I’ve learnt through my experiences at work,  that it is important to be tuned into how the people you work with absorb information…especially your Manager, or people you need to build trust with.   You see,  everyone has their own communication preference, and everyone absorbs information different ways.   There are lots of different official theories about this topic, but I’m not very good at remembering the theory…. here’s my take on it based on experiences in the office…

Some people LOVE detail

As I’ve said before,  I’m a short and sweet kinda girl.  Give me a text book or a thick wod of instructions and I’ll be asleep before page 2, just give me the key messages in bullet points PLEASE.  But not everyone I work with has been like this.  I worked with someone once who needed every minute detail to be explained before they committed.   For me, it was like watching paint dry,  such a slow and laborious process.  But I knew I needed to hang in there, I provided every inch of detail that I could and eventually they were on the journey with me.   If i had just steamed ahead in my usual style,  I would have lost them and maybe not achieved all the outcomes I needed.

Some people LOVE visuals

Infact, I’m a bit of a visual person myself, but sometimes even I forget that.  This week I’ve been trying to explain to my boss how my project is progressing.  Despite the fact that I have written down some key points and I can verbally explain exactly what is going on…i get a sense that he’s not with me.   Uh Oh.   So as a last ditch attempt, I decide to try and do a chart…how can I convert my thinking into one simple chart.  It took a few stabs but I finally got something that vaguely resembled what I was trying to explain and BANG!  instantly he got it.   Phew.   Now I am looking at the chart and suddenly it all seems clearer to me too.   Amazing what a simple translation can do.  Same concept, different communication style.

Some people LOVE need it in context

Remember at school in maths,  when they gave you word examples instead of just the numerics  e.g  2+2=4  or Someone has two apples and buys another two, how many apples do they have now?   I actually was way better at the numerical questions,  but others are the opposite.  In this case, you need examples,  talk about your concept using analogies and examples.   This will help the concept to “click” in their minds.

If you keep your eyes peeled at the office, you’ll notice there are lots more variations.  I like to play little games with myself sometimes,  trying to work out what style each of my co-workers has or someone new that I have met.   Whilst it may not seem that important, I’ve come to realise that this can be one of the most critical things that helps you succeed.  If you are willing to change your preferred style, to fit into someone elses,  they are far more likely to support your work and what you are trying to achieve.

Go on…have a play with it today..