Leading based on assumptions is never a good idea. It perpetuates prejudices and provokes defensive reactions. Moreover, it's dangerous because by interpreting a situation differently, based on your own perspective, you become 'blind' to what is actually happening. This way, you might miss important signals from your team.
Imagine you ask the leaders in your organization; how would they answer these questions?
Have you ever:
- Have you ever felt like you and a conversation partner were talking past each other?
- had difficulty 'clicking' with someone you managed?
- felt energized after interacting with certain people, while feeling drained after interactions with others?
- Have you hoped to understand someone better so you knew how to communicate effectively?
- made an assumption about someone that turned out to be incorrect?
People want to be seen and heard for who they truly are, not based on assumptions, prejudices, or presumptions. How well do your leaders interpret the behavior of others? Do they communicate with everyone in the same way, or can they adapt their approach based on who they are speaking with? Can they anticipate the communication style others need simply by observing their behavior?
Changing your mindset about communication can make a difference. This is the fourth of eight mindset shifts that can transform the impact of leaders.
Leadership Mindset Shift #4 – React to what you see, not what you know
The Process Communication Model® distinguishes differences in how people communicate. These differences are observable through words, tone, posture, gestures, and facial expressions. When you can recognize these behavioral characteristics, you, as a leader, can communicate more personally and avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. This is because a generic approach often leads to people feeling unheard and unrecognized. Others' reactions will quickly reveal whether we are truly communicating and on the same page, or not.
Four Communication Channels: How to Know if You're on the Same Page
Effective communication is a two-way street. When you are 'tuned in' with someone, your message is received as intended, and their response shows you that you are understood. How many of your daily interactions meet this standard? What would change if you could increase that number?
Just as you tune a radio or TV to the right channel to enjoy your favorite program, people need to be on the same channel to communicate effectively. Each person has their own preferred communication channel, and we distinguish between four distinct types.
Nurturing: Some people communicate best when we cherish them and show our caring side, for example, by demonstrating that they are valued.
Inquiring: Some people respond best when we ask for information, prompt them to think, and answer with facts and opinions, much like two computers exchanging data.
Emotive: Others appreciate it when we are spontaneous and humorous in our communication, keeping the conversation light, lively, and enjoyable.
Directive: Still others communicate best when we are direct, use few words, and specifically tell them what we want.
React to what you see, improve interpersonal communication
Imagine the effect of PCM communication channels on your interpersonal communication: daily interactions, emails, text messages, and even difficult conversations, all tailored. Adapting your communication style to the person you're speaking with leads to better understanding, greater engagement, and more effective communication. And there are more benefits.
- The focus remains on behavior, not on unstated assumptions.
- Misunderstandings are avoided, and there is less resistance.
- We are reminded that we are personally responsible for how we communicate with one another.
- It helps to identify healthy communication and (unhealthy) miscommunication.
Change your mindset, become a better leader
Learning how to recognize and adapt communication with different personality types based on observable behavior rather than assumptions is the focus of this module in the PCM Leadership Program.
In this module, leaders learn:
- to become self-aware of their own communication style;
- to become more aware of different communication styles;
- improve the quality and impact of their emails, social media, and other virtual communication;
- prevent energy waste from unproductive conversations;
- to encourage others to feel heard and understood.
Do you want to start strengthening your leadership? Contact us.
