About the 7 styles
We all have a mix of these 7 styles - some are strong, some average,
some weak. Find out which styles you may be strong in.
The Empathy Styles model consists of 7 styles. For a fuller description of where the model comes from go to Background. All of us have all 7 in our personality - between 2 and 4 of them will be strong in adults; some will be weak; and some will be average. This combination of styles is one of the major factors in determining our temperament - or how we see the world. Psychologists tell us that these styles or drives are responsible for about 90% of our non-rational behaviour. In other words we do the things we do, and how we do them, because of these styles. See Combinations for an idea of how they might combine in one person.
The styles are:
The N - Normal
A person with a 'strong N' will have a drive for Social Approval and Order. They will want to fit in with what other people are doing, for example, checking the dress code before going to a party. They will be mature, responsible, controlled and unemotional. You'll recognise them as they may be dressed formally and will address you formally. They want to be 'neat and tidy' both in dress and in the way they organise their homes and offices. If you listen to their language you'll hear the words 'should' 'ought' and 'logical'. They set high standards for themselves and others - both those they live with and those they work with.
The H - Hustler
A person with a 'strong H' will have a drive for Material Success. This means enjoying money and the things that money will buy. The H is quick, opportunistic, shrewd, entrepreneurial, and charming. This person has a 'nose' for a deal and they'll quickly work out if you can help them do the deal or not. They're also short-term - they want results now, or very soon. Promising an H a significant financial reward next year will probably not interest them. They are very loyal to their own families and team. But mostly they're loyal to themselves and they will work hard to make sure they get what they believe they're entitled to.
The M - Mover
The person with the 'strong M' has a drive to Communicate. This actually means chatting - about people, fun, events, what you did at the weekend - in fact anything to do with life. You'll easily recognise the strong M by their smile which is easy, warm and frequent. They're the ones to organise the party and in business they'll pick up the phone to people they don't know. Impulsive, excitable, distractible and impatient are features of the strong M. Often late to meetings, because they were busy on the phone to a friend perhaps, everyone will forgive them because of their genuinely good-humoured apology.
The D - Double Checker
The strong D is characterised by their wanting to take care of people. They want to make sure you're ok - have you got the right refreshments, are you warm enough etc. Their drive is for Security. To make sure that everyone is safe. When you meet a strong D be prepared for someone who's dutiful, loyal and concerned to do the right thing. They want to get it right. Which can be difficult because who's to say what is right? So they like to take their time with decisions, and they'll ask for other people's thoughts and experiences before they decide. One of their great strengths is being able to see the problems ahead.
