The Complete Guide to Driver Social Style

Both Expressives and Drivers quickly see and understand their strengths but can hardly stand to look at their flaws. One of their worst flaws is that they don't think they have any. On the other end of the scale, Analyticals and Amiables have to think for a while before accepting their good traits, but they don't have to think twice about their weaknesses.

People with the Driver style need clear goals and measurable results. A sense of purpose drives people with the Driver style, and they like to be seen as capable, knowledgeable, powerful, strong-minded, and sure of themselves in any situation.

As the name suggests, drivers are often the ones who get things done in an organization. They are goal-driven people who care about getting things done. Most drivers end up in jobs in management or sales.

• Drivers are good at managing their time and can naturally put in just the right amount of time and effort to get things done. Drivers rarely have trouble deciding what to do.
• Caution: Because drivers focus on getting things done quickly, they may not think about how their actions affect others. People might think they'd do almost anything to complete the job.
• Best Performance: Give them choices and odds, and let them decide as much as possible.

Task Before Feelings

People with a driver style always seem to have clear goals, and they often make others feel like they need to act quickly even when they don't. People with a driver style respond well to quick follow-up, careful listening, logical reasoning, factual support, and answers that show you understand their personal goals.

In their minds, all of this is more important than taking the time to build human connections that go beyond the job. They care more about facts than feelings. Driver-style people don't like it when others show how they feel, especially at work.

Direct, forceful, and competitive

Driver-style behavior is seen as direct, strong, and competitive. It is a fast-paced style that is focused on getting results. People with a driver style like to work in a challenging setting where they can set goals and determine how things turn out. They don't mind making quick or hard choices, even if they go against what other people want.

Always on Mission

When under stress, people with a driver style may seem too focused on the job at hand and too cold or distant. This doesn't mean that they don't feel or care about other people. Most of the time, they hide their kindness behind a tough and guarded exterior, and their friendship only comes out after the job has been done well.

But they always appear to be going somewhere. Driver-style people are just as sensitive as everyone else but try to hide their feelings and emotions from others because they want to appear strong and in charge.

In general, the Driver style seems to be strong-willed, goal-oriented, and focused. These traits should be seen as their strengths. However, as with any personality, these strengths can quickly become weaknesses if the scales are moved too far.

Strengths of Driver-style are:

• They say what they mean and get right to the point.
• They quickly get to the heart of the matter and leave out unimportant details immediately.
• They make goals that are clear and realistic, and they stick to them.

Liabilities of Driver-style are:

• When put under stress or in a situation where they feel like they don't have or are losing control, they may become bossy and demanding, often making things less peaceful.
• They can be too much by making too many decisions, being too pushy, and having a strong will.
• Especially when they are under a lot of stress, they may seem to have no thoughts or emotions.

Characteristics of drivers

If your main or secondary personality type is a Driver, here are some ways you can use your inner skills and ways you may be holding yourself back: Drivers are always sure they know what's best. They don't want to admit they have flaws that might need fixing. They often try to explain why they failed by saying it was someone else's fault and not because of their acts or weaknesses.

They are great at doing many things at once and finding the best way. Because of this, they often take charge and then give out orders. But they have to work all the time. Drivers can do a lot but don't know how to say "no" and chill out. They always have to do something, and they often feel bad when they take a break.

Drivers have great follow-through and can always be called to finish a job. However, unlike Analyticals, they don't pay much attention to details, which can slow down work. For example, this can cause you to rush through something and miss something important.

Drivers may say they are perfectionists since they think everything could be better, neater, quicker, and better organized. Still, the truth is that they don't have the patience of a real analytical perfectionist. Drivers put pressure on themselves and others because they want to be great.

Drivers put too much pressure on themselves to do well, making them feel bad when they don't live up to their high standards. Drivers are good leaders because they don't feel at ease when they aren't in charge.

Because drivers always think they are right, they may be unable to see where they went wrong or how to fix it. This can keep them going in circles and making the same mistakes repeatedly. Drivers find it hard to say sorry and admit they are wrong.

For a Driver, saying "I'm sorry" feels like a sign of weakness, and this personality type finds it hard to admit they are weak. Drivers always think they "always" know best, which can lead them to judge others fast. Drivers can also seem bossy and rude, even if they think they're just trying to help.

Drivers need to know that not everyone is as driven and goal-oriented as they are, so not everyone will be excited about their ideas and plans. Drivers are also friendly and upbeat. They always push themselves and others to do and be better, and they think anything is possible.

Drivers: How to use this information to your benefit

• Drivers, take it easy! Learn how to let go and chill out. And maybe delegate?!?
• Accept that other people's ways are as good as or better than yours. And don't forget that not everyone wants your help!
• You are very good at getting things done and have a lot of hope, but don't let those things make you feel bad if you don't get everything done. Already, you're killing it. Most likely, people look up to you, so stop being so hard on yourself!
• You're a natural leader, so don't put yourself in situations where you must follow someone else.
• People may not like you if you are bossy and try to get what you want from them. Keep this in mind, slow down, listen to others, and realize they probably also have some good tips and ideas.
• Get Help! Let someone else make specific plans. If you're hurrying to get EVERYTHING done, you might miss something.

This model is based on two behavior dimensions:

Assertiveness is how often a person asks questions instead of making comments. People who aren't very assertive tend to make requests (more asking), while those who are more forceful tend to make demands (more saying).

A person's responsiveness is how they show how they feel. People who are low on the responsiveness scale try to keep their emotions under control, while people who are high on the responsiveness scale show their emotions more. When these two things are put together, they comprise the four types of Social Style.

How to sell to drivers:

Drivers are goal-oriented, quick to make decisions, and competitive. They care more about getting things done than making friends. Even if they don't send you a holiday present, you'll still have a good business relationship with them if you do what you say you'll do. Assertive people are very concerned with the bottom line. People who have Drivers as their personality type are also often impatient and like to be in charge. They want answers quickly so they can decide and move on.

Drivers tend to talk in straightforward lines and ask a few questions. If your prospect says things like, "I'm looking for a new sedan," instead of, "Can you show me your sedans?" you're probably working with a Driver. They also talk a little louder than most people, and their body language is lively and confident.

• Professionalism is always important, but it's especially important for Assertives. Always be ready for a meeting with someone with a driver's personality type. If you don't understand the answer to a question, tell the person you'll look into it and get back to them.
• Assertive people like things to work well. Don't waste their time repeating facts or leading up to what you want to say. Get to the point.
• Focus on how your product will solve the problems that their business problems. Assertives won't be impressed by cutting-edge features unless you can show how they will help their business.
• Use their competitive nature to your advantage and show them how your product will help their business fight with others in the same field.
• Stay away from your thoughts and recommendations. If you want to talk about a happy customer, talk about the return on investment, they got instead of how much they liked the product.
• Since Assertives don't listen well, make short, to-the-point comments.

Conclusion

The Social Style Model is a way to measure how well your relationship skills work. It identifies patterns of behavior in the workplace. The model can be used by organizations and training workers to show how others see a person's behavior and to help people build better relationships by being aware of the different social styles around them.