What do you do if your coworkers don't respond well to your communication style?

To improve interactions when coworkers don't mesh with your communication style, start by evaluating how you convey messages; sometimes, the issue lies in delivery or content. Adjust your approach accordingly—perhaps by being more succinct or using different formats like visuals. Strengthening relationships can also pave the way for smoother communication; learning about each other's preferences and work styles fosters mutual understanding. Finally, embrace feedback and commit to ongoing learning to refine your communication skills, ensuring you remain adaptable and can effectively engage with your team.

Start with considering the interactions you have with your coworkers. Think about the variables: when, where, why. These may play a role in how you are communicating. Then ask for the what. What don't they like and follow up with what would help ease exchanges? I think you should focus on getting an understanding rather than agreeing right away. Perhaps, you didn't know. Find out if they are willing to hear your perspective and based on the data received decide if adjustments are necessary or if awareness is enough to impact future conversations.

We might become relentless when we have a new leader to work with, and they might not respond well to you. In such a scenario, you might want to take a step back and assess their form of communication instead of your own. Every individual is inclined toward a certain platform of communication (digital or otherwise). Some people prefer text messaging and others prefer a call. Some may respond well on social media and others on email. Identifying the unique form of communication is key to bridging the gap between your message and the delivery of your message to the said individual. Once identified, you may want to test out the form of communication with patience as this is pure assumption. If responded well then, voila!

This has happened to me before, where a colleague and I frequently found ourselves in arguments while trying to make a point. However, I gradually began to understand their perspective. They genuinely cared about their work and were protective of their opinions. To improve communication, I started listening more and inquiring about their reasoning before presenting my own arguments.

Adapting your approach does take effort. Nevertheless, if it feels like something you can offer without becoming resentful, it's worth trying. I would not recommend anyone attempt this unless they are fully committed to making a long term change. For example, don't try for a day or two and then go back to previous behavior. This is breaks trust.

It also depends on what is being communicated and if its aim is to inform or instigate action. As a communications specialist I would ask myself, Is it a communication that needs engagement or response? Did I clearly state it there? Is it understandable that that is what I want? I would also question if the communication style is personable and signed off with a real person’s name and not “management” or “internal communications” or “HR”. People identify more with a name of a real person they can approach than a body of seemingly invisible people.