Leaders don’t usually fail because they make bad decisions. They fail because they over-rely on the same kind of thinking. In almost every organization I’ve worked with, the real issue isn’t a lack of capability. It’s an imbalance. Teams lean too far in one direction, moving too fast or too cautiously, focusing too much on […]
Why Great Teams Fall Apart: The Hidden Cost of Mismanaging Polarities Read More »
If you’ve used our Behavior Style assessments before, there’s something new you’ll want to see. We’re rolling out updated versions based on the new Behavior Style model we recently introduced—while still keeping the classic version available. This short video gives you a quick overview of what’s changing. Take a look: https://vimeo.com/1185758343/9a48a5d052?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci
New Behavior Style Assessments Are Coming! Read More »
People often tell us one reason they use our Behavior Style model is because it’s simple, easy to remember, and easy to apply. Although we find value in many of the more complex frameworks and models in the marketplace, it is more challenging to practically apply those in real time. That’s one reason we have
Why You Don’t Always Behave the Way You Prefer Read More »
For more than four decades, our Behavior Style model has helped individuals and organizations better understand patterns of behavior and improve workplace relationships. Throughout that time, the model has continued to evolve—while staying grounded in a key principle: Behavior Styles describe patterns of behavior and energy, not fixed personality. We’re now introducing one of the
An Important Update to the Behavior Style Model Read More »
We’ve recently updated and improved one of the most widely used companion tools for our Behavior Style materials, the Supplemental Quick Reference Card. This quick reference card is designed to help people remember and apply the key elements of the Behavior Style model in real conversations, coaching situations, and everyday workplace interactions. In this short
Updated Supplemental Quick Reference Card for Behavior Styles Read More »
We’re pleased to share a new white paper: Patterned Behavioral Expression in Organizational Contexts: Structural Findings from a Large-Scale Multi-Industry Sample. For more than three decades, our Profile Bar Graph has been used in corporate, public, nonprofit, higher education, and K–12 environments to build shared behavioral language and strengthen interpersonal awareness. This paper outlines the
In a recent talk, I explained a couple reasons why understanding Frame of Reference matters when you’re dealing with challenging behavior. Someone whose behavior is difficult usually won’t see it that way, and trying to convince them their behavior is “challenging” is a losing game. What can be helpful is naming how their behavior impacted
More Strategies for Challenging Behavior Read More »
I recently shared seven strategies in a presentation on managing difficult behaviors. (I’ll be sharing more of those strategies in the weeks ahead.) Two of them can be illustrated through what we call a “half‑half” versus a “full‑full” mindset in relationships. People who consistently demonstrate challenging behaviors often operate from a half‑half (or 50/50) mindset.
Strategies for Managing Challenging Behavior Read More »
With 2025 wrapped up and the start of the New Year upon us, we look forward to supporting your training initiatives in 2026. To that end, we have a few big announcements for 2026 we are excited to share with you! It’s been many, many years since we’ve made any major changes to our Behavior
Happy New Year (and some announcements)! Read More »
Ever wonder if your preferred Behavior Style can change over time? It’s a question I’ve heard often—and one I’ve wrestled with myself after years of working with teams and leaders. To be clear, this isn’t about if someone can rotate their iceberg and demonstrate a different behavior pattern because nearly everyone can and does at
Can Someone’s Preferred Behavior Style Change? Read More »
After conducting some research on popular assessments, I asked AI what was different, if anything, about Behavior Styles. Here’s what sets it apart from other assessments in the market.
AI on Behavior Styles Read More »
Unlock the real-world power of Emotional Intelligence. Emotional Intelligence seems like some abstract or mysterious talent you’re either born with or not. Behavior Style training turns it into something practical and learnable—giving you a clear framework to practice EI and make the invisible, visible. https://vimeo.com/1114378807/61cafa2bba?ts=17000&share=copy
Behavior Styles and EQ Read More »
Here’s What It’s Like to Be — or Work With — a “Three-Liner” When it comes to Behavior Styles, most people in the U.S. workforce – roughly 75% – have two preferences. About 10% have one preference and about 15% actually show three preferences. We affectionately call them “three-liners”. So, what does that mean for
Is It Possible to Have Three Style Preferences? Yes! Read More »
Hello K–12 Educators and Champions! Please consider this a personal invitation to a complimentary Virtual Summit for K–12 Educators, happening on: 🗓 Monday, September 15🕙 10:00–11:30am PT💻 Hosted on Zoom This free 90-minute session is designed to give you a chance to:✅ Be encouraged and inspired✅ Recognize different ways Effectiveness Institute’s Intellectual Property is being
Virtual Summit for K-12 Educators Read More »
When we get hooked by someone or something, we tend to either: 1. Take control2. Over-accommodate3. Disengage, or4. Verbally unload But it depends on the situation and people involved, right? We might even try each of these. Understanding how you and others react under tension takes your knowledge of Behavior Styles to the next level.
Tension-Reaction Behavior Read More »
Improving the impact of our communications by knowing how and when to modify our behavior to make the impact we want instead of trying to explain our intent is a key benefit of knowing and applying Behavior Style knowledge. https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1086564641/5fb90c355b
Not only can people change their behavior based on the situation and environment they are in, many people easily slide between 2-3 different patterns. Those are two reasons why it’s not helpful or accurate to identify someone as one Style, even if they prefer one more than others. https://vimeo.com/1086568303/f11f008b20
You Are Not a Behavior Style Read More »
Here is a brief explanation of the importance of learning how and when to adjust your behavior (not your personality) to make a better impact and improve relationships.
What’s So Important About Behavior Styles? Read More »
Here’s a brief video summary of the important difference between these two aspects of our identity. https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1081004596/b815d31d5c
Personality vs. Behavior Read More »
Difficult conversations are inevitable. Whether in personal relationships, at work, or in society, we all face moments where perspectives clash and emotions run high. Too often, empathy falters, and walls go up. In a time when division seems to be encouraged to a point of crisis, our culture and workplaces have an urgent need for
Responding to a Crisis: Building Bridges with Empathy Read More »
In the world of workplace behavior and communication, the Behavior Style model is a powerful tool for understanding how people interact, make decisions, and handle tasks. Many organizations use Effectiveness Institute’s Behavior Style model to identify the four patterns of Controller, Analyzer, Stabilizer, and Persuader. These categories help individuals and teams understand their behavior tendencies,
A Hidden Dynamic in the Behavior Style Model Read More »
We recently interviewed Theresa Little, Talent Development Manager at McKinstry, to find out why they chose Effectiveness Institute’s People Skills program as part of their core content. Thank you, Theresa, for allowing us to interview you. We are grateful to be a part of the outstanding work of McKinstry and their excellent People Skills Certified
Why Choose People Skills? Read More »
How well do you recognize and adjust to different behavior styles in others? Over the past few weeks, we’ve been discussing simple strategies to help you adapt your approach based on the behavior patterns you observe in those around you. For instance, it’s easy to spot when you’re interacting with someone who’s relationally focused. These
How to “Flex” Your Behavior – Part 4 of 4 Read More »
To share our excitement and celebrate the launch of our brand-new assessment platform, we’re offering a 50% discount on all store materials for the next two weeks! Use the code platform!
