1. Effective Communication

2. Communication in the workplace is vital to an
organization’s ability to operate smoothly and
productively.
Vertical and lateral communication leads to
improved overall company performance.

3. Upward communication
• The flow of information to higher levels within an
organization
• Involves feedback, empowers employees, and
increases job satisfaction
Downward communication
• Information passed down from superiors or
managers
• Increases worker happiness

4. Overall, the flow of communication in the
workplace is very important to workers and
therefore to the overall success of an
organization.
Employees want to be sure that they are
receiving thorough and truthful information
from superiors, and that they are able to share
their own ideas, thoughts and concerns.

5. Communication Styles in the
Workplace
People are hard-wired with different
communication styles, which is important to
note because successful communication
requires that someone who is receiving
information from another person gets the
message and correctly interprets it.

6. Four Main Communication
Styles
1. Interpersonal (Relator)
2. Affective (Socializer)
3. Cognitive (Thinker)
4. Behavioral (Director)
http://www.insteplimited.com/pdf/SKILLS/Communication_Styles.pdf

7. Interpersonal/Relator
 Relators easily and readily express their thoughts and
feelings
 Generally think at a more conscious level and slower
pace
 More relationship-oriented and prefer unobtrusive
interactions

8. Affective/Socializer
 Socializers prefer to work with others rather than alone
 Generally interact with a fast-paced communication style
 Can be interpreted as aggressive

9. Cognitive/Thinker
 Thinkers are analytical in their approach
 Have a more closed, personal style
 Often take time to feel comfortable revealing ideas and
information about themselves to others

10. Behavioral/Director
 Directors are typically competitive and aggressive in
nature
 Independent and results-oriented
 Less focused on the impact felt by others

11. Communication Among Different
Styles
In order to establish effective communication
amongst people that inherently operate with
different communication styles, it is important
to avoid misinterpretation of messages and
motives and instead develop a means of
learning and understanding.

12. Connecting with Relators
 Seek out and listen to their opinions and ideas.
 Allow them time to make decisions without pressure.
 Encourage them to express concerns or opinions without
aggressive opposition.
 Try to reach a mutual agreement on work goals and
deadlines.

13. Connecting with Socializers
 Allow time for socializing in meetings.
 Confirm and follow up on any agreements that they
have made.
 Discuss experiences, people, opinions and facts, and
attempt to support your ideas with opinions of people
they respect.
 Ask about, and respect, their “gut” feelings.
 Seek a balance between fun and achieving results.

14. Connecting with Thinkers
 Speak and behave in a more formal manner.
 Present options along with the pros and cons of an
idea.
 Be punctual and follow up in writing.
 Ensure that information is presented in an organized
and comprehensive manner.
 Recognize that options considered risky are generally
not welcomed.

15. Connecting with Directors
 Get straight to the point and avoid over-explaining or
repeating yourself.
 Be sure to be well-prepared and organized.
 Be punctual and speak in a fast pace.
 Focus on the results that are to be achieved.

16. Effective Communicators
• Those able to learn the different
communication styles of others, recognize
and adapt to them.
• This is important whether someone is
sharing or receiving information.

17. Cooperation and Efficiency in the
Workplace
The ability to communicate effectively is
essential to successful cooperation of
coworkers.
When there is clear communication throughout
an organization, it creates an environment in
which labor and tasks can be organized
efficiently, initiatives are known and pursued,
and profitability is maximized.