Are you communicating in ways that your people - coworkers, clients, vendors... family - can receive your message?

We have different ways of receiving and processing information audibly.  A message that may seem crystal clear to you, may fall on "deaf ears" if it is not said in a way the receiver is willing to, or able to absorb.

One way to assess someone's preferred listening style is to understand their natural strengths, or behaviors they demonstrate on the job.  The DISC language can provide great insights.  Here are some tips from our Success With People Talent Assessments on how to speak to a:

Driven Person (High D):  Prefer summaries, results-oriented, efficient

• Hold them accountable to the bottom line
• Give them opportunities to talk
• Clearly explain the results you expect
• Train and require development of listening skills
• Negotiate any commitments one-on-one (back-up in-writing)
• Confront face-to-face when you disagree

• Expect their need for daily interaction
• Be open to a professional friendship with boundaries
• They want to talk with people
• Provide certain hours of "open door policy" to discuss any issues
• Help them develop their verbal skills and then identify opportunities for them to use them for mutual gain

• Get to know them
• Be clear about their expectations of you and others
• Show them appreciation
• Avoid surprises, particularly negative ones
• Fully consider their opinions when they disagree
• Encourage them to contribute in meetings

• Clearly define your expectations of them
• Know specifically what they expect of you
• Agree upon procedures in writing
• Limit criticism of their work unless you can refer to their expectations, written responsibilities or a better way that is validated by a trusted source
• Confirm their work is being done correctly
• Encourage their contribution in meetings