Want better connections—in your marriage, at work, or with your kids? This is where it starts.

In this episode, Dr. Anne Dranitsaris joins Andrea and Jon to explore the powerful link between emotional needs, personality, and relationship dynamics. A behavioral change therapist and leadership consultant with over four decades of experience, Anne shares how most of us unintentionally protect ourselves in ways that block the connection we crave.

You’ll learn:  

-  How your emotional needs drive your communication and behavior

- Why we fall into “self-protective patterns”—and how to break free

- How personality typing (MBTI, Striving Styles) can strengthen trust and emotionalsafety

- Practical ways to become more relationally intelligent at home, at work, and in leadership

This is more than just a conversation about communication—it’s a masterclass in showing up for others by truly understanding yourself first.

⏱️ Episode Highlights (Timestamps)

00:00 – Why the first step is knowing yourself

02:20 – Self-protection: how it shows up without us realising

05:30 – Emotional needs aren’t weaknesses—they’re guides

09:15 – How unmet needs impact conflict, distance, and reactivity

13:40 – Are you performing or connecting? The “imposter persona”

17:50 – The Striving Styles model: a deeper layer beyond MBTI

23:15 – Personality patterns and emotional safety in relationships

29:00 – Leaders, partners, parents: this insight changes everything

33:45 – Anne’s advice on becoming emotionally intelligent today

38:30 – A better way forward: secure connection, without the masks

🔗 NEXT STEPS – For Guest Episode

A) Take Action – Connect with Dr. Anne Dranitsaris:

– Website: www.annedranitsaris.com

– LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annedranitsaris

– YouTube: Dranitsaris-Hilliard Channel

– Amazon Author Page: Anne Dranitsaris Books

B) Stay Connected for more episodes:

– 🎥 YouTube: @The4Habits

– 🎧 Spotify: The 4 Habits Podcast

C) Learn and Share:

– ✅ Take the FREE Relationship Skills Quiz: http://the4habitsquiz.scoreapp.com

– 🧠 Join the High-Performing Teams Masterclass: https://the4habits.com/topteams

– 📘 Get our book: https://the4habits.com/book

#EmotionalIntelligence #SelfAwareness #PersonalityTypes #StrivingStyles #EmotionalNeeds #SecureConnection #RelationshipGrowth #BreakThePattern #LeadershipDevelopment #EmotionalSafety #HealthyRelationships #WorkLifeBalance #RelationshipAdvice #PersonalGrowth #The4HabitsPod