Different communication styles, Part 1 – the best communicators know this, so should you.

 May 06, 2015

One area I spend a lot of time teaching students is different communication styles. I discuss the importance of knowing their communication style, its effect on others, and vice versa. In addition, I stress the importance of knowing when their communication style is slipping from its best to its worst.

So for today’s post, here’s a piece from our very popular Advanced Interpersonal Communication training program, enjoy.

To be successful in the workplace, you must be able to effectively communicate and cooperate with clients and co-workers. Learning about the four different types of communication styles helps the listener understand the speaker’s perspective and a speaker understand how their communication style affects the listener.

Primary communication styles

There are four types of communication styles, of which no style is better than the other. The population is equally divided among the four styles, and each serves an important role in the workplace. The four primary communication styles are:

  1. Collaborator
  2. Contributor
  3. Inquisitor
  4. Director
Collaborator

Collaborators are approachable because they are friendly and open. They thrive on interactions with people, have high-energy levels, and are outgoing. Because of their enthusiasm, they are usually good motivators and expect others to be just as enthusiastic about each of their new ideas. As a result, co-workers occasionally see collaborators as impulsive.

While people who fall into this group are often called visionaries, many times they are so full of new ideas that they might not have time to finish their work tasks. When communicating, collaborators are expert storytellers. The collaborator tends to be dramatic and will cite examples before quoting statistics, unless the statistics are sensational. When it comes to offering opinions, the collaborator is apt to be straightforward. They often “think out loud” and skip from topic to topic without a logical path. Collaborators expect chit-chat and see it as a critical part of building rapport in the workplace.

Contributor

Contributors are socially oriented, but prefer speaking with people in small groups or individually. Contributors are good listeners and open to new opinions and ideas. Often, contributors are masters at the art of compromise and are called upon to be the peacemaker in group settings.

However, contributors’ diplomacy leads them to be viewed as indecisive and non-authoritarian. In addition, their desire to maintain a peaceful environment might lead to contributors to repress angry feelings. Instead, they might air their complaints to a third party. When this happens, contributors are not seeking advice or resolution but want someone to listen as they release the anger they have kept hidden.

Inquisitor

Inquisitors are the perfectionist of communication. Logic and reason rule the communication of an inquisitor. Generally, both the phrasing and the repercussions of any question or response that an inquisitor gives have been well thought out. The inquisitor does not typically speak in emotional terms but prefers data and hard facts.

Inquisitors like to minimise risk through strict attention to detail. Unfortunately, the inquisitors’ high standards often lead people to view them as overly critical of themselves and others. Inquisitors like small groups or one-on-one interactions but prefer to work alone.

Director

Directors focus on completion of tasks. Most directors adopt a practical approach to situations and generally take action when someone with a different communication style is analysing or planning. This gives directors a reputation for being decisive; however, they can change their opinions, sometimes radically, when they perceive that a situation has changed.

Occasionally, directors’ decisiveness and quick action can be frustrating to others, especially in situations where the quick decision was the wrong one. In addition, because directors tend to be forthright with opinions and reach their points quickly, their communication style can be intimidating. Often, directors are perceived as lacking compassion, but they frequently express support through action rather than empathy.

In my next blog post, we will explore the secondary communication styles of Aggressor, Consenter, Avoider and Controller.

Until next time, stay centered, stay sharp, and stay mindful of others.

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About the Author:

Stan Thomas  

Stan has been working in a professional training capacity for over 15 years and possesses a wealth of knowledge in the areas of adult education gained through both formal study and practical training delivery both nationally and internationally. As the Professional Development Manager for New Horizons Melbourne, Stan is responsible for the delivery, quality control and enhancement of existing and new programs at New Horizons.

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