How businesses can use Communication Style Assessment

What is Communication Style Assessment?

Communication Style Assessment is a tool which is used for evaluating the different styles of communication. This is predominantly used in business situations, although it is relevant in any area of communication.

The way we communicate with others is very important because it is different with every person. This is often the making or breaking of a relationship. Speaking to a 5-year old is different to how we would speak to a teenager, or an adult.

The same rules of communication apply in the workplace. Every employee has a method of communication which works best for them. By evaluating these styles of communication and taking them on board, a manager will be able to understand the best way of working with staff.

Managers often make the mistake of assuming one style of communication works for everyone. This is not the case and can be very clearly seen in any work situation.

How can businesses benefit from Communication Style Assessment?

To run a successful business, it is vital that managers have good communication skills. To lead a team not only requires organisational skills but effective communication with all employees.

It is well worth the time and effort to learn the different ways staff respond and communicate. A business that has good communication between bosses and staff will not only function better as a whole, it will also be more productive.

What is Communication Style Assessment?

Communication is one of the most basic functions. One person has something to convey to the second person. He needs to find the best way to get his point across, in a way that will bring positive results. The second person, on receiving the information, needs to decide the best way to send back his reply.

While this sounds an easy thing to do, it is often fraught with errors. This will in turn result in frustration, confusion, irritation – and in the case of businesses – lost opportunities with clients or employees. A breakdown of communication means that progress becomes impossible.

What are the main uses of Communication Style Assessment?

Knowing how your employees are going to listen, respond and carry out a task will become a lot simpler when a manager is sure of each communication style. The aim of this important tool is to help tam leaders, managers and anyone who may be involved in a training process. Understanding that all people do not learn or work the same way will give you the insight to a better relationship with staff.

A good communication style is invaluable for recognising the strengths and weakness of the group.

While it is important to be aware of different styles of communication among staff, it is equally important to recognise the different styles in clients, as they will also differ from each other. Having good communication with your clients will strengthen the relationship and be profitable for both of you.

How does it Communication Style Assessment work?

The easiest way to establish communication style is to take the assessment test. This is normally a set of questions which can be answered in fifteen minutes or less. We would advise anyone in the training capacity to opt for the HRDQ Communication Style Assessment

There are four main types of communication style, namely:

Analytical

This person is detail-orientated. He needs facts and figures for every problem. He does not work with feelings or emotions. The advantage of this style is that they are normally very careful with words and will have done research before making a statement.

Functional

Order, evidence, data, and facts. This style will not make a decision without them! They will never do anything without considering all the alternatives. They will not forget any part of a conversation. This style makes perfect researchers. They will give undivided attention to anyone who is talking to them. Possibly one disadvantage is that this style can often bore you with minute details.

Intuitive

This style follows their gut instinct. They are not normally bogged down with details. They sum things up quickly, make a decision instead of asking for examples. They tend to think quickly on their feet and tend to come up with ideas in an instant. A disadvantage with this style is that they get bored with people who take long to speak, and so end up sounding rude or cutting the other person off.

Personal

This style is all about feelings. Facts are not important to this person. Team leaders who show this style care about their team members, listen sympathetically to problems, and are literally a shoulder to cry on sometimes. This style goes out if their way to make sure the group is completely happy before progressing. Often, they may be side-tracked and not be able to focus on the task at hand.

The real benefits of Communication Style Assessment can be seen by the relationships which will be improved and team-work in the business.