The four orientations

Supporting

Key word: Excellence

Characteristics:

• important to feel is a worthwhile person, 'doing their bit'
• trying to be responsive and co-operative
• likes to feel others think of them as trustworthy
• belief that others are fundamentally good
• having ideals and living up to them are very important
• feels personally responsible for any difficulties
• reluctant to engage in emotional confrontations.

Typical behaviours

• listens to what people have to say
• appreciates others' problem-solving abilities
• provides resources for others to get things done
• encourages others when they meet difficulties
• removes obstacles to others' achievements
• 'lends a hand'
• anticipates others' needs; and taking care of them in advance
• co-operates and collaborates to make a task easier or more fun
• gives advice when asked
• emphasises the importance of having goals and values
• helps others to develop
• trusts other people.

Controlling

Key word: Action

Characteristics:

• important to get things accomplished, quickly
• believes that problems can be solved by dedication, energy and imagination
• likes to seize opportunities
• trusts their own instincts
• loves a challenge
• believes in taking responsibility
• handles conflict confidently: actively enjoys working towards resolution.

Typical behaviours

• communicates desires clearly to eliminate confusion
• tells others exactly where they stand
• expresses confidence that the other person can deliver what is requested
• makes decisions quickly
• takes action to show what is needed
• gathers resources to tackle a task
• willing to take risks
• confronts differences as they arise
• takes the initiative
• acts independently.

Conserving

Key word: Reason

Characteristics:

• likes to minimise loss, optimise gains
• interested in getting things done accurately and thoroughly
• attention to detail
• likes rigorous documentation and information retrieval systems
• very attentive to facts and accurate information in conflict situations
• slow, deliberate and analytical approach
• prefers long-term solutions to immediate relief.

Typical behaviours:

• establishes a clear structure for projects
• sticks to policies and procedures
• analyses carefully what is involved before taking action
• documents what happens
• makes sure instructions are clear
• adheres to schedules and budgets
• double-checks facts and details
• keeps calm and objective in a crisis
• behaves consistently.

Adapting

Key word: Harmony

Characteristics:

• loves to be liked and admired
• enjoys working with others and tuning into their needs
• likes networking
• understands that social acceptance is key to getting things done
• is flexible and willing to try new experiences
• likes to negotiate, happy to give and take
• generous with compliments and appreciation
• positive and optimistic.

Typical behaviours:

• expresses appreciation for others' efforts
• is sensitive to others' feelings
• takes time to build harmonious and friendly relationships
• listens to new ideas in a positive way
• is willing to see the other side of an issue
• is enthusiastic
• often sees the lighter side of situations
• adjusts behaviour according to what other people need
• is tactful when dealing with delicate situations.