Dr. Tony Alessandra, the creator of The Platinum Rule®, realized through his research that there are two dimensions of observable behavior. The first observable behavior in people is their Open-Guarded behavior. The Open-Guarded dimension reflects a person’s priorities – ranging from highly people orientated to highly task orientated. An Open behavioral style in a person means they are more willing to openly share their feelings, thoughts and ideas when interacting with others, making them more people orientated. A closed behavioral style means just the opposite, they are more Guarded with their feelings, thoughts and ideas indicating they are more task orientated.
The second dimension of observable behavior is Direct-Indirect behavior. The Direct-Indirect behavior reflects a person’s pace – ranging from fast pace to slow pace. Direct persons are quick to take action whereas Indirect persons prefer to take their time before taking action.
Observing peoples behavior and asking yourself two “either/or” questions you can quickly determine the Behavioral Style of that person. First you determine whether someone is fast or slow paced in their verbal, vocal and visual communication, then you determine if they are more task or relationship orientated. With the answers to these two questions you can determine which quadrant an individual falls into and thus what communication preferences they have in order to relieve interpersonal tension and build a Trust Based Relationship.
Be Happy With Your Behavioral Style
Each dimension reflects a continuum of actions, and no person is purely Direct or Indirect or Open or Guarded. Each of us has a behavioral preference, or dominate style, in 3 specific areas; professional, personal and social situations. We are all products of our unique experiences and influences –our parents, genetics, education and so on. Realize that your behavioral style has just one purpose: to serve your needs and wants.