, and forward, while people who are less assertive tend to be attentive, process-focused, and deliberate.
Your expressiveness level is the amount of energy and effort you invest in displaying your emotions. People who are more expressive tend to be social, emotional, and animated, whereas people who are less expressive tend to be more private, independent, and focused.
What Your Personality Style Reveals
Understanding your unique personality can reveal a lot about yourself and help you in your personal and professional life. Here are four benefits of knowing your own personality style – although there are countless more.
1. Greater Self-Awareness
The more you know about yourself, the more you’re able to determine what you really need in your life. Knowing your personality style helps you become more self-aware, allowing you to understand your preferences, motivations, and behaviors. This knowledge can help you make better decisions.
2. Where You Get Your Energy From
When life throws you a curveball, you need to engage your problem-solving skills. Your personality style can indicate where you get your energy from and help you manage your energy levels, especially during stressful times. For example, an introvert needs downtime in order to recharge, while an extrovert needs people time in order to recharge.
3. Strengths and Weaknesses
Your personality style can uncover your strengths and weaknesses by revealing aspects of your personality like creativity, how you resolve conflict, and other traits. For example, a person with a high level of creativity may find it easy to come up with innovative solutions at work, leading to greater success. By understanding these traits, you can leverage your strengths and improve your weaknesses.
4. Inform Your Career
Personality tests reveal aspects of your personality that are relevant to your work environment. Knowing your style can help you figure out the career path that’s right for you because it suits your natural strengths. For example, a person with a high attention to detail might thrive in a role that requires precision and accuracy. On the other hand, someone who enjoys social interaction might thrive in a role that requires a high level of collaboration.
To learn more about the importance of personality styles and what your personality style is, check out Why Are They Acting That Way? Training on Personal Styles.
