Manufacture Your Day by THINKING ABOUT YOUR COMMUNICATION STYLE
It’s Wednesday and it’s time for “Manufacturing Leadership Minute” with Karin.
Make sure to watch my video by clicking the link below:
VIDEO ⇒
Have you ever reflected on how your communication style may hold you back?
The influence of our environment from an early age, such as parents, teachers, peers, religion, and culture is quite critical when it comes to the development of verbal and non-verbal behavioural patterns. Over time, they become ingrained and determine how we communicate with others.
There are many different ways how we communicate, but the majority of people use one of the following four styles:
- Passive
- Aggressive
- Passive-aggressive
- Assertive
Let’s have a closer look at every single one, shall we?
1. Passive Communication Style
These people are very apologetic and avoid as much as they can making eye contact. The biggest challenge that passive communicators face is that they have a hard time expressing themselves and a difficult time saying “no.” These people simply don’t stand up for themselves. They suffer in silence and this can lead to frustration and miscommunication.
2. Aggressive Communication Style
These people love to control conversations by rudely interrupting others while they speak. For them, it is all about “I am right and you’re wrong.” They are poor listeners, they criticize, attack, and bully others. Thus, aggressive communicators are verbally and/or physically abusive. I am convinced that every single one of you has met at least one such person.
3. Passive-Aggressive Communication Style
This style may seem passive but make no mistake that rather sooner than later a dark side will be revealed. Passive-Aggressiveness is purposefully intended to control and/or hurt others. You can easily recognize them. They tend to express hostile feelings in non-aggressive ways, and they usually don’t walk the talk. Passive-aggressive people can be sarcastic and their facial expressions are not in alignment with their words.
4. Assertive Communication Style
These are communicators with style because they have the ability to effectively express themselves. They manage to have open and honest dialogues with just about anybody, and they are respectful, good listeners, and show empathy. These people are confident and always assume responsibility for what is happening in their lives. Assertive people rarely complain. Everybody wants to be around them.
The first three communication styles can prevent a person from building meaningful relationships with others because these styles lack social skills and the ability to build rapport.
The assertive style is the best way to communicate with others. The confidence, authenticity, and openness of this style will be contagious.
Remember, it’s never about what we say, it’s about how we say it.
The good news is that communication is a skill that can be learned and improved. Have you identified your style yet?
Personal growth makes all the difference in whether people become better or bitter in their lives.
Food for Thought:
What are you doing to develop yourself and recognize your communication tendencies? Have you searched for better and easier ways to get your message across?
Please read the following Forbes article:
15 Ways Leaders Can Be More Mindful of Their Communication Styles
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