Did you know that most communication is non-verbal? Miscommunication often occurs because we are so focused on what we are discussing that we miss the process of how it is being communicated.
If you were to survey leaders in your organization, how would they answer these questions?
Have you ever...
- had an interaction with someone and wondered what 'really' happened?
- Ever heard someone say, "I don't like your tone"?
- Have you ever felt misunderstood?
- Have you received 'mixed messages' because someone said one thing while their body language indicated something else?
- Have you ever spoken a bit louder, only to find it made no difference?
- Wished you could reach a wider audience?
How well do your leaders communicate? And what impact does that have on employee engagement, staff retention, customer service, and team morale? What if you had the tools to improve this? What difference would this make for your organization, its culture, and its brand?
A different way of thinking about leadership can make all the difference. This is the first of eight mindset shifts that can transform the effectiveness of your leadership.
Leadership Mindset Shift #1: How you say something is more important than what you say
As just mentioned, miscommunication often occurs because we are so focused on what we *say* that we miss the process of *how* it is being communicated. By focusing more on the process of how you communicate, you can significantly improve the impact of your message and the quality of your communication.
This has a scientific basis. The Process Communication Model® identifies six preferences people use in communication. It's all about the ‘how’ of communication. When you pick up on the ‘energy’ of how someone prefers to communicate, you can get on the same wavelength. It can make a huge difference in whether people truly hear you and appreciate your intention.
The six communication preferences are:
- Compassion: Showing that you care about people and that they are safe with you.
- Logic: Being logical and making rational sense.
- Humor: Being energetic, cheerful, and spontaneous.
- Reflection: Allowing time and space for thought.
- Values: Making relevant connections with values, beliefs, and principles.
- Initiative: Getting things done and maintaining a high pace.
You can recognize someone's communication preference by paying attention to how they communicate. Use this table to identify their preferred way. Then, adjust your energy to get on the same wavelength for greater connection and a stronger relationship.
Experience the power of flexible communication
Neurobiological research shows that when you receive a message in your preferred language, you are more likely to pay more attention to the message, remember the content more easily, react positively, and feel better.
Below are a few areas where leaders can apply different communication styles to lead more effectively. Imagine how you could apply this in these areas:
- Better response to emails.
- Increased attendance at a meeting.
- Better collaboration with your most challenging relationships.
- A greater sphere of influence.
Flexible communication is a choice
Flexible leaders make conscious choices in their communication to strengthen connection and understanding. They develop their skills in applying all six communication preferences. How proficient are your leaders in conscious communication?
Don't confuse discomfort with a lack of authenticity. By consciously communicating with different preferences, you can see more, be more, and do more by experiencing and utilizing your entire personality as a leader. While it may feel uncomfortable and complicated at first, it is a tremendous asset for leaders.
Change your mindset to become a better leader
Leveraging communication preferences in leadership is the focus of one of the eight modules in the PCM Leadership Program. Leaders learn how to:
- To improve empathy and build trust.
- Making it easier to connect with others
- To increase connection and positive influence
Do you want to start strengthening your leadership? Contact us.
The content of this message was largely created by and is used with permission from Next Element Consulting LLC, which holds the copyright to this content. No claim of ownership is made over this content.
