Communicating effectively and clearly in the workplace is always a difficult task.
It doesn’t matter what business you’re in, or how many people are working together—different communication styles are just the cost of doing business. Improving workplace communication, and boosting workplace productivity, means understanding these different styles and adapting to them to form a positive office culture.
Obviously, people are complicated, so they don’t always fit into a neat, precise category. There’s a lot of overlap and blurred boundaries, but we can still identify at least four communication styles that will appear in the workplace.
Let’s take a look at what they are and how you can work with them.
The Direct Approach
The direct or dominant approach to group communication is one that is blunt and straightforward.
Those who employ this style marshal hard facts to bolster their argument, and they’re generally goal oriented and focused on achieving a specific end. The thing about this style is that it can be quite aggressive, and can often come off as overbearing.
The key when working with a dominant or direct communicator is to roll with the punches, and not take things too personally. Be clear and concise with these types, and maintain your own boundaries with firmness.
The Harmonizers
So-called harmonizers employ collaborative communication styles in the workplace. These types are intuitive, and tend to prioritize people and workable solutions over the end result itself.
The thing about harmonizers is that they make great team organizers and liaisons. They work best in situations that require cooperation, teamwork, and collaborative efforts. They’re not big on details and minutiae, so it’s a good idea to complement them with more detail-oriented personnel.
When it comes to working in the field, harmonizers are perfect for keeping things organized and coordinated. Just set them up with some good communication technology (click for Motorola 2-way radios) and let them do what they do best.
The Analytical Approach
Every team needs an analyzer, sometimes also called a functional communicator, to bring projects to fruition.
These are the people who dissect and pick apart a problem before moving forward. They’re detail oriented, and they’re committed to process and precision. They ask many questions to ensure they understand the big picture goals, and if a plan is poorly conceived they’ll be the first to let everyone know it.
The People Person
Finally, the “people person” or influencer plays a very important role in workplace communications.
These people believe that it’s the emotional connections that improve workplace productivity, and they focus less on the “how” and more on the “why.” Influencers are friendly and engaged with their coworkers, and the best strategy is to let them facilitate collaboration and build teamwork.
Make the Most of Your Team’s Communication Styles
In every workplace, there are different communication styles to work with. And that’s okay—each person brings their own unique strengths and weaknesses to the table.
The key to getting your team to mesh involves tailoring your leadership strategy to boost group communication and productivity. Remember, none of these styles are inherently superior—they all have something to contribute to workplace success.
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