Also identified by Victor Gulenko, the four Communication Styles are derived from the direction of a person's ego — whether low-key or energetic, quiet or talkative — and the way they interpret the world, primarily through logic or ethics. As with other small groups, these assist in type identification and verification.
Passionate — The Melodramatic Types
Passionate types come across to others as usually dramatic and excited about something — whether a romantic interest, current hobbies or career aspirations. They are theatrical expressionists who readily get involved in lively events: masquerade balls, sport, boosting morale in the workplace. At their extreme, they can display signs of Histrionic Personality Disorder.
| Type | Code | Title |
|---|---|---|
| SEE | ESFp | The Ambassador |
| ESE | ESFj | The Enthusiast |
| IEE | ENFp | The Psychologist |
| EIE | ENFj | The Actor |
Cool — The Placid Types
Cool types come across as usually cool-headed and detached, undisturbed by most situations unless provoked. They are poker-faced pacifists who like to observe and keep a close eye on others to shield themselves from potential threats in the environment. At their extreme, they can display signs of Schizoid Personality Disorder.
| Type | Code | Title |
|---|---|---|
| ILI | INTp | The Critic |
| LII | INTj | The Analyst |
| SLI | ISTp | The Craftsman |
| LSI | ISTj | The Inspector |
Sincere — The Righteous Types
Sincere types come across as usually genuine and up-front about their intentions toward others and their personal issues. They are benevolent patriots who readily care for, counsel or encourage the needs of others as part of their noble service to society. At their extreme, they can display signs of Avoidant Personality Disorder.
| Type | Code | Title |
|---|---|---|
| IEI | INFp | The Romantic |
| EII | INFj | The Humanist |
| SEI | ISFp | The Mediator |
| ESI | ISFj | The Guardian |
Firm — The Industrious Types
Firm types come across as usually no-nonsense and purposeful in negotiating through what they want — generally making things happen. They are dynamic superstars who like to achieve whatever they set their minds to, keeping interactions brief and to the point. At their extreme, they can display signs of Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
| Type | Code | Title |
|---|---|---|
| SLE | ESTp | The Marshal |
| LSE | ESTj | The Director |
| ILE | ENTp | The Searcher |
| LIE | ENTj | The Pioneer |
Compatibility between Communication Styles
Highly complementary
Passionate and Cool types complement each other well — Passionate types find Cool types ideal as a stabilising counterbalance for their emotional enthusiasm, while Cool types value the warmth and energy Passionate types bring. Sincere and Firm types similarly complement each other: Sincere types provide the relational energy Firm types need to unwind, while Firm types provide the drive and direction Sincere types appreciate.
Moderately complementary
Passionate and Firm types are a weaker pairing — Firm types may find the emotional whims of Passionate types difficult to accommodate, while Passionate types may find Firm interactions less warm than expected. Sincere and Cool types also sit in this category: Sincere types find Cool types too disengaged for their relational style, while Cool types may not find Sincere interactions sufficiently stimulating.
Poor complementarity
Passionate and Sincere types are the least satisfying combination — Passionate types find Sincere types too reserved for rationalising their feelings, while Sincere types may find the general enthusiasm of Passionate types more overwhelming than helpful. Cool and Firm types fare similarly poorly: Cool types find Firm types too demanding in ways that deplete their emotional reserves, while Firm types find Cool types too detached to provide the energy they need to stay motivated.