Learning/Communication style and interaction with other people
How does Learning/Communication Style of a co-worker affect how you interact with them?
Kelly, Awareness is key, so you are ahead of the game. Keep it up!
Dr. Jean Norris
I find that my learning style does not work well with most of the people I work with. I find that I have to adjust more to the auditory learning style for meetings and trainings. Once I get through an initial training I will take the time to do more hands on training with a team member who is more similar to my learning style to fully understand the information given.
Yamary,
Great awareness! What can you do to identify those that have the skills necessary for leading team projects?
Elizabeth Wheeler
Learning/Communication style impacts how you interact with co-workers greatly; especially when working on team projects. Most groups have at least one member of the group that likes to be the leader and that person normally only using their own personal style of learning/communication. For the most part that makes the other team members who do not use the same style feel as if they are behind or are missing the point and therefore are afraid to speak out. It would help the team dynamic greatly if group leaders were assigned that had the skills to lead the group properly.
Wayne, Excellent awareness! Thank you for sharing this practice in the forum. It is a great example of how to alter your communication style.
Dr. Jean Norris
I have first hand experience working with a manager of which I had to change my communication technique on this very topic. My adjustment included a change from a more summarizing expectations (and having many fall off the radar) to verbally expressing very clear expectations with documented follow up. I used to get upset when something fell through the cracks with him, but as long as I adjusted how I communicated and supported my requests the employee too had a better awareness to my business need and the importance placed upon it.
Kathy, Great awareness! Knowing your colleagues and their learning styles and teaching to each of them is a best practice. Thank you for posting!
Dr. Jean Norris
Every person is different. You can have one person who you can just tell something to and another who needs you to show them. I find it easier to learn by hands on, where as someone needs just a visual. When I try to present something to my staff I try to do all three so that way everyone can walk away with the new knowledge.
Ernesto,
Yes, it takes a lot of energy doesn't it?
Dr. Jean Norris
It is very important to be aware of the learning/communication style of our staff members. A simple petition to perform a regular every day task, or special project needed, could be completely misinterpreted or misunderstood, and the final goal could most likely be unreached on time, or at all, if we fail to deliver the message using the most appropriate learning/communication style for each staff member.
Liz, Very true and excellent point. Thank you!
Dr. Jean Norris
Learning your employees best communication style will help them understand the information your are try to convey more effectively, thus helping them to be more efficient and productive. It makes them see that as a leader you are making an effort to communicate with them more effectively.
I agree Miriam, it is very important to have a clear understanding of your team in order to know how to be a great leader for your specific team.
Maribeth, It's great that you know so much about your team! How do you feel knowing all this benefits the progress of your team?
Dr. Jean Norris
Each employee has a different style of learning and communicating. I learn what style works best for each employee, some want you to walk through a process step by step on the computer screen, they need visual training. Other employees learn better by receiving a step by step written procedure with screen shots and want to review the document at their own pace. Other employees want an explanation of what needs to be done, where to find the data and want to learn through research.
Cheyla, Great awareness! It's very important to not only understand your communication style, but others' as well. What are your practices for learning others' communications styles?
Dr. Jean Norris
Miriam, I agree with you 100%. Getting to know each of you team members as individuals is important and effective.
I find myself reverting back to my days as a faculty member trying to understand each of my reports personalities and learning styles. I realize there are some faculty I instinctively guide or direct them though my actions and movements, whereas other I want to draw a schematic or picture to get my point across. Past experience with each is a valuable resource when trying to help them accomplish their goals or assess their product
Maryolaine, You are correct that self-awareness, empathy, and self-regulation will help you with your communication. What can you do specifically to hone these skills?
Dr. Jean Norris
