It's often said that one of our biggest challenges is in overcoming our habits, many of which no longer serve us well. We "enjoy" habits in all aspects of our lives, and particularly in the ways in which we relate to one another. Even our "reasoned responses" can be habits!

The Stimulus <> Response paradigm is well proven, but rarely well managed. Whether it's in the way we react to the specific behaviors of others, or more generally, in the way we adapt to our organization's culture, it dominates us more readily than we control it.

Very quickly, we assume a range of adaptive behaviors in order to minimize conflicts and to enhance success. However, adaptive behaviors are not always as effective and efficient as we might hope.

Relating Styles are, as the name suggests, simply a style. They are not profound, deep seated, nor beyond our conscious influence. We can change our style as easily as we change a shirt or blouse. There are many occasions when we make a quick change for increased comfort. Similarly, there are many occasions when a change in relating style could result in greater success.

So, it's preferable that each of us has the ability to exercise a practical level of control over the Relating Styles that supposedly serve us.

To achieve this, we need to raise our awareness of the choices available, understand the consequences of our choices, and acquire the skill to change style as situations may demand.

Let's start at the beginning. Where are we now? Try the simple questionnaire, part of the Staying in Touch section in the Andros Website www.andros.org It takes just a few minutes, the results are known only to you, and there are useful suggestions following.

There's no better investment of your time and effort than to improve your awareness of those Relating Styles that can serve your continuing success.