Communication Style Preference Inventory
Directions: Circle the one response that best describes you, or is most true of you. There is no right answer, so please be honest for an accurate assessment.
Your name: ____________________
1. People I work with are likely to see me as:
a. thorough and accurate
b. original and visionary
c. practical and objective
d. enthusiastic and supportive
2. When I have a project, I like to begin by:
a. planning a step-by-step approach
b. focusing on the long-term goal
c. identifying actions to get things done
d. getting other’s input and involvement
3. When I’m faced with a problem, I like to:
a. analyze causes and solutions before tackling it
b. brainstorm innovative approaches for resolving it
c. get started on solving it as soon as possible
d. consider how solutions will affect others
4. When others communicate with me on important issues, I like them to
a. give me all the facts
b. paint the big picture
c. tell me what needs to be done
d. ask me for my opinions and feelings
5. When I have important information to communicate to others, I like to:
a. logically build my case
b. creatively develop new ideas
c. graphically describe required actions
d. persuasively demonstrate effects
6. I like others to view my approach to difficult situations as
a. Prudent
b. Creative
c. Practical
d. Helpful
7. I enjoy conversations that focus on:
a. Information, facts
b. Ideas, concepts
c. Outcomes, results
d. People, events
8. When there are choices, I am most concerned about what is:
a. Right, correct
b. New, different
c. Doable, realistic
d. Beneficial, responsive
9. When making decisions, I like to be:
a. Deliberative
b. Innovative
c. Objective
d. Sensitive
10. I like to approach difficult situations involving others:
a. Analytically
b. Imaginatively
c. Pragmatically
d. Empathetically
11. When I am part of a workgroup or team, I am concerned about the group’s:
a. Structure and roles
b. Vision and purpose
c. Activity and authority
d. Impact and responsibility
12. In my groups, I want to be valued for my:
a. Knowledge
b. Imagination
c. Honesty
d. Loyalty
13. In resolving issues, I like to emphasize:
a. Facts
b. Goals
c. Methods
d. Values
14. When I have to make a critical choice, I worry about
a. Not having the information I need
b. What will happen in the future
c. Not getting the right things done
d. How others will feel about my choice
15. I’d like to have more time to
a. Think through my problems and concerns
b. Dream and plan for my future
c. Do the things I enjoy
d. Spend with people I care about
16. I see myself as
a. Rational
b. Original
c. Resourceful
d. Insightful
17. Others may see me as
a. Methodical
b. Impractical
c. Overbearing
d. Emotional
18. I’d like to be remembered as someone who
a. Did the right thing
b. Built for the future
c. Got things done
d. Cared about others