Blends are people who have no clear preference for one style, but use a combination of styles.
If you are a Blend, you:
- Are personable and social.
- Tend to be flexible and adaptable.
- Enjoy humor and may take business a little less seriously than other styles.
- Are creative and open to change.
- Are a team player.
What Does My Score Mean?
In many cases, your scores may indicate a clear preference for one style. Another way to interpret your scores is to say that the higher your score is in a particular style, the greater your “comfort zone” is when you are operating in that style.
People often ask which style is best for negotiating. We emphasize that no one style stands out as superior. Competent, confident negotiators are typically aware of two important factors before going into a negotiation: (1) the style they are personally most confident using; and (2) the style their counterpart most prefers. Experienced negotiators know that people will predictably use the style that is most comfortable for them. They realize that their counterpart’s “comfort zone” has developed through a lifetime of interactions with others and learning what works and what doesn’t.
Being able to identify a counterpart’s preferred style and adapt your own style accordingly can be incredibly helpful in building productive relationships. With that concept in mind, let’s take a look at the characteristics that will help you identify your counterpart’s preferred style, and consider some tips to building relationships that lead to win-win outcomes.
All Four Styles
