How do you adapt your communication style to different team members?

Communicating what you intend to exactly how to intend to requires a lot of thoughts. Equipping yourself with right tool of communication is extremely important in order to avoid any misunderstanding and delivering the message clearly. Points, as a soft skill trainer, I keep in mind while communicating any message are: 1. Personality and mindset of the other party 2. Their experience 3. Their readiness to listen to the points I have. 4. My biasness and knowledge 5. Active Listening 6. Timing 7. The message and how it should be conveyed. These are the few things, I keep in mind while communicating with other people.

One of the most useful tools I have found is the DiSC Workplace Personality Assessment. DiSC is an acronym for Dominant, Influential, Steadiness, and Conscientious. I have been using it for over 10 years in my workshops and it is eerily accurate. It only takes 10-15 min to take the Assessment and it is specific to your workplace personality rather than your whole personality. The report is easy to understand and helps you with insight to your own personality and that of the others around you which is key to adapting to others. For example, most high D's are driven by results and are quick thinkers and decision makers. I avoid chit-chat with these folks. The people who enjoy chit chat are your high I's - like me! The DiSC is not costly.

Adapting your communication style to different team members involves tailoring your approach based on their preferences. For example, with Sarah, who prefers detailed explanations, provide comprehensive information in structured formats. With John, who prefers brief discussions, focus on delivering key points succinctly. Flexibility and adaptability are key to effective communication in diverse teams.

It's more instinctive than anything else. Respecting people from all walks of life will help build that kind of muscle memory.

Understand their unique preferences and roles through various channels. Be clear and concise and tailor your message to their knowledge level. Practice active listening, provide feedback appropriately, and foster an environment of open communication. One shouldn't immediately expect the entire team to understand and adapt their way of communication, it happens with time and an open and empathetic ear. Being observant, flexible to a certain amount, and empathetic enhanced collaboration and productivity can be achieved within the team.

Active listening is a key elemet of communication that helps to connect with the person in the right way. Listening to them and understanding the message helps to add value and provide them with the right solution for their problems. In addition, you can ask them relevant questions to understand them more deeply and get more clarification.

Pour les professionnels du droit, il est essentiel d'être focalisé sur son interlocuteur, son utilisateur. c'est le seul moyen de délivrer la bonne réponse et une réponse claire, accessible, engageante et impactante.

I love using the opening phrase, "Help me understand..." Most people respond to the idea of "helping" and it signals an open mind and open ears to grasping your team members' explanation about how they are approaching a project or what they make of a situation. Try it. It works! The bonus is if you take notes while they are explaining their thought process. That signals peer respect.

One thing that I’ve found helpful is to enter into relationships and interactions with curiosity and an open mind. Take the stance that it is your job to learn more about your team members in order to better communicate and work with them. It takes time but observation as well as asking clarifying questions can help you to find the root of their motivations and communication styles. When you are able to truly listen and apply what you learn, a genuine understanding can develop between you (regardless of differences). This also fosters mutual respect and connection.