Dr. Dennis O'Grady

Are you too good for your own good? Then chances are you are a sweet-tasting Empathizer-type (E-types) communicator, instead of a sour-tasting Instigator-type (I-types) communicator. How to tell which type you are? Well, the nut (apple or orange) doesn’t fall too far from the tree.

Here are some dueling dualities to help you determine on which side of Talk Street you prefer to walk:

• E-types are inclusive, while I-types are exclusive

• E-types’ style is to be nice, while I-types’ style is to ice

• E-types aren’t allowed to criticize, while I-types are allowed to criticize

• E-types are too easy going, while I-types are too hard charging

• E-types meltdown privately, while I-types meltdown publicly

• E-types rehabilitate others, while I-types retaliate against others

• E-types ponder, while I-types pontificate

• E-types give chances, while I-types give consequences

• E-types care too much, while I-types strive too hard

• E-types mend fences, while I-types make amends

THE NUT DOESN’T FALL FAR FROM THE TREE

Neither communicator type, Empathizer nor Instigator, is better than the other. But the strengths of both types work better together if you want to be a problem solver instead of a drama causer. Thus, although the nut (apple or orange) doesn’t fall too far from the tree, you can still harvest an orchard that blooms and bears fruit.

ABOUT “TALK DOC” DENNIS O’GRADY, PSY.D.

Dr. Dennis O’Grady is a clinical psychologist, a communication and relationship expert and a corporate consultant in areas such as leadership skills and team development. Dr. O’Grady is the developer of the Talk2Me communication system, which is central to business innovation through using positive and effective communication tools.