March 17, 2008
How to match your manager's communication style
If it seems that your boss wasn't listening in your last discussion, maybe the cause was a disconnect in your communication styles. Lawyers know all about communication and there is a great post on the Idealawg blog which goes into detail on four different listening styles. They are:
- People: Want to get to know the other person. Looking for common interests
- Action: Impatient. Wants accurate and concise statements to get to an action plan
- Content: Wants complete facts, data and arguments so that they can draw their own conclusions
- Time: Wants short, speedy interactions. Concerned with how much time you are using
Most managers use multiple styles but may have one dominant style that is used most often. If you want to establish rapport with your boss, match your approach to his/her communication style.
Filed under Communicating by Linda Griffin
Comments on How to match your manager's communication style »
Alice @ 2:17 pm
Well I am a manager as well and I think I fall into trying to get to know the employee and things about them before trying to dive into the problem, discussion, etc. When time doesn't allow it, I at least I think try to find out how the employee is doing.
My manager I believe wants all the details, but will procrastinate and take and "tinker" with information as I sit on the other side of the phone wondering what he is doing or if he is even paying attention. Just recently, he changed his low keyed slow speeching to fast and to me - I feel I cannot keep up with his fast talk. Not sure if there is anything I can do about it. I try my best to keep my boss involved when he needs to be but I do not include him on every little thing. I do not expect my employees to involve me in every little thing either. They are professionals and should be treated as such.
Linda Griffin @ 12:07 pm
Hi Alice,
Thanks for your comment. Please see today's post for some suggestions that may help you.