The type

Typical behaviours

Strategies for effective communication

The Sherman Tank

This type comes out charging and abusive. They can come across as abrupt, intimidating and overwhelming. "The Tank" often attacks individual behaviours and personal characteristics.

• Give them a little time to run down.
• Don't worry about being polite; get in any way you can.
• Get their attention, calling them by name, or deliberately sitting or standing.
• Maintain eye contact.
• Ask "the Tank" to sit down—this can help a "Tank" to focus and to give up some control.
• State your own opinions forcefully.
• Don't argue with what the other person is saying or try to cut them down.
• Be ready to be friendly.

The Sniper

The sniper uses a more covert approach, attacking with pot shots, innuendo, and non-playful teasing under the guise of friendliness. "The Sniper" may use social constraints to create a protected place from which to strike.

• Smoke them out. Don't let social convention stop you.
• Provide them with an alternative to a direct contest.
• Don't focus on their point of view.
• Do move on, and try to resolve the issue.
• Prevent sniping by setting up regular problem-solving meetings.
• If you are witness to a sniping situation, stay out of it, but insist that it stop in front of you.

The Exploder

Characterized by tantrums and irate attacks, the exploder is barely under control, and often feels physically or psychologically threatened. "The Sniper" is likely to show anger followed by blame or suspicion.

• Give them time to run them down on their own.
• If they don't run down, cut into the tantrum with a neutral phrase, such as "Stop!"
• Show them that you take them seriously.
• If possible, take a breather. Take them aside for a private dialogue. Seek out the true reasons for the aggressive behaviour.