YOU wiLl LEARN
In this course, you’ll learn how to adapt your communication at work.
We’ll cover:
Why is it important?
How do you come across to others?
How do others communicate?
Strategies to adapt your communication.
KEY CONCEPTS
Why is adapting how you communicate important?
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Different Communication Styles
Did you know you have a preference for how you process information?
So does everyone you work with.
That’s why personalising your approach to how they process information will help them remember what you have to share.
Of the five below styles…
Which sound like you?
How about that person you need on your side at work?
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STYLE 1: GOVERNANCE GUIDER
A Governance Guider is motivated by certainty and evidence-based thinking.
Looking for facts, not jargon or hyperbole, a Governance Guider can hear you best when it’s clear you are considered, thoughtful and precise.
How to engage a Governance Guider:
Give a Governance Guider the facts, without any bells or whistles.
When they test an idea, it can sound like a critique. It’s not - all it is is seeking the facts to clarify what the next steps are.
Engage them early and seek their counsel to make your work stronger. Not as a last resort.
STYLE 2: DETAIL ROCKSTAR
A Detail Rockstar has brilliant attention to detail, and knows that excellence is a series of tiny details executed perfectly. A Detail Rockstar gets irritated when people gloss over the minutiae: they know it’s what makes something truly great.
Actions, not words, resonate with a truth seeker like a Detail Rockstar.
How to engage a Detail Rockstar:
If you are presenting to a Detail Rockstar, prepare notes, and be prepared for questions on what could go wrong and to clarify facts.
If you are ever unsure, build trust by writing down things you don’t know and making sure you get back to them in a timely manner.
STYLE 3: GSD ‘GET STUFF DONE’ DOER
Typically a GSD Doer moves fast. Motivated by the end product, they’re motivated by efficiency and completion. Frank communicators, they don’t beat around the bush. They loathe small talk, hoping people will secretly get on with the ‘real work’.
How to engage a Get Stuff Done Doer:
Skip the small talk and get right into it.
Show how what you are doing moves the project forward. Before you talk, ask yourself how what you’re about to tell them shows progress.
STYLE 4: VISION BUILDER
A Vision Builder is an ideas person. Thriving on big picture ideas and analogies, they are brilliant at seeing a future state and optimistic about what is achievable.
Because a Vision Builder’s focus is on the future, focussing on the detail is something they entrust to their team. Showing how what you do helps them achieve their vision enables them to hear you vividly.
How to engage a Vision Builder:
When speaking with a Vision Builder, prepare visual cues or imaginative analogies to paint a picture of how what you’re saying helps them achieve their end goal.
If you have bad news, make sure you have an alternative prospect showing how they can get what they want by looking at something differently.
STYLE 5: HEART SUPERSTAR
A heart superstar is motivated by instinct and intuition. They are excellent at ensuring everyone feels included. As a result, they’re excellent at bringing people together, particularly during a time of change.
Their superpower is identifying what people are craving and helping people deliver it.
How to engage a Heart Superstar:
When presenting to a Heart Superstar, outline how people feel more included and engaged at work.
Real life customer stories paint a vivid picture for a Heart Superstar. The more you can show a real life experience, the more likely they can hear your perspective.
Messages that land
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Bonus: 5 minute update
If you had only three sentences to sum up what you want your stakeholder to know, what could it be?
Challenge yourself to prepare a five minute update.
It forces you to distil your message. It saves time and helps you clarify your message before sharing.
Examples:
“I only need you to approve this one thing. Everything else is on track and I’m happy to answer any questions you may have.”
“The main thing is that the project will be delivered on time. You’ll be slightly inconvenienced in that it’ll take up most of your time this week, but next week onwards, we’ll be closer to achieving the goal.”
“A third of the team are on track and two thirds need help. Specifically, in areas A, B, C. We need support. What do you think?”
What would yours look like?