Effective Leadership - The Expressive Style

As I mentioned in my last two posts, there are four leadership and social styles that play an important role in our business lives, our social circles and our family dynamics. Understanding these styles and how to relate to them can foster richer communications and closer, more productive relationships. The second of the four styles is the Expressive. The Expressive Style is the fun, life of the party person. They are about enjoying the journey in life and business. They are wonderful because they bring humor to meetings and remind us not to be so serious. They are great communicators, collaborators, and evangelists for the company or product. Expressives are great marketing people and sometimes sales people (if managed properly). They measure their success by recognition (awards and applause) and the attention they receive; good or bad.

Strengths: outgoing, enthusiastic, persuasive, fun loving, spontaneous
Under Stress: will unleash an angry personal attack, strong language, high volume, emphatic gestures
Positives: flexible, energetic, socially adept, inspirational, exciting, initiator
Negatives: inconsistent, disorganized, loud, aggressive, manipulator, opinionated

Expressive Behaviors:
Dislikes routine and deadlines
Decides quickly and exerts pressure for decisions
Speaks rapidly, moves fast, speaks loud
Asks the “who” question, and relies on “charm” to get the job done
Tries to save time and expend the least amount of energy while completing a task

Other Clues of an Expressive:
Read the least of any of the styles
Flamboyant and colorful clothing style
Office will be open, bold, colorful, and disorganized
Prefers spending leisure time with people partying

How to Mirror an Expressive:
Pick up your pace, speak, walk, make decisions quickly
Demonstrate higher energy
Focus on the big picture
Say what you think, speak up more often, tell more and ask less
Don’t be a stickler for rules

How to Motivate an Expressive:
How you motivate an expressive is by allowing them to be visible. They enjoy the public praise but needs to be managed with direction. Feed their need for attention only if they are able to keep on task and on time.