What do you do if your boss's communication style is different from yours?

There are so many ways to communicate, and we each have different styles and underlying motivations. It can be tempting to think that everyone thinks like us... particularly that everyone in our same job type or industry thinks like us. But some people look for detail... others look for the big idea. Some people look for what can get done efficiently... others look for what can be the foundation for relationship building... or for a bigger project down the road. Take some time to know how you think! DISC and Myers-Briggs are great places to start. Enneagram work digs deeper in to motivations and underlying patterns... and happens to be my favorite tool!

Each one comes with their own experience and knowledge. That’s why is good first to observe and identify the style of each-other.

An approach I've found beneficial is to adapt by actively listening to understand their preferences, adjusting my approach accordingly, and seeking clarification when needed to ensure effective communication and collaboration.

Understand more than just how often your boss wants to hear from you. Observe their tone, body language, and preferred methods of communication. Notice how they respond to feedback and consider cultural and generational factors. Stay adaptable and flexible, adjusting your approach as needed. Effective communication goes beyond frequency—it’s about understanding preferences and adapting to enhance your working relationship.

I guess in this situation, you are expected to follow the hierarchy. Thus, you are in a position to adjust according to your boss/manager/leader first, that means adapting your style to match your manager's. That's professionalism. Afterwards, make a dedicated session with him/her to discuss and share your feedback.

No matter whether you are communicating with your boss, someone who reports to you, or a colleague... it is not their job to try to understand you. It's your job to effectively communicate your message to them. They are the customer of your message! Meet them where they are. When we know what is important to our listener and adjust accordingly... the message flows more smoothly! And is received more effectively! Have you ever tried to communicate with a 14-year-old who doesn't care what you have to say? It's much easier when you frame the conversation in terms that matter to them. The same is true for any other human!

Even if we have the same communication style, is best to sit down and define a way that is efficient and useful each participant to dialogue. This way we will sort out miscommunications and lack of transparency.

Even after having an agreement in place is best to return with feedback. Situations and circumstances create different cases that can bring more insight and opportunities for improvement. Don’t be afraid to ask, receive and provide feedback on exact cases, not to personality.

Seeking feedback is critical. Make sure your message got through. If you are communicating up the chain... ask questions and make sure that you have given them what they are looking for. Confirm that what you have heard is correct. If you are communicating to direct reports... ask them to clarify for your. Confirm that what they heard is what you intended to communicated.

Behavioral or mental incompatibility with the boss or bosses in the workplace is a very common thing. As a junior employee there are multiple bosses but the main concern is the reporting boss. If there is a behavioral discrepancy with the reporting boss, it should be noted who has the lack of professionalism in the behavior. Being a boss does not make a person perfect. In many cases, the behavior of the boss can also be unprofessional or unacceptable. If there is any deficiency in your behavior then necessary steps must be taken to solve it. And, if there is a problem with the behavior of the boss, you should think about your career and change the workplace. Because having a good boss, not a company, is more useful for a prosperous career.