Frustrating #Leadership Communication Styles

In the sage words of Gary Coleman – what you talking about Willis?

Communication in the #workplace can be frustrating. This is often the case when communicating with leadership. Sometimes it’s like your boss speaks in a completely different language. Sometimes it feels like you’re on a different planet than your leadership. Communication styles in the workplace differ from organization to organization and person to person – yet from an employee perspective – some communication issues can be noticed pretty much everywhere.

In today’s diverse professional environment, it can sometimes get awkward, confusing, and downright weird when it comes to communicating ideas and getting work done. The first thing you need to do is understand a bit about who is communicating and more about their style – then you can flex your interaction for less frustration and more success!

The Control Freak

This type of leader tends to come across as a bully – someone who wants to be in control of every little detail. Some would say the micro manager from hell. Most people perform best when given guidance and clear direction – and then are left alone to run with a task. Employees are not fans of being told to go do something and then having someone stand over them and watch and critique every little detail. I mean what’s the point – then the control freak can do it themselves! Morale killer! Though, if dealing with this type of communication style, consider communicating from a point of demonstration. Highlight what you’ve accomplished in the past, how you accomplished it, and why you believe you’re capable of accomplishing the current task based on successful past experience.

“Thanks for giving me the opportunity to complete this project. I know you want it to be successful as much as I do. Based on my previous work, on (insert project sample) which you found a success, I think I have all info I need to complete this for you. If I have any questions I’ll be sure to check in with you. Otherwise I know you’re busy, so, I’ll be sure to let you know as soon as the project is complete.”

The Cheer Leader

This type of leader comes across as energetic – often to the point of annoying – someone who tries to motivate the team to do better. Not a bad thing, but to the point of overkill can have the opposite impact. Often times they can overlook the reality of the situation or that their people are not cheering along with them. Most people appreciate a positive outlook; however, not to the extent where it over shadows potential challenges that may have an impact on the team and work products. If dealing with this type of communication style, consider communicating with a more realistic approach. Thank them for their motivation and positive outlook while simultaneously expressing your concerns and ways to resolve them.

“I really want to thank you for your positive outlook and belief in the team. I did want to bring a concern to your attention which may have an impact on the project. I wouldn’t want this to derail our work so my recommendation would be to ___________.”

The Data Freak

This type of leader needs data to survive. Period. The end. The more data the better. They don’t work on gut feelings or emotions. If data doesn’t prove it – you ain’t gonna get your point across. These people are bound by logic. Saying just because, or let’s try and see, isn’t enough. This can be frustrating. You have a grasp on the task at hand and the desired outcomes and you’re ready to get moving but you’re stopped in your tracks. Data is helpful – but overkill can cause paralysis. If dealing with this type of communication style, consider communicating with data. Use data to support your case ,why your idea is sound and why you believe it will be a success. Then get started.

“I’ve been looking at our competition and it seems they are more successful at __________. I did some research as to why I think that is and what we can do to become even better. Here is some data I found that supports my ideas. What are your thoughts on this information and my ideas for success?”

I just can’t read you

This type of leader is hard to communicate with – period We’ve all encountered people like this – both personally and professionally. They don’t give you a lot to work with – often not even a facial expression or body language. Communicating with these type of leaders can be very frustrating because you often don’t know where you stand, how they feel about an idea or a deliverable, or if you’re on track. If dealing with this type of communication style, consider communicating from a point of ‘seek to understand.’ In other words – ask questions.

“I wanted to check in with you on ____________. I know our success is important to you so I just want to get your feedback on_________. If you could please let me know your thoughts and concerns I’d really appreciate it.”

As you can see – there are many kinds of leaders. Before you know how to communicate with your boss you need to understand how they think in order to communicate better. Communication styles are often overlooked and are a big reason why people are unhappy in the work place. Generally speaking – 70% of employees are unhappy.

Want to change how you communicate with your people? Contact us and we can help you achieve success through people.

About Scott Span, MSOD, CSM: is CEO at Tolero Solutions. As a people strategist, leadership coach, and change and transformation specialist, his work is focused on people. Through his consulting and training work he supports clients to survive and thrive through change and transition and create people-focused cultures and a great employee experience. Through his coaching work, he supports people willing to dig deeper to identify and overcome what’s holding them back, change behaviors, accelerate performance and achieve their goals.

Is Your #Leadership Communication Style Frustrating Employees?