The 4 Communication Styles Every Leader Should Know

My client, let’s call her Amelia, is one of the most thoughtful leaders that I coach.

She listens carefully. She thinks before she speaks, and when she finally shares her opinion, it’s intelligent, meaningful and clear.

Sounds great, right?

It is most of the time! But Amelia’s boss communicates in exactly the opposite way. He thinks out loud, moves fast and expects quick answers in meetings.

So, when he fires off a rapid question and expects an instant response, Amelia freezes. Her mind goes blank. She stumbles through a half-formed answer, then spends the rest of the day frustrated with herself, knowing she had a much better answer in her back pocket. She just needed a few more minutes to get there.

This isn’t an Amelia problem. It’s a communication style problem, and it shows up on almost every team that I have worked with over the years.

We Don’t All Communicate The Same Way

As a leader, it’s easy to assume that everyone processes information the same way that you do. But in reality, they do not! We are all wired differently, and this impacts the way we communicate.

Here are the four communication styles that I see most often:

• Direct communicators speak fast, get to the point, and make decisions on the spot.
• Inspirational communicators think out loud, love big ideas, and communicate with energy and enthusiasm.
• Supportive communicators need time to process before they respond. They have plenty to contribute, but often won’t volunteer it unless asked.
• Analytical communicators want the data and the details first. They think things through carefully and communicate at a slower, more deliberate pace.

Which one sounds like you?

Two Things Every Leader Should Do Next

So, what can you do when you work with someone whose style is very different from yours?

1. Don’t mistake a different communication style for a lack of capability.

Someone who needs time to think may have a lot to contribute. However, they may not be the person who gives their best answer in the first 30 seconds. Give people space to process, especially when the issue is complex or important.

2. Adapt your communication to the person in front of you.

Great communication isn’t about communicating in the way that feels most natural for you. It’s about understanding how the other person processes information and then adjusting your approach to meet their needs.

With Amelia, we built a simple script for her to use with her boss: “I want to give you a strong answer, not just a fast one. Can you please give me 15 minutes, and I’ll follow up with you right after the meeting.”

This approach has been a game changer for Amelia. It buys her time to think clearly so that she can provide her leader with a thorough response.

Once she started using this approach, her VP didn’t push back once. Rather, he respected her more and now relies on her for concrete data and analysis that is having a direct and positive impact on the team’s success.

Remember that when it comes to communication styles, there is no “right” or “wrong,” but many of us are just wired differently.

Different does not mean less capable!

What can you do to adapt your communication style in order to help someone on your team perform at their best?

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