Better Communication for Better Teams Requisite HR May Newsletter 2017
Understanding your team's
communication preferences
We have all come across people that we struggle to communicate with. It seems that we just can’t get our message across, no matter how many times we say it. Well, they say that a sign of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result, so instead of communicating the same way every time, let’s consider that difference people have difference needs, and that the best way to get our message across is to ensure that the style and method of communication is matched to suit those with whom you are communicating.
An individual’s preferred communications style, both for transmitting (speaking) and receiving (listening), is very much a function of their personality type. There are a range of personality profiling tools readily available, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) which looks at an individual’s natural preferences to describe them as one of 16 personality types. However, we don’t always have the luxury of personality profiles, so instead try assessing questions asked, actions taken and behaviours exhibited during your conversations to determine your team member’s communication style. Are they getting energy from talking things over (Extraversion) or require time to think about things (Introversion)? When taking in information do they want the facts and nothing but the facts (Sensing) or can they see it all (INtuition)? When deciding on and coming to conclusion are they focused on the impact on people (Feeling) or more focused on the logic (Thinking)?
Once you have a basic understanding of their preferences you can adjust your communication to suit, making your conversations more effective. For an Extraversion preference give them the opportunities to ask questions and talk it through. If they favour Introversion give them the space to reflect and consider what you have said. For the Sensing/INtuition/Feeling/Thinking combinations use the following communication tips:
For more information on Personality Profiling and how it influences Communications Styles contact your HR Advisor or the Requisite HR Helpdesk 1300 164 737.
Barriers to Communication Understanding barriers to Communication is your first step towards overcoming them.
The Power of PRAISE Of all the creatures on this planet, only humans have the ability to communicate through words. The power to use words is a unique and powerful gift. Words are not simply sounds caused by air passing over our vocal folds and through our larynx. Or information conveyed through written or typed letters. Words have real power; to create or to destroy. (The concept of being a “builder” or a “bulldozer” works well when explaining this to children). Physiologically, receiving positive feedback or a praise triggers the release of dopamine, a neuro-hormone associated with the reward and pleasure centres of the brain. Dopamine is known as the pleasure hormone and, wondrously, it is released both when you receive a compliment and also when you perform acts of kindness toward others. Dopamine is also is released when you achieve a target, or accomplish a task. The work related benefits of increased dopamine are numerous and range from enhanced innovative thinking and problem solving to affecting the long term and working memory. It also plays a positive role in focus and attention. Many studies have been done on the effect of praise or recognition on work place performance and behavior. A recent 10-year motivation study across more than 200,000 employees showed that companies that are good at recognising their employees achieve better organisational results and lower turn over rates. Recognition can come in many forms but never underestimate the simple power of praise. It is easy, free and best of all, you benefit too, in more ways than one. For a rush of feel-good hormones and happiness at your next team meeting try this simple 10-minute exercise -The Compliment Carousel.
The Compliment Carousel Using a bulldog clip, clip a sheet of paper on the back of each team member. Then go around the room and scribble something you appreciate about that person on their paper. Make sure everyone has the chance to write on each piece of paper. (Enjoy the atmosphere in the room as people get into this task.) When done, everyone removes their piece of paper and takes it away to enjoy reading their compliments and affirmations in private.
What's the buzz about HAPPINESS Wanting to be happy is a universal desire; you wont meet many people who don’t want to be happy in life. An increasing body of research has firmly linked happiness to a substantial range of health benefits. From reduced stress and blood pressure levels to increased longevity and an improved immune system, simply put, happiness is really good for you. Happiness is seriously good for business too! Twenty years of research into happiness in the workplace shows that employee happiness increases every positive business outcome – such as improved sales and greater innovation - and decreases the factors that hinder productivity - such as employee absences or accidents. Switched on companies have realized this and in today’s corporate world, happiness is seen as the younger sibling of wellness and becoming a part of strategic business planning. Take any team and you will see that some people are naturally happier than others. Why is this? What factors affect an individual’s happiness? And most importantly, is it possible to encourage greater happiness in all team members? These questions and more are answered in a one-hour workshop titled “The Secret to Happiness”. This workshop ($49pp) is perfect as a team building exercise, a lunchtime chat or as an inspirational start to the new financial year, for groups as small as half a dozen to companies as large as several hundred. “The perfect blend of science, fun and practical advice, this workshop was as good as any TED Talk I have seen.” Mwansa M. “This workshop really got me thinking about the fact that I am in control of my happiness and that not being happy doesn’t serve me or the world around me. To top it off, I left feeling happier than I had in a long time.” Angela O. Phone our communication specialist Nicole on 0404 844 464 today to increase happiness in your workplace.