Communication Styles - Workplace Wellness Blog by Wellergize

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Blog Overview Blogger Profiles Event Calendar You can also visit our other sites: EmployeeWellness.ca WellnessFair.ca Workplace Wellness Info on NaturalHealthcare.ca	\| Share: \| more Communication Styles What is your impact on others? Communication is a vital part of our days. Not only is verbal communication important, but our non-verbal behavior is too, it has major importance whether we think about it or not. The specific skills and behaviours that we have make us who we are. Recognizing styles in yourself and others can help you influence and build relationships and become a better communicator. There are many tools people can use to identify individual communication styles. Here four communication styles which have been identified by Swiss psychologist Carl Jung will be discussed. These styles are based on tendencies to be task-oriented, versus people-oriented and easygoing, versus take-charge. While these are simplifications, tendencies of the four styles are: •Controllers: take-charge and want control of themselves, others and situations. They are task-oriented drivers and are only focused on the end goal. •Collaborators: easygoing, relationship-oriented, and enjoy working with people to work towards consensus. •Analyzers: detail-oriented, logical thinkers and analyze others and situations. Work best alone to come up with solutions; therefore, may take more time to make a decision and take action. •Socializers: outgoing, thrive on change and enjoy meeting people. They get their energy from others and work best when brainstorming with others to make a decision and take action. When you are aware of your communication style and preference you will be better able to understanding how other perceive you. Being able to identify and adapt to your listeners’ communication styles will make them feel like you are focusing on their needs and taking the time to listen to them. One can never be sure what a person is trying to express through his/her non-verbal behaviour. However, you can look for consistencies in gesture, eye movement, tone of voice and facial expression. For example: •Controllers are direct, prefer to be in control, have a sense of urgency, use louder volume, and express limited or no emotion. •Collaborators appear relaxed, ask a lot of questions, have a win-win attitude, are hesitant to make decisions and are highly emotional with an expressive tone. •Analyzers are cautious, logical thinkers, soft-spoken, use a monotone voice, use limited eye contact and facial expression. •Socializers are outspoken, quick to make a decision, assertive, fast talkers, express how they’re feeling through gestures, facial expression and tone. When communicating with: •Controllers get to the point. State what’s in it for them and ask straightforward questions. Communicate confidently with a clear and concise message. Avoid clutter and fluff. •Collaborators show an interest in them, listen patiently and give them a good “feel” about your message or what you’re asking them to do. •Analyzers avoid small talk, present facts and data, and provide details about the process you’ll follow to service them. Socializers show interest in them, be upbeat, and tie their personal experiences to your message. Different communication styles convey different messages to people. For example, if you have a serious look on you face may say that you do not want to be there. Or lack of eye contact may communicate you are disinterested. How to improve your communication style: •Ask for feedback from your peers about your communication style. •Audiotape yourself to hear what others hear. •Take time to observe the behaviours of people you admire, and follow their lead. Five characteristics for being flexible and open to others’ style: •Be a good listener: ask questions to learn more; watch for non-verbal cues. •Be open to change: be willing to change your mind, look for alternatives and work with others to resolve conflict. •Be a learner: be willing to learn new behaviours and what makes others tick. Ask for feedback. •Be positive: learn from your mistakes and move on; be proactive and take responsibility. •Be respectful and sensitive: accept differences and show appreciation for others, and adapt your behaviour to match that of your audience. If your listener’s facial expression, eye contact, tone of voice or gestures concern you: •Ask if he or she has questions. •Ask for his other opinion, thoughts and what’s important to him/her. •Ask if he or she needs clarification. Take this five-minute challenge: During your next conversation, pay attention to the other person’s non-verbal cues. Pay attention to his or her reaction. Are you willing to change your style? Are you willing to adapt your message to grab his or her attention? Is your message for you or your audience? If any of the above skills do not come naturally then some altering may be in need. You can develop them. It is worth taking time to learn these communication skills because of the positive results you will get. With a flexible communication style, you will be able to influence your audience to take action, avoid misinterpretation of your message, and build a stronger relationship with your listeners. Read more here Posted by: suhujitha on 2009-09-29 13:27:42 Subscribe to the feed Direct Link to this post Next post: Dopamine impacts your willingness to work 2012-05-12 10:04:13 Other posts tagged communication, workplace relationships: · [Workplace sabotage fueled by envy, unleashed by disengagement] · [Hang out at the water cooler and live longer] · [The dark side of oxytocin: it is not all about trust and cuddling] · [Juggling languages can build better brains] · [Support not punishment is the key to tackling substance abuse and addiction among nurses] · [U of T research shows workplace relationships are challenging for nurses working in prisons] · [R-E-S-P-E-C-T: The health of health care depends on it] · [Cross-Cultural Perspective Can Help Teamwork in the Workplace] · [Envious employees can turn hospitality industry hostile] · [Online interactions have positive effects for real-life communities] · [Texting lingo shows up at office] Don't forget: there is a search box on every page! 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