Under Pressure: Using Communication Styles to Your Benefit

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Being able to defiine various communication styles will help you adapt to co-workers and clients in a way that allows for maximum productivity.

With the fourth quarter well underway, we often find ourselves stressed a bit more than usual.  It is more important than ever to take a moment and acknowledge how we are communicating with others (and how they communicate with us).  As part of our continued learning process here at Maple Ridge Farms, we recently participated in what we call “Building Ridgers.”  The first thing we tackled in this valuable program of management essentials was learning how to recognize the various styles of communication, both in ourselves and in others.

Presented by the Premier Consulting Group, the first section on “Leadership and Communication” taught us that most people communicate in one of four styles: Bold, Expressive, Supportive, or Technical, (B-E-S-T).  Each style has its own strengths and limitations, so it’s important to acknowledge that no one style is best.  It’s also vital to value the differences in styles so that you can adapt to each other and create a team that effectively performs at its best.  Let’s take a look at the four styles of communication:

“B” – Bold:

People who utilize the Bold style of communication tend to get results, and show initiative and a “take charge” attitude.  They often value efficiency and usually prod others to achieve.  When working with others, they appreciate people who keep commitments, get right to the point, and use their time efficiently.  They are organized, direct, and usually confront issues head-on.  With all of these dynamic traits often comes the perception of insensitivity.  Bold communicators can want to win so much that they can offend others who get in the way, often appearing cold or detached.  When facing pressure or opposition, it may be hard for them to offer praise, acknowledge feelings, or show patience.  It’s easier for them to give directions, rather than let others figure things out for themselves.

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"Expressive" communicators create excitement and meet adversity with optimism.

“E” – Expressive:

Those with Expressive communication styles frequently create excitement, generate new ideas, and meet adversity with optimism.  They value challenge, deadlines, novelty, spirit and fun.  They are often original and creative thinkers who find shortcuts, and exude optimism and a “can-do” attitude.  When working with others, they appreciate when others share in their excitement, rise to a challenge, and know how to have fun in their work.  With all of this enthusiasm comes the perception of disorganization and inattentiveness to details.  They run the risk of appearing unreliable, unrealistic, and quick to over-promise and under-deliver.  When facing pressure, it’s difficult to slow down and be objective or remember the original goal.

“S” – Supportive:

People apt to a Supportive style of communication often provide support and consider others’ feelings.  Loyal to a cause, they tend to give the benefit of the doubt and go the “extra mile” to help others.  As team players, they are thoughtful, patient, and the source of encouragement.  Willing to help, even if it requires extra work or effort, they value when others share their consideration and good manners.  Unfortunately, they can often be seen as too willing to accept substandard performance.  Seen as softhearted or too sensitive to criticism, they run the risk of appearing a pushover.

“T” – Technical:

Those with a Technical communication style have the ability to stay calm and balanced.  Focusing on the facts and details at hand, they avoid mistakes by making rational decisions while developing and documenting processes.  They love when others attack a problem logically and without emotions.  They want to see the task done right on the first go-round and are often the ones to point out flaws before others find them.  All this attention to detail can lead to hesitancy and reluctance to take chances.  Deadlines and risk can take a second seat to analysis and perfection.

Being aware of the various styles in communication can make all the difference on how our daily interactions among co-workers and clients are perceived.  When things are going well, the different styles in an office or a client’s project can work together like pieces of the same puzzle.  However, when tensions run high, some people “dig deeper” into their own styles and the limitations can overtake the values.  It’s important to recognize the styles of those you are working with.  Being aware of someone else’s style can allow you to adapt your own to achieve the results the project needs.

You can bridge the gaps in styles when facing resistance by simply remembering that it is normal to become more unyielding and protective when faced with a tense situation.  Taking a deep breath and deciding to lower the anxiety will help to lower the barriers.  Taking a moment to recognize someone else’s style and acknowledging the validity of their views will allow you to modify your style and accomplish the task successfully as a team.  Which communication style do you tend to fall into?  Which kind of style do you prefer to work with?