Four basic behavioural styles

A person’s behavioural style exists from childhood and is a function of both heredity and environment. Therefore, the development of observation skills and the application of these to an individual is the key to understanding a person’s behavioural style. This chapter summarises strengths and weaknesses of behavioural style. The behavioural style paradigm is an important reference point for evaluating team dynamics. The best and most productive interpersonal relationships and communications occur when two styles become complementary with each individual’s strengths, thereby compensating for the weaknesses of the other. The functional dynamics of a team are greatly affected by the styles of its members, who in turn will impact directly on leadership. For communication to be effective and productive, a combination of interpersonal relationships is desirable whereby the styles are complementary. It may be that the feedback has highlighted certain strengths and a need to do them more. .