More productivity with fewer misunderstandings is a universal challenge in the workplace. Learning to communicate with all communication styles is the key to fostering cooperation, respect, and understanding. Imagine how much more you could do if everyone got along!
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting a deal every time. Healthy produces conflicting ideas and solutions that probably would not arise without divergent thoughts. What I’m referring to is the enormous waste of time and energy that goes into correcting communication errors that occur routinely. Misinterpretations that could be avoided with better communication skills.
Here’s how you can communicate to promote cooperation and do more:
Develop a deep understanding of the four basic styles of communication.
I call them the Governor, the Methodical, the Kind and the Expansive. You may know them by other titles.
Respect the theme or guiding principle of each style.
Governors want to do things their way and quickly. The methodical focus on accuracy at all costs.
Pleasant prefers consensus before taking action. And expansion encourages fun while getting things done.
Change your communication style to match theirs if you want them to listen to you.
A momentary change in pace, eye contact, and enthusiasm level goes a long way in establishing a connection. For Governors, square your body, move with a purposeful step, and speak quickly. With Methodicals, go down a bit, control your emotions and body language. Pleasant as eye contact and a friendly calm approach. Expansives will listen to you if you are positive, spontaneous, and full of energy.
To request action, provide or collect information, and avoid misunderstandings, communicate according to each style’s preferred approach to work.
Governors want the bottom line, so avoid waffling and explaining. If they are not in charge, give them something they are in charge of. The methodical want the full explanation of the process. Do not skimp on details and be logical in your justification. This is not the time to shoot from the hip or speak your mind at random. The written word goes a long way toward getting results with this type of thinking style. Likeables will work hard, assemble a cooperative team, and produce quality results if you remain flexible and build a relationship first. Taking a personal interest in their feelings builds trust and collaboration. Approach Expansives with a fun attitude, refrain from detailed explanations, and you’ll get the results and cooperation you seek.
Finally, helping each type of style to overcome its limitations.
The risk-taking governor may overlook critical details due to impatience. Practicing due diligence and pinpointing the essentials will help governors avoid making the wrong decisions and moving toward the wrong goal. Help methodical ones by providing and getting agreement on checkpoints and deadlines. The nice ones work best when your team agrees. Talk to your coworkers first, if possible. Or let them know that it’s okay to move on even if everyone doesn’t agree. Help Expansives control their environment so it doesn’t become a distraction. Support their ideas while keeping them focused on the rewards of reaching goals.
Listening and communicating by style type saves time, avoids misunderstandings, and cultivates a cooperative workplace.