Ever meet someone who is always volunteering for some worthwhile cause and always doing something for others? Then, you’ve met the Affable personality type who you may do innovative presentations for. These sociable, nurturing, and agreeable personalities value interpersonal relationships more than the other three major personality types.
These emotionally-driven, right brain-dominant people are unselfish and care for others even at their own expense! Many share the famous psychologist and psychiatrist Carl Jung’s philosophy that “the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being.”
Because they cherish helping others and doing good, you find many Affables in the healthcare industry, counseling, social services, human resources, and customer service — places where they use their personal warmth, kind words, and patience to connect with others and serve them.
South African Bishop Desmond Tutu, with his warm, beautiful, and glowing smile, and beloved actress Betty White are Affables. In addition, mild-mannered, sensitive actor Sarah Jessica Parker fits this type as well.
The characteristics, attitudes, and behaviors that define this most people-oriented, congenial, and accommodating personality type are
Hates and shuns conflict, controversy, or debate
Highly sensitive to their own feelings and those of others
Has difficulty rejecting other’s ideas and requests — can’t say no
Supportive team player who always offers to help out
Indecisive, tentative, and afraid to commit (especially quickly)
Needs approval, validation, and lots of genuine affection from others
Good listener and reader of others’ body language and vocal tones
Dependable, loyal, easygoing, and sincere (does not play games)
Dislikes dealing with dry details and impersonal, cold, hard facts
Can appear weak and wishy-washy, especially in demanding situations
Affables at their best are wonderful people-persons with an affinity to connect with and belong to groups. They generously share fame and glory in exchange for friendship and affiliation. They are protective and loyal people who go out of their way to make others feel special and cherished.
The negative side of some Affables is that they are commitment-phobic, painstakingly slow at making decisions, and unduly afraid of disappointing others or hurting their feelings. They cling to the status quo and thus find change and the slightest loss of security insufferable. Overly sensitive, they can withdraw and psychologically cower.
Affables can be the most risk-averse and dependent personality of the four major types. Because they find it difficult to reject someone’s recommendation or purchase of a product, for example, they may unintentionally string people along. Usually they are the least likely people to be in positions of power, especially where political prowess and Machiavellian moves are required.
How to identify Affables within a minute in your innovative presentation
An Affable person typically shows the following in her body language, voice, and behavior:
Calm
Indirect
Talk at a slow pace with a soft voice
Casual
Friendly (smile a lot)
Low-key
Openly express their feelings, but not as directly or strongly as Energizers
Unassertive
Ask, rather than tell
How to best innovatively present to Affables
Affables enjoy presenters who are warm, genuine, and caring with a personal and soft touch. Develop rapport with Affables and let them get to know you while you show sincere personal interest in them before, during, and after your presentation.
During your talk, focus on how your solution, program, or product/service can make a positive difference in the work (and even personal) lives of people. If you are selling a product or service, for example, stress how your support team and company will put great emphasis on a close-working, harmonious relationship with them and their co-workers.
Affables lean toward subjective decision-making based on values, harmony, emotions, and their intuition. Therefore, your presentation should focus on assured, tried-and-true outcomes, effective ways to deal with unknowns, and strategies to minimize risk to their lowest level to make them feel comfortable that you are doing right by them in every way possible. Demonstrate sensitivity to their opinions, feelings, and concerns while showing your intention of being highly cooperative.
If you advocate change, show the Affable how your step-by-step (hand-holding) support plan will create meaningful change in a non-painful, non-anxiety-producing way acceptable to these personalities.
Things you don’t want to do during your presentation with Affables:
Don’t communicate using only sterile, cold, hard facts.
Don’t be assertive or act formal, reserved, serious, or overly professional.
Don’t begin abruptly with business talk — warm up to them with social interaction first.
Don’t offer options that will cause them to over-think, hesitate, and procrastinate in taking action.
Don’t become impatient or rush them because of their slow decision-making pace.
Affables feel comfortable with a personal presentation, where instead of showing lots of visuals filled with text and data, you make frequent eye contact and have direct interaction — talking through key points, smiling frequently, asking them questions to get feedback, and showing deference to their emotional needs, sensitivities, and inclinations.
Affables are receptive to a creative presentation with photos or videos that link business goals with a personal sense of satisfaction and worthwhile contributions to the lives of those impacted at work. Always try to include aspects of the warm and fuzzy type among business-related criteria and information.
