How Effective Is Your Style of Communication?

Effective communication requires more than merely selecting the right words. After all, we all know that most communication is not about WHAT but HOW it’s said and, more importantly, how it’s received. To grow your career, you need to adopt a style of communication that will avoid misunderstanding and encourage an honest and free flow of ideas. Clear communication is critical to keeping your team performance at optimal levels, yet many people struggle with this more than any other soft skill. 

Your communication style will have a tremendous impact on your ability to lead teams and deliver results. There are 4 major styles of communication that we typically see:

Direct. Direct communicators prefer blunt communication backed up by facts. They tend to be highly focused on the end result and are risk tolerant. 

Conscientious. People who are conscientious communicators find value in precision and detail. They analyze options carefully to ensure that all possible scenarios are considered. 

Collaborative. These people are focused more on people than on end results. They want to find solutions that work for the team. 

Influencer. An influencer believes that the emotional connections among team members bring success. They focus on building interpersonal relationships and are great collaborators.

Many leaders are direct communicators. However, a direct communication style may be counterproductive when working with employees who lean toward a conscientious or influencer communication style. As a leader, it is incumbent upon you to adapt your communication style to one that meshes best with your team. You must be flexible to drive results. 

Reflect on past miscommunication. How have you struggled with communication previously? When has your message been received in a way you did not intend? Devise a strategy for improvement. 

Listen with empathy. Everyone wants to know that they are seen, heard, and valued. Listen to understand rather than listen to respond. Repeat what you heard: “So what I’m hearing is _______.” 

Have conversations. Too often, conversations turn into one-sided lectures. Avoid this by engaging in actual discourse. Ask others for their thoughts, opinions, and input.

Be open to constructive feedback. This can help you to identify issues with your tone and word choice that may otherwise go unnoticed by you. 

Embrace authenticity. Use “I” statements rather than putting the burden on the other person. Articulate your point of view without making it the other person’s problem.

Everyone has a different communication style, and not everyone is adept at communication. But, if leaders strive to foster environments of honest and open communication, the results can be immediate and measurable. When team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas, disagreeing with one another, and asserting their needs, all stakeholders benefit.