Communications - getting it right
You may have been there: "they do not get what I'm trying to say". Or "they are hopeless at getting their point across"
There are as many books about communications as there are stars in the firmament. But it need not be so complicated - this section provides a model you can use to improve how you communicate whether in your business or at home.
How you communicate depends on many factors, including your personality, position in an organisation and your values and expectations. And, of course, these change over time. The challenge is to find a way through all this so that you can get your message across effectively - how you can interact with people so that they "get" what you are about.
4 ways to see how you come across - and to analyse other people
Headlines only - not interested in details, just wants to get on with it.
Very sociable - wants to talk about family, events and more, and will be offended if you ignore all this
Detail - wants to read all the annexes and hear about exactly how something will work before they will move on
Steady - stereotype is the civil servant - moves at a steady pace and will get uncomfortable if pressed.
So what does this mean for you?
Imagine you are talking to someone who identifies as "headlines only". You start engaging in social conversation, perhaps asking about their family. How will they feel? What will they be thinking? Probably impatient and fed up - they want to get on with it.
So if you do "get on with it", they are more likely to be responsive and positive to you.
Now Imagine you are talking to someone who identifies as "Detail". You provide an overview and say details will follow.
Again, how will they feel? Frustrated, suspicious (why won't you tell them the detail?), losing interest?
So, if you do go into detail, they will be more comfortable and receptive.
So when talking with someone, you need to be aware of what sort of style they like working with. There is no point in forcing your style on someone else - they will just switch off.
Where to use this framework...
Sales
Understanding how to respond to a prospect's style can make a massive difference.
Teams.
Working together - how to build those relationships and clear understanding of how every team member works
Management
"Giving instructions", 1:1s, dealing with feedback will all depend on everyone understanding each others' style that works for them.
Supply chain/customer relationships
Working with people outside the organisation - communicating effectively, make people at ease, building solid relationships and understanding
WHAT TO DO NEXT...
To find out how best to use these profiles, it is sensible to work out first where you are on your communication skills using the 4 basic profiles. This will help you understand other people's styles, and so improve how you communicate.
I use DISC, a simple process involving a questionnaire (20 minutes to complete, yes/no answers) and a report produced for each individual. Group reports are also available.
Getting started -
Click on the button below and I will get back to asap - or ring/text me
How much does it cost? £26 per user, and group reports (ie summary for whole team) from £50 You can do this on your own, but I can help you brief and debrief - from £200.