PeopleSmart in Business eBook - The Platinum Rule

havior at its most extreme). “Earth to Fred, earth to Fred!” may get an
Interacting Socializer who’s become too carried away back on course
by using one of his own techniques—humor.
Interacting Socializers think aloud
Since Interacting Socializers like to talk more than average —to
others and to themselves—they’re likely to say inappropriate things
more oft en than most of the other types. When talkativeness and
emotionality mix, then hoof-in-mouth problems may set in with
this behavioral type. Learning when to stop talking and start listening
can help Interacting Socializers grow. Sometimes their naturally
impulsive behaviors energize us; at other times their spontaneity requires
more restraint.
Th ey’re idea people who throw ideas out. “Hal, we could do this (and
this, or this, etc.).” Th is impulsive habit can get them in trouble. Why?
Because other people may think a commitment has been made, but
the Interacting Socializer may not view the situation in the same way.
Two weeks later, Hal may say, “Okay, I’ve done my part. When can you
start action on yours?”
“What part are you talking about? I never agreed to anything, Hal. I
was just thinking out loud.” In this Interacting Socializer’s mind, they
hadn’t formed an agreement, just brainstormed. Realistically, this type
is much better at generating ideas than implementing them.
Fire! Fire! Fire!
Interacting Socializers can pump up their fl exibility by better controlling
their time and emotions and by developing a more objective
mind set. Th ey can benefi t by spending more time checking,
verifying, specifying, and organizing, or getting someone else to
do it for them. Otherwise, Interacting Socializers may succumb to
their excitable Fire! Fire! Fire! tendencies. If they concentrate on the
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