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Section 9
Track #9: Getting the Timid Team-Member to Talk

Table of Contents | NCCAP/NCTRC CE Booklet

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Note-Taking Exercise

What are three important behavior changes a Driver can make to synchronize with an Amiable?
1.
2.
3. 

What are four important behavior changes an Expressive can make to synchronize with an Amiable?
1.
2.
3.
4.

What are three important behavior changes an Analytical can make to synchronize with an Amiable?
1.
2.
3.

What should you be aware of if you are an Amiable trying to build a teamwork relationship with another Amiable?

Transcript of Track 9

On the last track, we discussed how each teamwork style can synchronize with Expressives by talking things out and keeping them focused.

On this track, we will discuss how each of the teamwork styles can synchronize their behaviors with Amiables. If you are an amiable, a teambuilding goal for you may be to push out of your timid nature to be more expressive.  Here is how each team building style can encourage you to do this.  See if you agree.

#1 Behavioral Changes for a driver synchronizing to an amiable
First, drivers have to keep in mind that amiables are much less task-focused and more people-focused in their teamwork style. 

As with expressives, the first suggestion for the Driver is to make genuine personal contact with the Amiables whom they have targeted for teambuilding, because of the amiable’s more emotional nature.  The second suggestion is to slow your pace.  The fast pace of a Driver or Expressive is uncomfortable for many Amiables.

In addition to making genuine personal contact and slowing down your pace, perhaps you could listen more and better to the Amiable you have targeted for your teambuilding effort.  As a driver, you’re used to stating your own opinions rather than hearing others.  The amiable, on the other hand, has a very difficult time speaking his or her mind.  To facilitate their confidence, talk less, and ask more questions regarding the amiable’s opinion.  If your driver ego can handle it, encourage dissent.  Make sure they know that you really do care about what they think.  Let them say what they need to say by not interrupting or finishing their sentences for them.  In this way, you’ll be able to override the amiable’s timid nature.

Use phrases such as “I like that idea.  What if we…”. Drivers need to consider working with the amiable member as much as possible instead of ruling them out.  Do they seem intimidated by you?  Are they becoming more or less timid around you?  A sincere smile is an easy way to indicate an emotional sensitivity. 

#2 Behavioral Changes for an expressive synchronizing to an amiable
Next, we’ll examine four ways expressives can synchronize to amiables.  Although Amiables and Expressives have much in common because they have a people-focused communication style, the major challenge for an Expressive in working with an Amiable is to get in synch, or coordinate, with the Amiable’s less assertive style.  First, when synchronizing to Amiables, Expressives need to slow their pace down.  You may want to consider speaking more slowly, loosening deadlines if possible, and allowing the Amiable to make decision at his or her own pace.  Second, as is the case with a Driver to coordinate with an Amiable, listen more and talk less.  Also, don’t come on too strong.  Expressives are naturally assertive, and Amiables are naturally non-assertive. For this reason, consider decreasing the intensity of your eye contact, speech volume, and hand gestures.  In addition to slowing your pace, listening more and better, and not coming on too strong, a fourth way an Expressive can synchronize to an Amiable is to express sincere appreciation for the Amiable’s contributions.  Amiables, who are the most supportive of the team building communication styles, thrive on appreciation.

#3 Behavioral Changes for an Analytical synchronizing to an amiable
Like the driver, analyticals are much less responsive than the amiable.  When synchronizing to amiables, analyticals need to avoid overdoing facts and logic.  When in conversation with an amiable, edit out any detailed information that is not absolutely necessary.  Instead, substitute facts with name-dropping other people's names to support your concept, since amiables respond to people, not to facts. 

If you are an amiable trying to build a teamwork relationship with another amiable, be aware that your weaknesses in structure and organization, and that you may need to style shift to more of an analytical-driver style for the project to move forward.

On this track, we discussed how each of the teamwork styles can synchronize their behaviors with amiables.  If you are an amiable, a teambuilding goal for you may be to push out of your timid nature to be more expressive in order to coordinate with the other communication styles.

When you hear the musical tone, turn the CD player off, and envision or think about how you can synchronize or coordinate your style of communication with an Amiable in your facility in order to generate more of a team atmosphere between the two of you. MUSIC

On the next track, you will be provided with techniques regarding how each of the teamwork styles can synchronize their behaviors with the analyticals in your facility.

Steve was an expressive activities director at a skilled nursing facility.  However, the physical therapist, Shelly, was an amiable.  Steve, who liked to incorporate all dynamics into his activities, wanted to work with Shelly to have more physically related events.  He had arranged for a “Health and Fitness Week” during which there would be Health Picnics, walks, bicycle rides, and speeches about eating right given by Shelly.  However, Shelly was having trouble keeping up with all of Steve’s sporadic and fast-paced ideas.  He soon noticed that Shelly was timid around him, so Steve decided to synchronize his expressive teamwork style to Shelly’s amiable style.  He chose two behaviors to change:  slowing down his pace, and being supportive.  Whenever he spoke to Shelly, he made sure he spoke slower and gestured less often.  Also, Steve asked for Shelly’s opinion on any idea he had, supported her suggestions, and even carried them out.  As a result, Shelly became more enthusiastic about Health and Fitness Week and the event was a success.

Personal Reflection Exercise Explanation:
The Goal of this Home Study Course is to create a learning experience that enhances your clinical skills. We encourage you to discuss the Personal Reflection Journaling Activities, found at the end of each Section, with your colleagues. Thus, you are provided with an opportunity for a Group Discussion experience. Case Study examples might include: family background, socio-economic status, education, occupation, social/emotional issues, legal/financial issues, death/dying/health, home management, parenting, etc. as you deem appropriate. A Case Study is to be approximately 250 words in length. However, since the content of these “Personal Reflection” Journaling Exercises is intended for your future reference, they may contain confidential information and are to be applied as a “work in progress.” You will not be required to provide us with these Journaling Activities. The article above contains foundational information. Articles below contain optional updates. Personal

Reflection Exercise #9:
The preceding section contained information about Presenting Facts and Details that Motivate. Write three case study examples regarding how you might use the content of this section in your practice.

Questions 9:
What are four important behavior changes an Expressive can make to synchronize with an Amiable? To select and enter your answer go to CE Booklet.