Introduction
Communication style refers to the way a person communicates with others. It includes the words they use, their tone of voice, and their body language. Different environments require different communication styles; the workplace needs a professional and gentle communication style such as crucial communication. Some communication types, such as storytelling, can be distractive and thus hinder employees from performing excellently in the workplace. Different communication styles are applicable in different environments, while handling diverse groups require friendly, professional, and respectful communication.
My Comfortable Communication Style in the Workplace
I feel more at ease with the crucial conversation communication style in the workplace. The crucial conversation involves expressing one’s views honestly but also being open to others’ viewpoints and considering them respectfully. This approach is often more productive than either avoiding difficult conversations or adopting a confrontational style. In my experience, the crucial conversations approach leads to better outcomes because it helps build trust and leads to more creative problem-solving.
Moreover, when there is trust between the parties involved in a communication, messages are conveyed more effectively and with fewer misunderstandings. In addition, individuals who trust one another are more likely to be cooperative and work together towards a common goal. Trust is built through consistent positive actions, such as having integrity, behaving honestly and lovely, and being supportive in difficult times (Treasure, 00:03:28). It is also important to be truthful even when it is uncomfortable or inconvenient. People who cannot be trusted are often seen as untrustworthy, regardless of the circumstances. Therefore, it is important to remember that trust must be earned and should never be taken for granted.
My Uncomfortable Communication Style in the Workplace
I feel most uncomfortable with a storytelling communication style in the workplace. I think this is because it is hard to know when someone is telling a story instead of providing factual information. Storytelling is a way of communicating that is designed to engage and captivate an audience (Principles of Management, n.d.). I believe it is more favorable for marketing, advertising, and public relations to connect with the audience and influence their thoughts and actions, but not for workplace communications.
Furthermore, storytelling communication is often difficult to determine when the speaker has stopped providing information and started providing an opinion or interpretation. This can make it difficult to have a productive dialogue because the listener cannot be sure what information is being communicated and what is simply someone’s opinion. While storytelling can be an incredibly captivating way to communicate at work, it also has the potential to lead to laziness among employees (Trevino & Nelson, 2021). After all, if a supervisor can tell a story rather than clear and concise the facts, employees may be more likely to become distracted or even less engaged with their work.
Communication Styles while Leading Diverse Population
In order to lead an agency of diverse workers and clients, it is necessary to adopt a communication style that is both professional and respectful. This means clarity and conciseness in my language while maintaining a positive and friendly tone. Additionally, it is important to be aware of cultural differences in communication styles and to be flexible in my approach. One way to do this is to encourage open communication among staff and clients, allowing everyone the opportunity to share their views and perspectives (Trevino & Nelson, 2021). I will similarly try to avoid making assumptions about what others may think or feel, as this can lead to misunderstandings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a crucial conversation communication style in the workplace. This type of communication foster trust and mutual respect, which are essential for a healthy work environment. On the other hand, the storytelling communication style is my most uncomfortable in the workplace because it captivates employees and can distract them from work tasks. Using respectful and professional communication is essential when working with diverse workers and clients in order to maintain a positive work environment and build trust.
References
Principles of Management (n.d.). Different Types of Communication. Web.
Treasure, J., 2014. How to speak so that people want to listen. YouTube. Web.
Trevino, L. K., & Nelson, K. A. (2021). Managing business ethics: Straight talk about how to do it right. John Wiley & Sons.