Effective Communication Style in Teams

Effective communication style – when how you say something is just as important as what you say.

In a world that’s so connected, we shouldn’t struggle with connection. Yet many times, what we say isn’t what others hear. Misunderstandings and miscommunication lead to frustration and even hinder team projects. That’s because how you say it matters just as much as what you say.

Communication isn’t one size fits all. Like wearing colored lenses, everyone sees the world differently and interprets things differently. Some see life through a red lens. And that looks different than it does for those with blue or green lenses. So it’s essential to learn how to recognize the way others on your team see the world and adjust your communication style accordingly. When you understand the things that energize/de-energize them, you’ll be more effective than ever before. Here are some quick tips to improve communication with your team.

TIPS TO ADAPT YOUR COMMUNICATION STYLE

If you’re working with a person that values:

Putting others first

Be open, honest, one-to-one, personal, sincere, trusting, inclusive.

Getting things done quickly

Be clear, direct, positive, and brief.

Making sure the right process is followed

Remain objective, logical, fair, in control of emotions.

Encouraging others to succeed

Be positive, enthusiastic, forward-thinking.

Helping others become self-sufficient

Be calm, patient, open, and genuine.

Crafting winning strategies

Demonstrate understanding of the situation and get to the point quickly.

Bringing all team perspectives together

Be flexible, sociable, playful, and collaborative.

Discussion on goals

Finally, ask what other values, if any, are essential to accomplishing the team’s purpose, and consider adding them.

Since a team is a relationship, and a relationship includes shared expectations, a conversation about future goals is also a conversation about developing the team relationship. These questions will help you gain commitment from team members to act today in pursuit of tomorrow’s results.

Who are our primary customers and why do our results matter to them?
Who are the internal stakeholders in the organization?
What external stakeholders are most important for us to consider in the short term?
What external stakeholders should we be thinking about in the long term?
Imagine we have been successful in all our goals. Besides this team’s members, who will care and why?
Why does each stakeholder care about the team’s purpose, values, and results?