Social Style Self-assessment

Purpose: Use this job aid to determine your own social style.
Choose one answer in each set that describes you the MOST, and one answer in each set that
describes you the LEAST. There are no right or wrong answers. For the most accurate analysis of
your social style, be as honest as you can.
Set 1
D compromising
B insistent
C controlled
A expressive
Set 2
C aloof
B authoritarian
D submissive
A friendly
Set 3
C serious
A lighthearted
D hesitant
B decisive
Set 4
B risk-taking
C conforming
D cautious

A unconventional
Set 5
A easygoing
B demanding
C disciplined
D supportive
Set 6
B outgoing
D reserved
C calculating
A spontaneous
Set 7
C guarded
A open
D relaxed
B tense
Set 8
D restrained
A impulsive
C analytical
B assertive
Set 9
C formal

A extroverted
D complacent
B influential
Set 10
C methodical
D accommodating
B domineering
A unstructured
Set 11
C reserved
D shy
A carefree
B demanding
Set 12
D patient
A dramatic
C reticent
B bold
Set 13
B pioneering
C fussy
A sociable
D loyal

Set 14
C obliging
A playful
D neighborly
B argumentative
Set 15
B outspoken
A popular
D optimistic
C cultured
Count the number of times you used each letter for describing you the MOST and record that
score.
Then count the number of times you used each letter for describing you the LEAST and record
your score.
Subtract the LEAST from the MOST and record the DIFFERENCE for each letter. (Negative
numbers are possible.)
Rank the letters, with the letter with the highest score first, and the one with the lowest score
fourth.
Now identify your style. Some people use a combination of styles when their two highest ranking
styles are the same or very close in score.

If your highest ranking letter is A, your social style is expressive

If your highest ranking letter is B, your social style is the driver

If your highest ranking letter is C, your social style is analytical

If your highest ranking letter is D, your social style is amiable

This assessment can help you to identify why you feel the way you do about people you interact
with in the workplace. People with expressive styles may have difficulty with a driver style
supervisor. Expressive style supervisors may not recognize contributions of the analytical style
employees. Your social style may affect the way that you perceive others at work, and the way
that they perceive you. It explains how some combinations of people don't mix well, and how
others, though different, make a great team!

Source: Communicating for Results