Communication and cooperation is a good way to promote mutual understanding — much of your success as a leader is dependent on what others do for and with you, so making sure that the
communication lines are open and that you’re each cooperating in a stable work environment will 
ensure your success as well as the success of others. As a leader, it’s important to understand that, while effective communication is crucial for success, not everyone communicates in the exact same way. Each person not only brings their own history, experiences and knowledge to each interaction,
they also bring their own preferences and priorities to the conversation as well. This means that just because we like to communicate in a certain way, doesn’t mean that others like to communicate that well.
In general, there are four distinct communication styles, dominant, influencer, conscientious and steady. People typically fall into one or two of these styles and you can usually pick up on these styles if you pay attention. Understanding the different styles and how you can interact better with each (by understanding and flexing your own style) can make a huge impact on how you communicate and interact with the people around you. I’ve listed the styles below and shared some details that will help you better understand and identify the different styles.
- Dominant Style: People who fall into the dominant style are usually decisive and efficient. They may even seem a little intense at times. They will typically be very results oriented, competitive and also willing to take risks. Sometimes people with this communication style can be perceived as blunt or direct and while others with this style will likely value this direct style, other may find it a little to forceful. People who fall into this style like communication to be quick and to the point and don’t need too many details.
- Influencing Style:Influencers are typically described as outgoing and enthusiastic. They are often known as a social butterfly. They can easily persuade others to see their point of view and really value building relationships with others. These folks are typically very lively and optimistic. Sometimes this style can be perceived as unreliable and disorganized because while they tend to be great at generating ideas, details are not always important to them. While others who share this style will appreciate their enthusiasm and propensity towards action, others may find them to be a but overwhelming. People with this style like tend to like getting to know people on a deeper level and appreciate having fun.
- Steadiness Style:People who fall into the steadiness style are usually cooperative and relaxed. They are patient, humble and service-oriented. They like calm environments and dislike fast paced or rapidly changing environment. These folks tend to be a bit more reserved and tactful. They will often choose their words very carefully to avoid any miscommunication. These folks don’t need a lot of public attention but generally appreciate praise. While those who share the steadiness style appreciate their easy going nature, others may see this style as indecisive, slow to act or even resistant to change.
- Conscientious Style:People who fall into the contentious style tend to be systematic and logical. These folks tend to be reserved and focused more on details and process than people. They are cautious and will avoid taking risks. These folks like things to be done well and appreciate attention to detail. A person with the contentious style will often take longer to get things done as they prefer accuracy over expedience. They are often described as skeptical, quiet and as someone that keeps to themselves. Other contentious style will appreciate their attention to detail, but others may find this overly cautious or even holding up progress.
You can see where having different styles might cause conflict among people. If someone with a dominant style is communicating with someone with a steadiness or conscientious style, they may become frustrated with their slower pace, while the conscientious person might feel like the dominant person is not thinking things through and the steady style person may feel like the dominant person is too blunt or even rude.
It’s important that we learn our own style and begin to recognize the style of others so that we can more effectively communicate. If you are someone who likes details and are communicating with someone who prefers quick and to the point answers, you may want to provide them with only the relevant details, rather than everything you know about a subject. If you are someone who doesn’t love the details and are communicating with some in the conscientious or steadiness style, you may want to provide them with the opportunity to process what you are saying and allow them to ask questions.
If you are familiar with your style and have the ability to read the style of others, you can adjust your style to get the most out of your interactions. Understanding communication styles can go a long way in helping you become a better leader. What is your communication style?
