People Styles at Work: Making Bad Relationships Good and Good Relationships Better (Paperback)

~ (Author), Dorothy Grover Bolton (Author) "As long as you live, you'll have at least some unwelcome and unproductive friction with others..." (more)
Key Phrases: behavioral inventory, style flex, emotionally disclosing, The Key, Understanding People, Productive Relationships (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"We love it! Extremely well done and as useful as they get." -- Soundview Executive Book Summaries

Product Description

With so much diversity in the workplace, it's no wonder people problems abound. Yet it is possible to overcome personality conflicts by understanding other people's differences instead of merely reacting to them emotionally. A sequel to Social Style, Management Style, this book presents a comprehensive behavioral science model for understaning four different "people styles"--driver, analytical, amiable, and expressive.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: AMACOM (May 15, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814477232
• ISBN-13: 978-0814477236
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #138,273 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Must read for every one..., July 8, 2005

By	Rai Chowdhary "Rai" (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews

Of the several books I have studied on similar topics, this was one of the easiest to read through and apply. Although the title says People Styles at Work, it is equally applicable in personal life as well. The focus on studying behavior and inferring "style" from the same is much easier accomplished than trying to figure out the "temprament style" based on Myers Briggs.

The two dimensions of Assertiveness and Responsiveness, and the concept of above / below the middle for each of these dimensions gives 4 quadrants; one for each of the styles. This makes it convenient to understand the 4 styles, and also the shades within the styles.

I have benefited tremendously - if you are new to this topic it will serve you well to take notes as you read; create a cheat sheet of the characteristics for each style. Then for some time carry the cheat sheet with you, and refer to it often as you observe people's behaviors. Over a period of time, you will pickup the nuances of how to recognize the styles, and succeed in your interactions with others - despite them, and despite yourself... Enjoy!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Could save your sanity, and maybe your job!, November 12, 2003

By A Customer

Highly recommended. Several years ago, I had a clash of personal styles between my boss and me. I thought she talked like a kindergarten teacher, and she felt that I came on like a steamroller. She was familiar with the methods discussed in this book, although she learned them during a seminar at a former employer. This book helped turn a bad working relationship into an excellent working relationship, and may have saved my job. I learned to "flex" to my boss's style (and to her credit, she flexed somewhat to mine). I reread the book from time to time and try to practice what I've learned. I highly recommend the book to anyone who is running into "people problems" on the job or elsewhere.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A method that really makes a difference in the workplace!, January 15, 2003

By	FX "effixe" (New York) - See all my reviews

One the best book and method on the subject I have read so far, and I have read quite a few. There are 4 main Communication Styles, and the best thing is that only observable behaviors are used to categorize people in one style or another. No messing around with people's phsyche, and finally a very simple method to effectively relate to other people in the workplace.

I am using Communication Styles with all my direct reports, during meetings, etc. It allows me to convey clearly my messages, and at the same time overcome communication styles differences. This simple method does makes a difference in my daily work not only as a manager but also in communicating with my peers.

This book is a must have in your management library at home.