Communication is an important concept in the workplace that cannot be neglected because it plays a role in the effectiveness of teams in the workplace and the general growth of the company.
In this article, I would talk about the different communication styles that you might encounter in the workplace.
I have also dug through a ton of research to come up with the best communication style in the workplace and characteristics or signs to easily identify these communication styles in your colleagues, employers, or employees. So, let’s get straight to it.
Table of contents
Why Do Communication Styles Matter in the workplace?
Communication is a major part of the workplace, and as an employee or an employer knowing different communication styles is of great importance when trying to assess your colleagues and communicate effectively with them.
Being knowledgeable in the different communication skills would help in the following ways:
1. Assist you in determining where communication might be improved in the workplace.
According to the Lucidchart research, 44 percent of individuals blame miscommunication for unfinished initiatives. Miscommunication can lead to various problems, including stress, low morale, and customer loss.
It only shows how critical it is to improve your communication skills. It’s critical to figure out how to recognize these diverse approaches among your employees and take the time to transmit the information as needed.
It will not only boost the team’s performance, but it will also increase sales.
2. Assist you in providing the training and resources for your specific staff needs.
It’s also important to create the same culture among coworkers while you focus on enhancing your communication with your personnel. This may be accomplished by providing your employees with the resources and training.
Holding training that allows them to learn more about cooperating as a team and overcoming their concerns will bridge the communication barriers. This will make things in your company function more smoothly.
It will also show your dedication to your employees’ personal development and encourage them to continue working.
You can read this: Professional Communication Skills To Succeed At Work
3. Promotes Workplace Inclusivity and Cooperation
Because your employees have diverse communication styles, you’ll need to add tools that cater to each. Some people prefer to work on their tasks via emails and written language, while others prefer to concentrate on a visual depiction.
This will foster inclusion and inspire your employees to work more cooperatively and enthusiastically.
4. Assists in the Promotion of Transparency in Your Organization
Are your employees aware of your organization’s aims and ambitions? As a manager, it’s critical to clarify your company’s goals. This will assist your employees in identifying various ways in which they might contribute to the broader aim.
It also shows your employees that you regard them as team members and that their contributions are valued. Despite the limitations posed by communication styles, this honesty goes a long way.
What Are The Main Communication Styles?
Your communication style is how you engage with others, talk, behave, and respond in different situations.
Various schools of thought have different communication styles which they feel are most accurate and express the communication patterns of workers in the workplace.
However, for this article, I have highlighted 4 main communication styles that seem more generally accepted by the population based on research. The four main communication styles are as follows:
1. Passive Communication Style
Passive communicators are usually silent and don’t get others’ attention. During arguments, they may appear uninterested and rarely take a firm viewpoint or impose themselves.
Because they seldom communicate their wants or feelings, it might be difficult to tell whether they are uncomfortable or require assistance with a critical endeavor.
These characteristics distinguish a passive communicator:
- Inability to refuse
- Bad posture
- a relaxed attitude
- Inability to make eye contact
- a gentle voice
- Apology-oriented disposition
- Fidgeting
2. Aggressive Communication Style
Aggressive communicators regularly communicate their feelings and views, and they often dominate talks at the expense of others. The kind of communicators may also respond without thinking, harming relationships and reducing workplace efficiency.
While an aggressive communication style may gain respect in some leadership circumstances, it may be scary to individuals who prefer a calmer approach.
These are some characteristics of an aggressive communicator:
- Interrupting individuals in the middle of a conversation
- Invading people’s private lives
- Posing in a domineering manner
- Using threatening gestures
- Keeping constant eye contact
3. Passive-Aggressive Communication Style
On the surface, passive-aggressive communicators look docile, yet more aggressive motives generally motivate their activities. While their words may appear nice, their deeds may not always match their words.
Passive-aggressive communicators can manage a situation to their advantage subtly. Although this isn’t always the case, some passive-aggressive communicators utilize this strategy because they feel helpless or controlled.
Passive-aggressive communicators can use the following strategies:
- Muttering
- Using sarcasm as communication
- Demonstrating denial
- When they’re visibly sad, they put on a smiling front.
- Giving quiet treatment to someone
4. Assertive Communication Style
In the office, the forceful communication style is usually the most courteous and effective. Assertive communicators are confident in their opinions and ideas, yet they are always courteous and considerate.
They will take on new tasks but know when to say “no.” These people are aware of their own limitations and guard them without being unduly confrontational or defensive.
You’ll notice an aggressive communicator’s ability to make people feel at ease while you’re with them. They’re the people you meet because you know they’ll be able to help you have a constructive conversation.
Assertiveness manifests itself in the following ways:
- You can use expansive gesture to express a wide range of emotions.
- Tendencies to collaborate and share
- Expressing feelings and thoughts healthily.
- Pose correctly.
- A distinct voice
- Friendly eye contact
As a leader or manager, you can check these leadership styles: 10 Best Leadership Styles in the Workplace | 2023
Which Communication Style Is Best For The Workplace?
After digging through tons of research and questionnaires, it was found that the assertive communication style is the best for the workplace. The capacity to express yourself clearly and honestly is known as assertive communication.
This ability allows you to convey your opinions, feelings, and thoughts in a confident and unambiguous manner in the workplace.
When you use assertive communication effectively, you can stand up for your rights while still listening to the other person’s perspectives and respecting their rights and feelings.
When expressing your views and feelings, you must be courteous, but you should also be direct, respectful, and honest. Regardless of the corporate hierarchy, both persons are equally important in forceful communication.
When Should Assertive Communication Be Used?
Assertive communication has several benefits, and it is becoming increasingly popular in the workplace.
However, consider how it can affect workplace harmony and relationships before opting to utilize it. If you want to employ assertive communication, first assess the scenario to ensure that it will be positively received.
Because it helps you to effectively explain yourself while creating mutual respect for others, using this communication skill can help you successfully communicate your message.
How to Be A More Assertive Communicator
Now it has been established that the best communication style for the workplace is the assertive communication style, the question arises, how can I be a more assertive communicator?
Well, there is good news for you regardless of your current communication style. Practice and self-awareness can help you build and enhance your communication abilities.
In a professional setting, You can widely view assertive communication is as the most productive and desirable communication style.
Consider the following recommendations to help you develop your assertive communication skills:
- Confidently express your wants and thoughts.
- Practice active listening.
- Encourage others to contribute their thoughts.
- Make use of your emotional intelligence.
- Be open to receiving comments on your communication skills and weaknesses.
- Examine your options for further education.
- Seek up opportunities to speak in front of a group.
Conclusion
In conclusion, being knowledgeable about the various communication skills you might encounter in the workplace is very important, and using the assertive communication style is best in the workplace.
If you are not an assertive communicator, you can use the tips listed above to improve your assertive communication skills and your communication with your team and work colleagues.
References
- https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/communication-styles
- https://gethppy.com/internalcommunication/the-4-communication-styles-and-why-they-matter-to-your-organization
- https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/what-is-assertive-communication
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