Spotting the High Dominant Communication Style in conversations. The High Dominant style has these behavioral characteristics:
- Likes challenges and a fast pace
- Wants to control the agenda
- Is good at handling problems and challenges
- Relies on gut instinct
- Is very active and can be perceived by the other styles as being aggressive in getting results
- Goes directly at conflict or problems with no fear
- Will take risks that other styles would not consider
- Is quick to challenge others and likes a back-and-forth debate (may be seen by other styles as argumentative)
- Loves to win
- Does not like repetitive work and dislikes not being able to make decisions
- Fears being taken advantage of
- Likes to initiate change for self and others
- Reduces stress by working out, engaging in competitive physical activity
- Needs to learn humility
- Makes quick decisions (will say yes or no quickly)
The High Dominant Style is drawn to:
- Luxury options
- Professionalism
- Power to make decisions
- Status symbols
- Customized solutions
When speaking with a High Dominant-style person frame your ideas this way:
- "We can make this happen if we decide today . . ."
- "The results we are aiming for . . ."
- "We can be the best or the first at this if we . . ."
- "The bottom-line benefits are . . ."
- "Let's take action on this now . . ."
- "Let's pick up the pace on this . . ."
When talking with a High Dominant-style person, avoid:
- Being thrown off if the person seems confrontational. Instead, come into the conversation with the same candid up-front energy, and he or she will respect you.
- Moving slowly or insisting on talking about every detail.
- Walking on eggshells, afraid the person will explode
- High Dominants might express their feelings with intensity, but stay with them through the conversation and they will be able to let it go quicker than other styles let go of issues.
Who do you know who has a high Dominate Communication Style preference?
How do you want to approach connecting with them?
Each person has a preference that includes looking out of one, two, or three of these communication styles. One or two styles tend to be used less than the others. The style we use less is the one that we likely have the most trouble with when we interact with people who choose that style as their preference.