What is your workplace communication style? Are you aware of how you deliver information to coworkers and also how you wish to receive information given to you?
Studies have shows for years that the leading cause of misunderstandings in the workplace is different communication styles.
Mark Murphy and his team of researchers, claim that there are four types of communicators within the workplace: Analytical, Intuitive, Functional and Personal.
The Analytical Communicator prefers hard data, real numbers and specific, detailed language. They are to-the-point and appreciate numbers to back somebody’s claims.
The Intuitive Communicator is focused on the big picture and not caught up on little details. They are good at out-of-the-box thinking because they don’t get caught up on the HOW.
The Functional Communicator prefers a process, timeliness and deadline. They are detail-oriented and nothing gets missed.
The Personal Communicator values emotion. They are conscious of what others are feeling and are good listeners.
When we dive into these workplace communication styles, we can see that it may be easy for an Analytical Communicator to be irritated with a long-winded, Personal Communicator; whereas the Personal Communicator may feel as though the Analytical is cold and unfriendly.
On the other hand, for example, the Functional Communicator may want to explain how they got from point A to point B and the Intuitive Communicator may think those details are unnecessary and just wants to know that we arrived at point B. The Functional type may take this as not being careful and seemingly sloppy.
After exploring Murphy’s four fundamental communication styles, it’s easy to see where different communicators in a workplace may clash or misunderstanding may arise simply by the way the information was given and/or received. Do one of these four communication styles resonate with the way you relay information to your team or coworkers? Does this natural, automatic communication method differ from the way you wish to receive information?
You may not fall under one fundamental communication style. Variety in communication styles is a good thing but can also make a huge impact on the workplace if you don’t understand how to adjust and effectively communicate with those that may perceive information differently. The key is to first understand your personal communication style so that you may adjust, according to your audience, to create effective communication.
How does your communication style differ or compare with that of your coworkers?