How do you communicate effectively with innovators and confidence builders?

1 Understand their mindset

Innovators and confidence builders are often driven by curiosity, passion, and purpose. They are not afraid to experiment, fail, and learn from their mistakes. They also value feedback, collaboration, and diversity of perspectives. To communicate effectively with them, you need to understand their mindset and respect their autonomy. Don't try to impose your own agenda, micromanage, or criticize their ideas. Instead, ask open-ended questions, listen actively, and acknowledge their achievements.

2 Align your goals

Innovators and confidence builders are also motivated by impact, meaning, and contribution. They want to make a difference in the world and solve real problems. To communicate effectively with them, you need to align your goals and show them how their work matters. Don't focus on trivial details, bureaucracy, or compliance. Instead, communicate the vision, mission, and values of your organization, project, or team. Show them how their work aligns with the bigger picture and the benefits for the stakeholders.

3 Encourage their creativity

Innovators and confidence builders are always looking for new ways to improve, innovate, and grow. They thrive on challenges, opportunities, and feedback. To communicate effectively with them, you need to encourage their creativity and support their learning. Don't limit their options, stifle their imagination, or discourage their experiments. Instead, provide them with resources, tools, and mentors. Give them constructive feedback, recognition, and rewards. Celebrate their successes and failures as learning opportunities.

5 Challenge them

Innovators and confidence builders are not complacent. They are always eager to learn, grow, and achieve more. They welcome feedback, criticism, and conflict as opportunities to improve. To communicate effectively with them, you need to challenge them and help them reach their potential. Don't praise them excessively, avoid confrontation, or lower your expectations. Instead, give them honest feedback, constructive criticism, and candid advice. Set high standards, clear goals, and realistic deadlines. Hold them accountable, responsible, and empowered.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?