In 1964 Dr. David W Merrill and Roger Reid began research to create a model that could predict success in selling and management careers. The partners discovered that individuals can be reliably categorized into a few specific types based on their social and task behavior. The original Social Style model was worked on by Dr. James W. Taylor, who at the time was a staff psychologist at Martin Corporation (later Martin Marietta) in Denver. Dr. Merrill obtained the rights to use the Social Styles Model and went on to found a business that is now known as The TRACOM Group.
TRACOM Group has completed a number of research studies looking at the impact of Social Style in the workplace including its relationship to conflict, sales performance and managerial performance. Below is their video explaining the four Social Styles and how they can improve individual and organizational performance.
In 2008, Colorado State University released the findings of a study comparing Social Style to the MBTI instrument and DiSC profile. Among its findings was data that showed Social Style was “easier to learn and apply” than the other interpersonal skills models.
There are a number of other similar “four type” instruments, using the same two factors of expressiveness and task/people orientation. One is The Platinum Rule Personality or “Behavioral Styles” of Dr. Tony Alessandra. Its two factors are “Indirect/Direct”, corresponding to assertiveness, and “Open/Guarded” corresponding to responsiveness. The resulting four types are “the Director”, “the Socializer”, “the Relater”, and “the Thinker”. (Alessandra also similarly blended the styles into 16 types).
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Social Styles for Expat Families
We have developed what we think is a very unique use and program for Social Styles using Alessandra’s version – we were going to call it Social Styles for Expat Families. I have recently decided to built it as another version of the Platinum Rule ® It will be called Families in Transitions Version.
If you work with expats, I think you will find this an exciting approach to help spouses and teens identify some of the challenges that they may experience in other cultures. Click here to find out more.
