The different styles try to sway, or influence, the group in different ways. This can become critical because, every group at an early stage wrestles with the issue of who's going to wield power.
Relaters
Indirect and Open
RELATERS -- whether they're anointed leaders or not -- often take on the role of keeping the process moving along. They'll elaborate on what others say and encourage everyone to have their say. They seek to exert influence indirectly by keeping things mellow and moving.
Socializers
Direct and Open
SOCIALIZERS are more inclined to use flattery or compliments to win over the group and get its members to feel good as a team. They'll often use humor to defuse tension or conflict. They try to avoid a hard line that'll lose them acceptance or recognition by the group.
Thinkers
Indirect and Guarded
Information and logic are the tools of the THINKERS. They like to furnish information that, directly or indirectly, suggests their expertise and experience. ("Remember, I was one of those who came up with the original plan. The rationale at that time was clear, and I think what we want to do here is....") They're the most likely to focus on the "rightness," or logic, of a solution, rather than spend a lot of time debating who's personally helped or hindered by it.
Directors
Direct and Guarded
DIRECTORS like to influence others by structuring agendas, tasks, and assignments and, if relevant, use their formal position as leverage ("As general manager for the past 18 years, I've seen these situations develop, and I think....")
By Tony Alessandra
