What Planet Are You On?

If you haven't seen the movie Argo, I'd highly recommend it. Never mind the suspense, espionage and reliving the era of long hair, giant glasses and archaic communication systems; this movie makes a great case for the way different things appeal to different people.

Without giving away the ending (or repeating the line in the movie that probably got it it's R rating), I'll just tell you that scientifically, Argo is a former constellation in the southern hemisphere and in the movie, it is the title of a screenplay. The script Argo is science fiction about outerspace; but the movie is about American hostages in Iran in 1979.

Have you ever had the feeling that someone you work with, live with or just have a conversation with might be living on a planet in outerspace? Why don't they see things like you do?

While personality differences probably aren't quite that dramatic, there are generally four categories of social styles that can contribute to the reasons people do what they do when they do them.

There are the analytical types; the drivers; those who are amiable; and those who are expressive.  So how do you know what type you are and how to get along with those you aren't?

Here are some characteristics of each type:

If you are analytical you ask questions and listen, speak softer in a somewhat  monotone voice, move at a moderate pace, lean back, have less opinions, make slower decisions based on facts, are task oriented and prefer less eye contact.

A driver will tell and talk more, in a louder tone, they will lean toward you, give you more opinions, make faster, fact-based decisions, and like to check things off their to do list.

An expressive individual likes to talk and tell, is full of emotion, expression and opinions, speaks passionately and loudly with a varied pace, will look you in the eyes and seek out human interaction making while making relatively quick decisions.

Those who are amiable are softer spoken, more laid back, and have fewer opinions. They like to be with other people, they wear their emotions on their sleeve and are slower to decide and judge.

Picture four people (one of each described above) waiting for an elevator. The driver will be the first to push the button, and will push it repeatedly until the elevator arrives. The expressive person will get on the elevator, but always hold the door for anyone else who wants to get on because "there is always room for one more. " The analytical person will get on the elevator, count the number of people on it and estimate their weight to determine if the weight is over the maximum. And finally the amiable personality will keep an eye on the whole elevator bank and then try to get a special elevator just for their group.

So now that you've probably categorized a few people you know. Try these tips.

When dealing with an analytical type:

• Don't rush, but don't waste time
• Answer all the questions
• Give solid, tangible evidence
• Don't push
• Don't over promise

Conversation with a driver:

• Be fast paced and get to the point quickly
• Start with business, give the bottom line
• Use facts, not feelings
• Be clear, concise and brief
• Offer options with a little supporting data

Encountering an amiable personality?

• Be relaxed and moderately paced
• Listen actively
• Show personal interest
• Ask for input/reaction

Dealing with someone who's expressive:

• Be upbeat, fast paced and fun
• Let them talk
• Allow time for socializing
• Tolerate digressions
• Give choices
• Focus on the big picture

Now head out to Redbox or fire up Netfllix, it will be two hours well-spent!