The Humanistic-Encouraging Style

"When much is expected from an individual, he may rise to the level of events and
make the dream come true." Elbert Hubbard

Show Me My Circumplex

The Humanistic-Encouraging scale measures our interest in people, our

tendency to care about others, and our ability to encourage them to improve.
Humanistic-Encouraging people are accepting of themselves, and accept others for
who they are without question or criticism. In fact, those scoring higher on this
scale have unconditional positive regard for others. This absolute acceptance
enables people to grow the most and take greater responsibility for themselves.
Humanistic-Encouraging individuals believe they can assist others in fulfilling their
potential by providing a supportive climate that inspires self-improvement. Although
very high scores on this scale are uncommon, the Humanistic-Encouraging style is
positive, healthy and effective. Those who use it are sensitive to people's needs,
and will devote energy to counseling and coaching others. They have a refined
knowledge of people, and demonstrate maturity and consideration when dealing
with them.
Humanistic-Encouraging people gain satisfaction through seeing others grow, and
typically form meaningful relationships. Their willingness to take time with people
makes them excellent leaders, managers and teachers.

In general, this style is characterized by:

A focused concern for the growth and development of people

Appreciation of the strengths in others, and belief in their potential for improvement
Optimism regarding what people can accomplish
A nurturing approach to relationships
The willingness to assist others with self-improvement
The ability to inspire and motivate others
The Humanistic-Encouraging Manager

Humanistic-Encouraging managers inspire their subordinates to think, grow and

take responsibility for themselves. They do this by demonstrating belief in what
their staff members can accomplish. These managers build problem-solving skills
and confidence by asking insightful questions designed to help subordinates arrive
at their own solutions.

Humanistic-Encouraging managers consistently show faith in their subordinates'

ability to improve themselves, and actively support their efforts. As a management
style, Humanistic-Encouraging is highly effective at obtaining measurable, bottomline results: subordinates easily develop respect for these managers, and are
motivated to achieve and sustain peak performance levels.

Your Results on the Humanistic-Encouraging Style

Your results on this style, as indicated by the , are in the medium range. Thus it is
likely that you'll find the following to be descriptive of you:

Humanistic-Encouraging Scores in the Medium Range

Look at your score carefully to determine its closeness to the High or Low range. If
you scored closer to the High range, you often demonstrate concern for others and
can be supportive of them. Because you generally try to encourage people in their
efforts to improve, others probably see you as inspirational. You recognize the value
of positive feedback and frequently use it as a motivator.

If you scored closer to the Low range, you are somewhat less skilled at encouraging
others. While you may be friendly and able to sustain healthy relationships, you
may not consistently support people. Although your human relations skills may not
be as fine-tuned as they could be, scoring in this range indicates that you can
improve them.

People with scores in the high and low ranges may exhibit different thinking and
behavioral tendencies that those described above. While your score did not fall in
those ranges, you may find the following descriptions useful:

Humanistic-Encouraging Scores in the High Range

You believe that you can help people improve, and enjoy guiding and
supporting their efforts. Because this style represents the most effective use of such
human relations skills as listening and demonstrating genuine concern for others,
your score indicates that you tend to use these skills regularly and proficiently.
Seeing the best in people is important to you. In fact, your ability to combine an
acceptance of others as they are with the inspiration and encouragement they need
to become even better is what makes you a valuable mentor, manager, co- worker,
and friend.

Humanistic-Encouraging Scores in the Low Range

You could be placing unnecessary limits on your relationships. Because your

approach to people tends to be somewhat detached, you may have difficulty
encouraging others. You are frequently uncomfortable relating to people, and often
choose to work alone. Your tendency to become preoccupied with your own
problems can make it hard for you to demonstrate concern for others' needs.

How Humanistic-Encouraging Relates to Other Styles

Note: In this section, statements that are followed by a green , indicate statements
that are relevant to your profile. Other statements, followed by a red , indicate
statements that may not apply directly to you. These statements may still be of
interest in that they describe how the different styles work together.

A higher Achievement (11 o'clock position) score works well with a higher
Humanistic-Encouraging score. When the Achievement-oriented concerns for task
accomplishment and quality results are combined with the human relations skills
characteristic of Humanistic-Encouraging, the result is a well-balanced, effective
approach to life, with equal concern for people and tasks.

The skeptical, questioning behavior associated with a higher Oppositional (7 o'clock

position) score works against the supportive, nurturing characteristics of
Humanistic-Encouraging. However, combining these styles in varying degrees can
work effectively for those in management. A higher Humanistic-Encouraging score
combined with a moderate degree of skepticism (a Medium-range Oppositional
score) signifies a supportive leader who will seek the best from subordinates by
challenging them.

A higher Power (8 o'clock position) score can reduce your Humanistic- Encouraging
behavior. The domineering behavior and need for control that characterize the
Power style will work to diminish the strong support of people reflected in
Humanistic-Encouraging.

Scoring higher on the Perfectionistic scale (10 o'clock position) can affect your
Humanistic-Encouraging behavior. Perfectionists need to be seen as perfect at all
times. They avoid getting close to others for fear that their "imperfections" will be
discovered. This avoidance of interaction generally results in a lower HumanisticEncouraging score.

Higher scores for the defensive styles of Conventional, Dependent and/or Avoidance
(4, 5, and 6 o'clock positions) can affect your Humanistic-Encouraging behavior.
These styles reflect a tendency toward self-protection and an over-reliance on
others for direction and assistance. Scoring higher in one or all of these selfdefeating styles can indicate a reduction in your desire and ability to encourage
others.

Becoming More Effective: Steps To Change

Developing the skills associated with the Humanistic-Encouraging style can

strengthen both your knowledge of people and the quality of your relationships.

The more these statements describe you, the less Humanistic-Encouraging you are
now:

Uncomfortable interacting with others

Can be distant; possibly aloof
Lack close relationships
Uneasy revealing your feelings
Experience problems working in groups
Have difficulty communicating
Disinterested in the needs of others
Use these suggestions to become more Humanistic-Encouraging:

Think about qualities you admire in someone who was in some way responsible for
your growth and development. Recognizing the difference this person made in your
life will help you understand the value of developing this style.
Increase your interest in those around you. Listen attentively, ask questions, and
get to know people.
Solicit ideas and feedback. Ask others what they think.
Learn to accept people for who they are. Acknowledge and appreciate their unique
qualities.
Put yourself in someone else's place. Listen to other points of view.
Be open about your feelings and thoughts. This encourages others to be open in
return.
Talk less and listen more.
Learn to ask for help.
Seek out opportunities to coach and teach others, at work or in your personal life.
Give more of yourself, and take more time with people.
Provide sincere appreciation to others for the things they do for you. A note of
thanks can go a long way.
Select one person and concentrate your efforts on encouraging him or her. Notice
the difference it makes in that person's life, as well as in your own.
Becoming more Humanistic-Encouraging can result in these benefits:

Improved ability to lead, manage or teach

Closer, more rewarding relationships
More respect for others
Enhanced listening skills
Feelings of satisfaction derived from encouraging others
The ability to achieve higher-quality results through seeking others' input
A broader acceptance of people
More patience
The ability to act as a mentor to others
Appreciation from those who benefit from your improved human relations skills

The ability to accomplish tasks more productively because of the improvement in

your work and team relationships