Do you know what your leadership communication style is?
Understanding your leadership communication style will help you communicate better with your team and help your team communicate better with you! So what are the different leadership communication styles and how can you use this knowledge to your advantage? There are 4 different leadership communication styles.
1 – The Driver
The driver often feels like a more dominant communicator. They are focused on pushing a team forward and prefer to communicate with others (and be communicated with) directly. A lot of drivers can feel like a “steamroller” to their team members because they are so action-oriented and so intently focused on accomplishing a goal or completing a task. Drivers are not necessarily mean people who don’t care about others’ feelings, they are just so motivated by results that they can often come off as harsh and intense.
Here are a few characteristics of the leadership communication style, DRIVER:
- Get things accomplished
- Cut to the chase
- Direct and pointed
- Likes to be in charge
- Action-oriented
- Makes quick decisions
- Will take risks
- Can be abrupt
- Usually in a hurry
- Self-starting
- Like to delegate
- Don’t take time to teach
- Opinionated
- Extroverted
When communicating with a driver here are some important things to keep in mind:
- Say just what they need to hear.
- Resist the small talk.
- Stick to business.
- Be well prepared.
- Have an organized package.
- Provide options for them to choose from.
2 – Expressive
Someone with an expressive leadership communication style is going to be a more social, talkative leader. They are very energetic extroverts that can seem to be distracted at times. They are fun personalities who love people and can talk to anyone. Expressive leaders have a lot going on in their brains and tend to be more creative thinkers.
Here are some characteristics of the expressive leadership communication style:
- Love to talk
- Abstract thinkers
- Creative
- Like to influence
- People-centered
- Poor listeners
- Lots of energy
- Extroverted
- Optimistic
- Fun-loving
- Gregarious
- Quick thinkers
- Lots of gestures
- Funny (has a sense of humor)
When communicating with someone with an expressive leadership communication style it’s important to keep these things in mind:
- Provide a warm, friendly environment.
- Ask about things that interest them.
- Put details in writing.
- Ask “feeling” questions.
- Be fast-moving and stimulating
3 – Amiable
A leader with an amiable leadership communication style is going to be a little more down-to-earth and reserved. They will not be as gregarious, expressive, or dominant as other leaders. Amiable leaders are going to communicate in a non-threatening manner and make sure everyone’s opinions feel heard. They are not going to get too excited or dramatic and will not rush into new things quickly.
Here are some characteristics of the amiable leadership communication style:
- Nice people
- Responsible
- Reserved
- Logical
- Cooperative
- Persistent
- Good listeners
- Like to be of service to others
- Relaxed and easy-going
- Steady temperament
- Like to take time in making decisions
- Dislike confrontation
Keep these things in mind when communicating with someone with an amiable leadership communication style:
- Begin with a personal comment to break the ice.
- Present your case softly and in a non-threatening manner.
- Allow them time to think.
- Present ideas and goals logically.
- Don’t rush them
4 – Analytical
Leaders with the analytical leadership communication style are going to be very black and white. They want to know the facts and are detail-oriented because they are focused on problem-solving. They are going to be resistant to change and are not going to be very keen on taking risks. Leaders who communicate analytically are going to likely be more introverted rule followers who believe there is a “right way” or “wrong way” to do things.
Here are some characteristics of the analytical leadership communication style:
- Quantitative
- Perfectionists
- Must have the facts
- Critical thinkers
- Like the details
- Resist change
- Low-risk takers
- Follow the rules
- Introverted
- Task-oriented
- Few gestures
- High standards
When communicating with this type of leadership communication style:
- Prepare your case in advance.
- Stick to business.
- Keep emotions to a minimum.
- Be accurate and realistic.
- Be straightforward.
- Have action plans in writing.
Discovering Your Leadership Communication Style
So, do you have a solid idea of what type of communication style you use? You may think you have a good grasp on how you communicate as a leader but have you ever taken the time to do a self-assessment? Most leaders have not so that’s why we created our own self-assessment that you can do in less than 5 minutes. This tool will instantly tell you your leadership communication style once you walk through each of the prompts.
Click here to take your assessment and let me know what your leadership communication style is!