In this second article of the series, we explore personal interactions and communication styles. While the landscape of business interactions continually evolves, one constant remains: your innate language and natural way of communicating. It’s like a fingerprint, shaped by upbringing, experience, and innate qualities. Grasping this intrinsic style can be your golden ticket to career success. Where asking “why” has become the new norm, understanding your own “why” behind communicating can transform how effectively you navigate professional landscapes. Knowing your intrinsic style enables you to convey clarity and assert your value without overstepping boundaries or wasting time on extraneous details. Communication skills such as negotiation, persuasion, influence, listening, and word choice can be taught. However, intrinsic qualities like curiosity, trustworthiness, sincerity, courage, and passion cannot. When we discover these inherent traits within ourselves and learn to communicate with them in mind, we achieve authenticity in our interactions and are seen as trusted leaders.
Striking a Balance: The Art of Asking “Why” and Achieving Results
Allow me to share an example of leveraging your unique style in your career.
As a leader, the “why” question has become commonplace, driven by diverse motivations. Understanding “why” empowers employees, creating transparency and alignment. However, relentless questioning can hinder productivity. Not every decision requires input—sometimes it’s about trust and delegation.
How does understanding our conversational style benefit us? It sets boundaries. If you’re naturally curious and often ask “why,” this may come easily to you. But a colleague with a strong sense of integrity might feel uneasy when frequently questioned. Recognizing this balance helps you respect personal boundaries while seeking information.
The power of asking “why” promotes learning and growth, leading to deeper insights and clarity on company objectives. Engaged employees who grasp the “why” contribute more effectively. Yet, excessive questioning can lead to delays and analysis-paralysis, focusing on personal agendas rather than business needs.
Strike a balance. Let your communication style guide you in finding the right equilibrium between asking “why” and getting things done efficiently. An environment where questions are discouraged leads to disengagement, while relentless questioning hinders progress. Both are detrimental to careers, business, and customer satisfaction.
Wield your “why” wisely. Use it to promote growth and comprehension, not procrastination. Master your communication style to articulate queries and directives better, balancing curiosity with efficiency.
Tips for Leveraging Your Communication Style in Your Career
- Amplify Your Strengths: Whether you’re a direct communicator or a more compassionate listener, play to your strengths. Knowing your style allows you to harness it effectively, making your interactions more genuine and impactful.
- Tailor Your Approach: You likely possess a few natural styles, allowing you to customize your approach to suit various situations and audiences. Being versatile in your communication can ease negotiations, enhance collaborations, and ensure that your message is clearly understood.
- Build Meaningful Relationships: Authenticity breeds trust. When you communicate in a manner true to your intrinsic style, it creates a foundation of reliability and honesty, essential for long-term professional relationships.
Why It’s Okay to Embrace Different Styles
Owning your communication style is a bold affirmation of your individuality in the professional world pf business. It’s about standing tall and fearless, allowing your authentic voice to rise above the noise. By embracing your unique way of expressing ideas—whether it’s with fiery passion, sharp wit, or thoughtful deliberation—you carve out a distinct space for yourself. This authenticity paves the way for genuine connections and impactful dialogues. Ditch the rigid templates and rehearsed scripts; true power lies in letting your personality shine through. Don’t just communicate—create a space that distinctly reflects your style, and watch your confidence radiate, inspiring respect and driving influence. Often, we’re unaware of the impact we’re making!
In the end, don’t let societal norms dictate your communication style. Embrace your idiosyncrasies, understand your why, and wield it wisely in all aspects of your career. Your voice is your power—let it be heard with authenticity and confidence. As you continue to grow and evolve, let your authentic communication be the rhythm that guides you towards success. So go ahead, unleash the power of your unique voice and see where it takes you. The possibilities are endless. Let’s make some noise!
