Have you ever met someone with whom you couldn’t get through? There could be many reasons for this; one of the most common is the use of different communication styles.
Communication styles are deeply ingrained, influenced by both hereditary and environmental factors. Our “style” tends to remain relatively 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 struggle to relate 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 diverse styles and adapt accordingly.
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 take the time to speak with 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 provide you with more diverse inputs, perspectives, and ideas.
*Look for a future blog on style flexing to continue to hone this skill.
