Effective Communication

Communication in the workplace is vital to an
organization’s ability to operate smoothly and productively.
Vertical and lateral communication leads to improved
overall company performance.

Upward communication, which is the flow of information to
higher levels within an organization and typically involves
feedback, empowers employees, and increases job
satisfaction.
Downward communication, meaning information passed
down from superiors or managers, also increases worker
happiness.

Overall, the flow of communication in the workplace is very
important to workers and therefore to the overall success of
an organization.
Employees want to be sure that they are receiving
thorough and truthful information from superiors, and that
they are able to share their own ideas, thoughts and
concerns.

Communication Styles in the
Workplace
People are hard-wired with different communication styles,
which is important to note because successful
communication requires that someone who is receiving
information from another person gets the message and
correctly interprets it.

Four Main Communication
Styles
1. Interpersonal (Relator)
2. Affective (Socializer)
3. Cognitive (Thinker)
4. Behavioral (Director)
http://www.insteplimited.com/pdf/SKILLS/Communication_Styles.pdf

Interpersonal/Relator
Relators easily and readily express their thoughts and
feelings, but generally think at a more conscious level and
slower pace.
They are more relationship-oriented and prefer unobtrusive
interactions.

Affective/Socializer
Socializers prefer to work with others rather than alone.
They generally interact with a fast-paced communication
style that can be interpreted as aggressive.

Cognitive/Thinker
Thinkers are analytical in their approach and have a more
closed, personal style.
They often take time to feel comfortable revealing ideas
and information about themselves to others.

Behavioral/Director
Directors are typically competitive and aggressive in
nature.
They are independent and results-oriented, less focused on
the impact felt by others.

Communication Among
Different Styles
In order to establish effective communication amongst
people that inherently operate with different communication
styles, it is important to avoid misinterpretation of
messages and motives and instead develop a means of
learning and understanding.

Connecting with Relators
 Seek out and listen to their opinions and ideas.
 Allow them time to make decisions without pressure.
 Encourage them to express concerns or opinions without
aggressive opposition.
 Try to reach a mutual agreement on work goals and
deadlines.

Connecting with Socializers
 Allow time for socializing in meetings.
 Confirm and follow up on any agreements that they
have made.
 Discuss experiences, people, opinions and facts, and
attempt to support your ideas with opinions of people
they respect.
 Ask about, and respect, their “gut” feelings.
 Seek a balance between fun and achieving results.

Connecting with Thinkers
 Speak and behave in a more formal manner.
 Present options along with the pros and cons of an
idea.
 Be punctual and follow up in writing.
 Ensure that information is presented in an organized
and comprehensive manner.
 Recognize that options considered risky are generally
not welcomed.

Connecting with Directors
 Get straight to the point and avoid over-explaining or
repeating yourself.
 Be sure to be well-prepared and organized.
 Be punctual and speak in a fast pace.
 Focus on the results that are to be achieved.

Effective communicators are those that are able to
learn the different communication styles of others,
recognize and adapt to them.
This is important whether someone is sharing or
receiving information.

Cooperation and Efficiency in
the Workplace
The ability to communicate effectively is essential to
successful cooperation of coworkers.
When there is clear communication throughout an
organization, it creates an environment in which labor and
tasks can be organized efficiently, initiatives are known and
pursued, and profitability is maximized.