Secrets to Success
Secrets to Success
Ever wonder why you're able to just "click" with some people, almost instantly, while other people seem to be a bit more challenging to get to know? Understanding others
critical for long-term successEvery day, you can expect to experience joys, frustrations and rewards as you interact with people of varying communication styles. You are regularly making critical decisions -- such as who you do business with, or who you like to work with -- based on your perceptions of other people and how well you relate to them. The people who interact with you are doing exactly the same thing, ultimately determining your opportunities for long term success based on their perception of you.
Here's one great thing to know; the better you become at discovering people's preferred communication style, the more effective you will be in communicating with all types of people. Just as important as it is to know what type of communication you prefer, it is equally important to understand and adapt to how others prefer to be communicated with. By adapting your communication style you will not only get your message across, it will be well received. You will likely be perceived as someone who will be a pleasure to do business with.
Each of us has a unique combination of communication styles, like our own behavioral fingerprint. When you fully understand what motivates you to do the things you do, you will more easily modify your behavior when necessary.
Anytime I coach a business professional who is struggling with communication, whether with their co-workers or team, I'll encourage them to take personal responsibility. It is a basic human tendency to place blame or feel the other person should adapt to us. However, a true leader and powerful communicator will take ownership of the challenge and discover ways to negotiate through the conflict or misunderstanding in order to work together more effectively.
There are a number of factors, including an individual's propensity toward that component, that contribute to a person's overall behavioral style. Here are four contributing factors to get you started. These factors determine how a person best receives/processes information.
1. Visual: Wants to see what it is you are talking about, whether in actual physical form or through a well constructed analogy that allows them to virtually picture things.
2. Auditory: Will listen intently to hear what it is you are trying to convey to them.
3. Kinesthetic: Prefers to use a hands-on approach to learning or tangibly grab hold of something.
4. Digital: Responds best when there is a "step-by-step system" where they can analyze the process before making a decision.
The better you are at identifying what approach people prefer, the more you can assure yourself long term success by adapting your words to the way they most readily receive information. Choosing your words appropriately is critical in all business relationships. (Not to mention what it can do to your personal relationships!) Certain words can sink a deal, while other words will inspire people to want to work with you, or enter into a relationship with you.
Surprisingly though, "words" constitute a mere 7 percent of the communication process. While using the right words you'll need to pay attention to matching the voice cues, body language and rate/tone of speech of the person you are communicating with. Powerful communicators are people who create the best environment for others, while stepping out of their own comfort zone. This is the first step in inspiring others toward action.
To alleviate some of the challenges that may come as you step out of your comfort zone, imagine yourself learning another language and visiting another country. Picture the differences in the culture you see around you, listen to the speech patterns and take note of the mannerisms people around you use. This is the same process you must use with someone who has a different communication style.
If you would like to learn some of the key words and phrases commonly used by each of the four main communication styles, send me an e-mail and I'll make sure you receive this valuable list. The action steps in this article combined with the right tools will help you begin to develop more meaningful connections with people 20 percent to 30 percent faster. Start to break down the barriers to effective communication by putting these proven methods to use today and you'll strengthen your foundation for long term success!
Deborah Cole Micek, chief executive officer
of RPM Success Group, is a business success coach
and life strategist. Reach her at DCM@RPMsuccess.com
or (888) 334-8151.