The Interaction Styles in Confirming Type
When I first started training to be a personality profiler, one of my friends had been having a hard time being sure about her type. Like any self-discovery system, including the enneagram and even seasonal design theory, the individual, not a test, is the ultimate authority on their own personality type. One of the tools my friend used on her journey is the interaction styles. In this article, I’ll explain what they are, which types generally fall in which interaction style, and how you can use this information to inform your style choices.
You might be surprised how common it is for people, when they start getting to know the Myers-Briggs system and cognitive functions, to be uncertain of their type. It’s not just take an online assessment and know for sure! Let’s discover your type together!
The four interaction styles were popularized by Linda Berens, a contemporary psychological type expert. Linda Berens is known for her work in personality theory and organizational development, particularly for her contributions to the understanding and application of psychological type. Unlike Myers-Briggs, which is based in cognition, that is how your brain is actually working, Interaction Styles are patterns of behavior people tend to use when interacting with others.
A Brief Description of the Four Interaction Styles
1. In-Chargeâ„¢:
– Focus: Results and action
– Core drive: Get things accomplished
– Communication style: Direct and decisive
– Characteristics: Take-charge attitude, quick to act, persuasive
The In-Charge style is generally used by ESTP, ESTJ, ENTJ, and ENFJ.
2. Chart-the-Courseâ„¢:
– Focus: Future and planning
– Core drive: Anticipate and move forward
– Communication style: Informing and directing
– Characteristics: Strategic thinking, methodical, focused on the big picture
The Chart-the-Course style is generally used by ISTP, ISTJ, INTJ, and INFJ. (This was my friend’s style.)
3. Behind-the-Scenesâ„¢:
– Focus: Integration and understanding
– Core drive: Get everyone’s needs met
– Communication style: Informing and consensual
– Characteristics: Patient, accommodating, works to create harmony
The Behind-the-Scenes style is generally used by ISFP, ISFJ, INTP, INFP.
This is why I felt misunderstood when receiving a compliment about being a faithful behind-the-scenes worker. I was born In-Charge 😘
4. Get-Things-Goingâ„¢:
– Focus: Possibilities and involvement
– Core drive: Get everyone engaged
– Communication style: Energizing and involving
– Characteristics: Enthusiastic, motivating, good at building rapport
The Get-Things-Going style is generally used by ESFP, ESFJ, ENTP, and ENFP.
The Interaction Styles have correlations with Myers-Briggs types, but there isn’t necessarily a one-to-one match. It’s worth noting that people may use different styles in different contexts or may have a preference for more than one style. For example, I identify with both the Interaction Styles generally associated to extraverts: In-Charge and Get-Things-Going.
So, regardless of your Myers-Briggs type, you can feel free to dress in accordance with whichever one or more of these interaction styles fits your preference.
Style Ideas for the Interaction Styles
1. In-Chargeâ„¢ Style:
– Fashion approach: Bold, authoritative, and polished
   – Key pieces: Statement blazers for business casual. Well-tailored suits and structured dresses for more formal business settings
   – Colors: Strong, dramatic colors and deep colors like navy, burgundy, or charcoal
   – Accessories: Elegant
   – Overall look: Conveys confidence and competence
2. Chart-the-Courseâ„¢ Style:
– Fashion approach: Practical, strategic, and put-together
– Key pieces: Versatile separates, smart casual wear, functional outerwear
– Colors: Neutral palette with occasional pops of color
– Accessories: Multi-functional items like convertible bags, smart watches
   – Overall look: Prepared for various situations, forward-thinking
3. Behind-the-Scenesâ„¢ Style:
– Fashion approach: Comfortable, harmonious, and understated
   – Key pieces: Soft fabrics, layered looks
   – Colors: Muted tones
– Accessories: Subtle, personal items like delicate jewelry or meaningful pins
   – Overall look: Approachable, blends well with others
4. Get-Things-Goingâ„¢ Style:
– Fashion approach: Energetic, expressive, and trend-aware
– Key pieces: Eye-catching patterns, varied textures, playful elements
– Colors: Bright, vibrant hues or unexpected color combinations
– Accessories: Conversation-starting pieces, unique finds, or handmade items
   – Overall look: Engaging and dynamic, invites interaction
Final Thoughts
My final thoughts may seem contradictory:Â
- 1) The goal here is to develop a signature style that aligns with your interaction style and personality for a cohesive personal brand.Â
- 2) But you also need to allow your style to evolve as you grow as a human being. You are not the same person you were five years ago.
If you want a project to do, a simple bit of homework would be to go through your clothes and pick out the oldest pieces there. Do they still reflect who you are today?