Understanding and Embracing Multiple Communication Styles

Value and Need for All Styles and Forms:

In today’s technology-savvy and fast-paced world with multiple ways to communicate, it is even more important to understand the value and the need for all forms of communication to be successful in business and personal communication. That being said, being as efficient as possible is key. Can you imagine communicating today with only a landline phone?

Stereotypical Generational Preferences:

Generations are being labeled with stereotypical preferences. We have all heard the Y generation is lazy, only wanting to communicate through text and email, and preferring little to no live conversation, while baby boomers only want to talk on the phone and meet in person. These two generations definitely carry the brunt of the stereotypes, and most often wrongfully so. I think we can all admit that the most successful relationships, whether personal or business, have great communication as a key ingredient. How can a successful relationship between parent and child exist without understanding and accepting the communication differences between generations? How can a successful business deal occur if the leaders involved are of different generations and don’t have value for each other’s communication preferences?

It is best to remain neutral or judgment-free when it comes to communication preferences.

Be Open, Adapt, Be Flexible:

Be a chameleon. Change and adapt to new styles. You will reap the benefits of showing you are proficient and open to multiple communication styles. Think about the unlimited possibilities in building new relationships as you communicate with multiple styles preferred by your potential pursuits. Have you thought about asking your customers what form of communication they prefer? Or how about asking your children? Think about how cool a parent you will be when you are the chameleon and can effectively communicate with them in their preferred style, at least some of the time.

Accept and Embrace:

Accept the things you cannot change and embrace the things you can. Technology will continue to advance, and all generations will need to continue to accept and embrace the changes. I think back personally to the early ‘90s when my father and I opened a restaurant together. He stated that I was in charge of the inventory, schedule, time sheets, finances and anything that had to be done on the computer. This is the same man that said he would never own a smart phone. Now, at 64 years of age, he has accepted and embraced technology above and beyond anything I would have imagined and owns a smartphone, iPad, laptop, and Apple TV. He regularly texts and emails and communicates with his children and grandchildren.

Acceptance and understanding of multiple communication styles can only benefit you in the long run. Be the change advocate in your personal life and in business. I assure you will find nothing but positive results.

by Christy Lewis, The Opus Group