Terra L. Fletcher

How do They Want to Talk?

Have you ever met someone who you just couldn’t get through to? There could be many reasons for this, one of the most common is different communication styles.

Communication styles are deeply engrained, based on hereditary and environmental factors. Our “style” tends to remain rather constant through life. Since it’s all we know, many leaders have a communication style knowledge gap.

We Are Biased, Communication Style Biased

Communication style bias could be the most common bias. Bias is likely to surface when you meet someone who displays a style distinctly different from your own. For example introverts and extroverts may have a hard time relating to each other.

Overcoming Communication Barriers

Awareness of our own style is the first step toward developing strong interpersonal relationships. Successful leaders learn to appreciate different styles and adapt.

Choose Their Medium

How do your employees prefer to communicate? Do you have the ability to send out mass texts or voice messages for last minute updates? Do you meet in person for long, in depth conversations? Sensitive conversations? How do they want to hear about new projects?

Set the Tone

What are you trying to accomplish? You want to be respected and you want the employee to improve. If you’re frustrated, wait to approach an employee.

Should you be friendly? Corrective? Remember, guilt is not a good motivator.

Be Concise

Speak and write concisely. Save time and maximize effectiveness. Don’t drown out a good thought or precise directions in excess. Eliminate fillers. Prepare for meetings. Proofread emails and memos.

Be Available

Be available to your team. Be open to communicating at the time and place they prefer. Be patient and appreciative of those who come to speak to you. If they present a problem or need help, say “thank you.” Keep the lines of communication open by NOT shutting down whatever they have to say. Even if they’re wrong you can say thank you.

Listen to everyone. Each member of your team deserves your full attention. Diversity exists to bring you more inputs, perspectives, and ideas.

*Look for a future blog on style flexing to continue to hone this skill.

Terra L. Fletcher
Terra L. Fletcher is the marketing speaker, author, and Fractional CMO who talks about communication, branding, and marketing (everything from thought leadership to social media management, personal branding, and marketing for talent attraction). She is the founder of Fletcher Consulting and the author of three books, including "Flex Your Communication: 47 Tips for Every Day Success at Work," "Flex the Freelance: An Unconventional Guide to Quit Your Day Job," and the soon-to-be-released “Flex Your Marketing.” As a business builder since 2007, Terra’s strategies have benefited individuals, nonprofits, and public and private companies. When she’s not busy speaking or writing, you can find Terra painting, kayaking, or studying ads.
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