How can you network effectively with people who have different communication styles in Data Governance?

1 Identify your communication style

The first step to network effectively with people who have different communication styles is to identify your own. There are many models and frameworks that can help you assess your communication style, such as the DISC, the Myers-Briggs, or the VAK. These models can help you understand your strengths, weaknesses, preferences, and tendencies when communicating with others. For example, you may be more analytical, intuitive, visual, or verbal. Knowing your communication style can help you recognize how you may come across to others, and what areas you may need to improve or adjust.

2 Understand your network's communication styles

The next step is to understand the communication styles of the people in your data governance network. You can do this by observing their behavior, listening to their feedback, asking questions, or using online tools or surveys. For example, you may notice that some people are more direct, assertive, or task-oriented, while others are more indirect, cooperative, or relationship-oriented. Some people may prefer written communication, while others may prefer verbal or visual communication. Some people may value data, facts, and logic, while others may value emotions, stories, and values. By understanding your network's communication styles, you can tailor your message and approach to suit their needs and expectations.

3 Adapt your communication style

The third step is to adapt your communication style to match or complement the communication style of the person you are networking with. This does not mean that you have to change your personality or compromise your authenticity, but rather that you have to be flexible and respectful of the differences. For example, if you are networking with someone who is more direct and assertive, you may want to be more concise, clear, and confident in your communication. If you are networking with someone who is more indirect and cooperative, you may want to be more polite, empathetic, and supportive in your communication. If you are networking with someone who prefers written communication, you may want to use email, reports, or documents. If you are networking with someone who prefers verbal or visual communication, you may want to use phone calls, video chats, or presentations.

4 Build rapport

The fourth step is to build rapport with your data governance network. Rapport is the feeling of connection, trust, and mutual understanding that you establish with someone through communication. Rapport can help you create positive and productive relationships, overcome conflicts, and influence outcomes. To build rapport, you can use various techniques, such as mirroring, matching, or pacing. These techniques involve mimicking or aligning your body language, tone of voice, words, or pace with the person you are networking with. For example, if the person is speaking fast, you may want to speak fast as well. If the person is using technical terms, you may want to use technical terms as well. If the person is smiling, you may want to smile as well. By using these techniques, you can show that you are attentive, interested, and compatible with the person.

5 Foster trust

The fifth step is to foster trust with your data governance network. Trust is the belief that someone is reliable, competent, honest, and respectful. Trust is essential for data governance, as it enables collaboration, sharing, and decision-making. To foster trust, you can use various strategies, such as being transparent, consistent, accountable, and responsive. These strategies involve sharing information, expectations, and feedback openly and honestly, following through on your commitments and promises, taking responsibility for your actions and results, and answering questions and requests promptly and professionally. By using these strategies, you can show that you are dependable, credible, sincere, and respectful.

6 Network effectively

The sixth and final step is to network effectively with your data governance network. Networking is the process of creating and maintaining contacts and relationships that can help you achieve your personal and professional goals. Networking can help you learn, grow, and advance in data governance. To network effectively, you can use various tactics, such as reaching out, following up, adding value, and asking for help. These tactics involve initiating and maintaining contact with your network, expressing gratitude and appreciation, providing information, resources, or referrals that can benefit your network, and requesting advice, feedback, or support from your network. By using these tactics, you can show that you are proactive, grateful, helpful, and humble.