TeamStyle Definitions

Definitions and Meanings

Style is the way in which something is said, done, expressed or performed: behavior pattern, conduct, posture, gestures, tone.

Characteristic behavior is what a person does; it is the outer state expressed by the

way he or she prefers to communicate and do things.

A person’s style is based on a pattern of behaviors. A pattern is a group of traits that form a coherent, integrated whole.

Style is determined by habitual rather than occasional behaviors. Because behaviors associated with our style are so habitual, they feel natural…that’s why our style is often referred to as our ‘comfort zone.’⁴

Assertiveness describes a person’s forcefulness, energy and directness.

People or task addresses a person’s priority for people (interpersonal relationship) or task

(work assignment).

Pace speaks to the rate or speed in which a person moves.

Emotional expression describes a person’s responsiveness, readiness to express emotions and feelings.

Adaptability speaks to a person’s ability to be changeable in different situations and to

adjust to other people’s style.

Teamability is the ability of a person to work as a collaborative member of a team.

Direct vs. Indirect describes how a person approaches various situations.

                                Direct                      Indirect

                                Quick decisions          Cautious decisions

                                Talks and tells           Listens and asks

                                Impatient                  Unhurried

                                Confronting               Non-confronting

                                Outgoing                   Reserved

                                Gives opinions            Restricts opinions

*Nonverbal communication (e.g., body language or kinesics) describes a human interaction excluding the written or spoken words. Body language and nonverbal communication are transmitted through the eyes, face, hands, arms, legs, and posture.⁵

*Body language is a constant, nonverbal flow of communication. Without saying a word (and sometimes without realizing it), your body language can reveal what you are feeling and thinking. A few years ago, a study was done at a major university on how people receive messages from others. It showed that 55 percent of what we learn from others comes from their nonverbal communications, 38 percent comes from the tone of their voice, and 7 percent comes from the words they say.

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