The Influence Styles Inventory (ISI) assesses three communication styles that people use to influence others: Passive, Assertive, and Aggressive. Drawing on current research that integrates the importance of assertiveness with interpersonal commu nication and influence, this assessment will give managers an opportunity to analyze their influence styles.

The concept of assertiveness, and its superiority over either aggressive or passive styles, has been demonstrated as effective by more than twenty - five years of research. Even so, many people still confuse assertion with aggression or are unclear abou t the difference. The ISI is a tool not only for examining one's preferred style but for developing a practical understanding of how the three styles can be seen to be different, in action. In this way, respondents can begin to learn how to use assertion effectively, as a distinct alternative to aggression or passive avoidance.

A brief, clearly - written interpretation section gives detailed explanations and comparisons of the styles, in terms of the feelings communicated, the specific behaviors used, the verbal expressions associated with each, and the aims of each style. Thi s is followed by explicit discussion of how one might develop better assertion skills.

The instrument takes about 10 minutes to complete and score. Scoring is simple and visual, resulting in a graphic display and comparison of the three style preferences.

Use the ISI in workshops on:

Assertiveness training

Management development

Conflict management

Interpersonal communication