The Social Styles framework is based on observing behaviors and interactions in both professional and personal contexts. These behaviors shape how we interact effectively with others, but are they fixed or adaptable over time?

The Stability of Our Core Style

Each individual develops a dominant Social Style influenced by natural preferences, upbringing, and experiences. This style reflects how we instinctively communicate, make decisions, and manage relationships.

However, in a neutral environment, this core style remains relatively stable because it represents our deep-seated habits.

Adaptable Behaviors

The true power of Social Styles lies in flexibility. Unlike deeper personality traits, our behaviors can be adjusted depending on situations and interlocutors. This adaptability is based on awareness—recognizing our own style and that of others, then modifying our approach to meet interaction needs.

For example:

  • A Facilitating individual, naturally focused on harmonious relationships, can learn to be more assertive when quick decisions are required.
  • A Controlling individual, driven by efficiency, can develop a more collaborative approach to build trust within a team.

These adjustments do not change our core style but expand our behavioral repertoire.

Evolution Through Life Experiences

Our behaviors are shaped by life experiences, responsibilities, and environments. Challenging professional or personal situations can push us to develop skills associated with other styles:

  • A naturally methodical and cautious person may learn to communicate more enthusiastically and embrace new ideas.
  • A leader with a directive approach may develop greater empathy to better meet their team’s needs.

Over time, these changes become integrated into daily interactions, reflecting a progressive evolution of our style.

The Limits of Change: Respecting Our Natural Tendencies

While our Social Style can evolve, a complete transformation is rare. Adopting new behaviors requires conscious effort, especially when they differ from our natural inclinations.

Forcing a radical change may lead to tension and stress. The goal is not to alter who we are, but to become flexible and use different behavioral approaches when needed.

Developing Flexibility: The Key to Growth

Rather than changing Social Style, the key is to develop behavioral flexibility. This ability allows us to:

  • Improve communication
  • Reduce misunderstandings
  • Adapt to others' expectations

Flexibility grows through awareness, practice, and constructive feedback. Over time, it becomes a valuable tool for building strong and effective relationships.

Conclusion

Our Social Style can evolve, but rather than changing completely, it’s a process of gradual enrichment. By learning to recognize and respond to others’ needs, we become more adaptable while staying true to ourselves. This ability to adjust interactions is a powerful asset in a constantly evolving world.



🗞️ By Luc Bretones, founder of NextGen, a certified Qualiopi training, coaching, and management consulting institute. NextGen teams work with executive committees (Comex, Codir) and operational teams to enhance performance and organizational efficiency. Luc Bretones is a researcher in managerial innovation and co-author of the book The New Generation Company, which explores how leaders in 30 countries have implemented new governance models, re-engaged their workforce around a unifying purpose, or experimented with major managerial innovations. An expert in product innovation, which he led at Orange for over six years, he now focuses on what he sees as the next major disruption: new forms of management and impact.