Effective Communications

Effective communications in the workplace between colleagues as well as manager/employee interchange is very important in order to create a positive team environment for success.  Sound communications allows us to gain a better understanding of events and people so that we can quickly resolve differences.  The ability to speak effectively with each other helps minimize the chance for conflicts, frustrations and misunderstandings which often are the results of poor messaging.

Skill sets involving communication can be learned:

·         Better Listening habits [Please refer to March 9, 2012 blog http://amgtconsulting.blogspot.com/2012/03/listening

·         Usage and Recognition of non-verbal communications

·         Reduced pressure, anxiety and tension

·         Managing emotions

·         Knowing your style and adapting to the style of your colleague.

·         Communication Types ~

o   Driver/Extrovert-Introvert

o   Evaluator -Introvert

o   Initiator/Extrovert

o   Enthusiast-Extrovert

Recognize that among the type of communicators listed above, there could be overlap into multiple communication types.  Generally you will have one dominant and one weak but also may have one or two types take over the dominant from time to time.  The important takeaway is that for effective exchanges; learn how to interact with each of these colleagues.

Drivers ~ Characterized primarily by power, authority, achievement, control and results.

·         Refrain if possible from small talk and focus on reason for meeting.

·         Avoid socialization

·         Stay on track, orderly approach and be brief.

Evaluator ~ Tend to be very detail oriented, systematic.  Benefits from seeing charts or visual presentations.

·         Similar to Drivers, stay on track.  Show more interest in idea rather than people orientation.

·         Enjoys seeing things in a structural manner.  Build on charts, graphs, data to prove point.

Initiators ~ High energy, Inspirational, Rah-Rah type personality.

·         Enjoys social interaction.  Will take risks

·         Trial and Error persona

·         More rapid change

·         Short-term outlooks – Make decisions that provide quick solutions

Enthusiast ~ Tend to be very supportive and friendly.  People-orientation, Emotional, Dreamer

·         Social relationships and want people to feel good about themselves and others. 

·         The enthusiast has a tough time in dealing with conflict and will avoid it if possible.

·         Polar opposite of driver and is intimidated by that style.

·         Laid back – go with the flow – but hates to say “no”

Usage and Recognition of Non-Verbal Communication

When we are passionate about something we often “show” that emotion with nonverbal signals.  Nodding of the head, opening your arms, facial expressions, eye contact, tone of voice can all have a dramatic impact on communicating effectively.  Likewise, when we are have anxieties and we feel stress there will be a strong tendency to convey nonverbal clues to our displeasure or negativity of our thoughts. “Shaking your head”, crossing your arms, losing eye-contact, “puzzled look” will tend to cast negative or inquisitive messaging with or without the words associated with these gestures. 

As an exercise…Try to say YES, while shaking your head NO, it is virtually impossible….

Be aware of your nonverbal communications and have control over your emotions.  If you are stressed, take a deep breath and relaz.  Knowing what you are going to say and using nonverbal to solidify your messaging will help you to gain greater understanding.

The bottom line is that nonverbal communications can and will have a much greater impact than the actual words said to your audience.  Make sure that you are aware of the ramifications.