Identifying Social Styles of Others

Each social style expresses distinct behaviors that can be easily identified. Common behaviors of each social style will be listed below. Use these lists to guide you in identifying the social styles of others in your life. You will see overlapping behaviors as these behaviors are not necessarily unique to just one social style. (Note: This is based on the book “How to Deal with Annoying People” by Bob Phillips and Kimberly Alyn).

Alphas (Thinkers):

• Think before they speak
• Talk softly and slowly
• Eat slowly
• Perform tasks with reflection or careful consideration
• Follow instructions
• Thrive on facts
• Enjoy details
• Display good manners
• Dress conservatively
• Are on time or early
• Do not display emotion
• Make mindful decisions
• Are private
• Can be overly critical
• Stay extremely focused
• Want things done correctly the first time
• Stay organized
• Examine all possible alternatives
• Play the devil’s advocate
• Are “letter of the law” people
• Can be rigid, inflexible or stubborn
• Are very responsible
• Like planning
• Can be nagging
• Can be narrow-minded

Betas (Doers):

• Speak before they think
• Talk quickly and boldly
• Eat quickly
• Can perform many tasks at once
• Can be insensitive
• Make direct eye contact
• Dislike details
• Tend to intimidate people
• Are on time or early
• Do not display emotion
• Make quick decisions
• Like to lead
• Can overpower people
• Are fearless
• Do not like chitchat
• Possess high energy
• Dress powerfully
• Are opinionated
• Can be stubborn or obstinate
• Face conflict head-on
• Are impatient
• Despise excuses
• Can be intolerant
• Appear arrogant
• Very assertive; can be belligerent
• Show great initiative
• Very confident
• Have tremendous willpower
• Work at top speed
• Sarcastic

Gammas (Sociables):

• Speak with a friendly tone
• Talk softly and slowly
• Are great listeners
• Like to please people
• Prefer to follow
• Like to volunteer
• Dislike conflict
• Are very courteous
• Avoid decisions
• Seek approval
• Are very humble
• Possess extreme patience
• Avoid attention
• Encourage people
• Are generous and giving
• Can make excuses
• Are very cooperative
• Do not like criticism
• Are very likeable
• Can be insecure
• Can be overly dependent
• Move slowly (on things)
• Can be overly sensitive
• Are not assertive
• Display loyalty
• Are diplomatic
• Value cooperation
• Put people before tasks
• Show compassion
• Tend to procrastinate

Deltas (Thespians):

• Speak before they think
• Talk quickly and loudly
• Eat quickly
• Are visionaries (dreamers)
• Adapt to anything
• Are overly relaxed about time
• Can be undisciplined
• Are big risk-takers
• Have a hard time following through
• Dress uniquely
• Have short attention spans
• Unpredictable
• Love spontaneity
• Are very enthusiastic
• Highly energetic
• Love to talk
• Dismiss what other people think
• Tell it like it is
• Dislike details
• Like to socialize
• Are creative and imaginative
• Are outspoken and outgoing
• Can be rebellious
• Motivate and inspire people
• Possess flexibility
• Prone to exaggeration
• Lack focus
• Have a great sense of humor
• Dislike rules

Related articles

• Social Styles of Famous People (akissofbliss.wordpress.com)
• The Positives and Negatives of Social Styles (akissofbliss.wordpress.com)
• What’s Your Social Style? (akissofbliss.wordpress.com)
• could i be a space alien? (plaridel.wordpress.com)

The Positives and Negatives of Social Styles

Before looking at the pros/positives and cons/negatives of each social personality styles that are here,  let it be said that these social styles are generalizations of how one MIGHT act or be in CERTAIN situations . It is NOT how one would ALWAYS act. People have the power of choice on how they wish to be and act.

Each social style has attractive qualities, as well as, dark qualities. For example, a knowledgeable person can come across as being a know-it-all. Be aware that everyone has their positives and negatives. Often these traits balance out; and, understanding both sides of these social styles assists a person to acquire an appreciation for all people.

Alpha

Positives: knowledgeable, intellectual, industrious, gifted, deep thinker, inquisitive, analytical, competent, highly observant,  conscientious, great with words, gives sincere praise, innovative, inventive, loyal, aesthetic, visionary, idealistic, orderly, self-disciplined, rational, attentive to detail, hard-working, conceptual, determined, deliberate, independent, expedient, private, fascinating

Negatives: unemotional, critical, unrealistic, arrogant, sarcastic, egocentric, indecisive, legalistic, picky, unsociable, too abstract, skeptical, stubborn, workaholic, perfectionist, uncooperative, show-off, impatient, caustic, eccentric

Beta

Positives: efficient, self-confident, decisive, stable, practical, realistic, responsible, dependable, conservative, linear thinker, prepared, loyal,  honest, respectful, productive, organized, thorough, consistent, traditional,  punctual, sees big picture, leader, courageous, active, optimistic, strong-willed,  independent, focused, proactive

Negatives:  pushy, bossy, insensitive, inconsiderate, domineering, resentful, opinionated, harsh, proud, tough, hostile, inflexible, unimaginative, controlling, overly predictable, close-mindedness, rigid, hurried, prickly, stubborn, impatient

Gamma

Positives: diplomatic, willing, agreeable, easy-going, likable, respectful, reluctant leader, compassionate, concerned, imaginative, supportive, optimistic, patient, level-headed, calm, friendly, mediator, great communicator, intuitive, genuine, good listener, good counselor, enthusiastic, passionate (about causes), flexible, peacemaker

Negatives: co-dependent, smothering, martyr, unrealistic, lenient, self-doubting, indecisive, awkward, avoids conflict, emotional, easily hurt, busy-body, giving too much advice, withdrawn, fearful, too idealistic, overly involved, nosy, conforming, unsure

Delta

Positives: outgoing, ambitious, charismatic, friendly, stimulating, responsive, conversationalist, enthusiastic, carefree, compassionate, dramatic, generous, good sense of  humor, calm in chaos, spontaneous, quick thinker, creative, flexible, direct, stylish, motivating, fun, resourceful, great performer, confident, convincing

Negatives: restless, impulsive, manipulative, ignores rules, disorganized, insecure, unproductive, unrealistic, unpredictable, weak-willed, excitable, undisciplined, obnoxious, loud, reactive, exaggerates, egotistical, overly risky, flamboyant, unreliable

Related articles

• What’s Your Social Style? (akissofbliss.wordpress.com)
• Negative-Positive Life Moments (bonifaceevarist.wordpress.com)

Determination

Determination is when inspiration, motivation and action come together. It is the fuel that feeds our passion. I am ready to do what I need to do to create a more loving and kinder world. It may be one blog at a time, one heart at a time, and one Gift of Love at a time; but, I am determined to keep going and make things happen. My heart breaks each time I learn that another person has committed suicide because he or she could no longer take the bullying! CLICK HERE  for the recent story on the seventh grade girl who recently took her life. 

I am determined to change that. VICTIMS no more!!! I want to create SURVIVORS of bullying. I want to create POSITIVE LEARNING and BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTS, where KIND and LOVING words and actions are COMMONLY PRACTICED and not the exception. Let me ask each of you this, when you are out and about your communities and at work, do you become absorbed in your business? Do you become so focused that you lose site that there are others around you? 

I am not saying that is bad nor am I passing judgment. I just want to make everyone aware how we can affect others in a positive way with very little effort. Encourage our youth by being role models for them. Let us unplug from our smart phones when around people whenever it is possible. Make eye contact and smile with others as much as you can. Make a point to greet others when around other people.

Try to value everyone with whom you interact at the grocery store, gasoline station, at work, at play and wherever you have an opportunity to make connections (especially when you are out and about with your children). It does not take much to make others feel valued. A little love truly goes a long way. And, children and teenagers pick up on more than we are aware as they really do watch the adults in their lives.  

How you interact with others is a visual cue to the children in your life. Our children learn what is appropriate and what is inappropriate by how you act and react with others. Take for instance how you interact in traffic situations when you are in a rush to get somewhere, are you patient or impatient with the slower traffic ahead of you? Are you on your mobile phone? 

Most likely I am blogging to the choir; but, I know I am even guilty at times of not being completely present. It is easy to get so focused in what we are doing that we ignore what is going on around us; and, in some instances this type of focus is quite appropriate. I am determined to do more and get my anti-bullying/kindness-promoting programming out into the our world. This is my passion.

You can do your part simply by taking baby steps to smile more and spread around a little more love (even if you feel it is undeserved).  Do we honestly deserve the love we have been given by Jesus Christ? Every one of us fall short, but, God is Love. And Love does not pass judgement. Let us all live a life in determination, a determination to create more positive experiences. It truly is our choice. Let’s do it! 

I will be adding more content and programs to my organization’s website, Hearts That Care, this month, so please check back often. 

Related articles

• What are the signs that my child may be bullying others online? (education.com)
• Khloe Kardashian is Frustrated Over Recent Suicide (celebs.gather.com)
• i Editor’s Letter: Bullying – it isn’t harmless (independent.co.uk)
• Anti-Learn Movement (cherishedheart.wordpress.com)
• Bullying (angelicpwrs.wordpress.com)
• Warning Signs Your Child is Being Bullied and Help (auctionshunter.wordpress.com)
• Sadness (donethisbefore.com)
• When silence isn’t golden (rakstagemom.wordpress.com)
• Bullying – A Positive Story…well as positive as it can be… (momecentric.com)
• Getting Back to Bullies (myritingboard.com)