Leveraging Communication Styles to Drive Impact
3 minutes
Whether it’s in the workplace, at home, in school, effective communication is key to any successful relationship. It fosters collaboration, builds strong relationships, and enhances overall productivity — especially in a professional setting.
Understanding and mastering these different communication styles is helpful in establishing a positive work environment. While the names of these communication styles seem negative, take the time to read the description to understand each style. Each style is more common than you think, and becoming familiar with them is your key to identifying it in others.
This style is characterised by hostility, intimidation, and a lack of empathy. People with this communication style suffer from strained relationships, reduced morale, and heightened conflict.
People with this communication style typically avoid conflict, have difficulty expressing their opinions, and tend to yield to others.
This communication style damages relationships, reduces trust, and produces a toxic work environment.
When a team member confidently expresses their ideas during a brainstorming session, they are exhibiting assertive communication.
Understanding the importance of flexibility in communication styles is key to navigating different workplace scenarios. Leaders and team members can adapt their communication approaches based on the context, audience, and objectives. Whether addressing a team, conversing one-on-one with a colleague or interacting with leadership, understanding the different communication styles allows you to connect effectively.
Adapting to different communication styles includes active listening, showing empathy, and awareness of non-verbal cues. Developing these skills can empower you to communicate effectively in any situation.
Here’s how it helps:
- Better teamwork as people adjust their communication to collaborate more smoothly.
- Smarter and efficient conflict resolutions by understandings issues deeply.
- Strengthens trust and builds a positive work culture.
- Leaders adapt to team member’s styles which enhances their effectiveness.
Assertive Communicators
When interacting with assertive communicators, expect honest and critical responses. They usually mean well, and they value results and are straightforward in their communication — which can sometimes seem a bit blunt. Don’t react poorly to criticism, as they may hesitate to share opinions in the future. They are also are open to hearing your ideas, as long as the conversation is respectful. Give them space to communicate effectively and avoid interruptions. More importantly, be specific in your communication to prevent misunderstandings.
Aggressive Communicators
If you’re faced with an aggressive communicator, arm yourself with patience and take a few breaths. Dealing with aggressive communicators can be challenging. Keep conversations brief, stay on topic, and redirect if needed to avoid unpleasant turns. Keep your stress at a minimum by limiting verbal communication and using asynchronous methods like email to allow time for thoughtful responses and prevent reciprocating aggression.
Passive Communicators
You also need patience when dealing with passive communicators, but not in the same way as the case with aggressive communicators. Passive communicators need help building up their confidence. Do not be aggressive because these people tend to shut down when faced with aggression. Encourage them to talk by asking direct questions, show interest, and don’t be hasty in shutting down their ideas.
Passive-Aggressive Communicators
Passive-aggressive communicators are the trickiest to deal with. Do not respond negatively to avoid escalating any negative situation. Instead of criticising, be positive and assertive. Rephrase their messages using positive communication. Provide solutions that benefit everyone and highlight their contributions. Identify patterns and offer ways to address the root cause of their negative style.
Once you have mastered dealing with people with different communication styles, it will be easier to foster positive relationships, enhance teamwork, and create a more inclusive and harmonious environment.
