The Situation:Adapting to Different Communication Styles
Bill is responsible for a team of six individuals. This team is highly regarded by the clients. The team meets on a quarterly basis with Bill and his manager, the senior vice president, to discuss strategies for growth and working with new clients. The senior vice president often gets impatient because the team members have difficultly speak up in the meetings. When they do speak up, they frequently ramble, especially when discussing challenges with clients, ideas for resolving issues, or explaining their point of view.
The Solution/Action Plan
Bill and the team members each take a communication assessment (The Platinum Rule). They also ask observers to assess their communication styles in action. Based on the assessments, the senior vice president is a Director. Bill is a Socializer. The team is made up of Relators and Thinkers – perfect for their clients.
Bill realizes he has an opportunity to effect learning moments with his team. The senior vice president strives to take the time to listen, to be sensitive of the time he has, and to share with others. The Thinkers and Relators understand time limits and begin to speak with the end in mind.
The Outcome:
Bill and the senior vice president are more aware of the team’s comfort level and communication styles during the quarterly meetings. The team continues to coach each other so they can strengthen their skills. They hope to become even more effective when working with situations that arise without warning.
“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
Jane Goodall