Working in a virtual space can be tricky if you are not used to remote working. Zoom meetings and emails replace your regular in-person contact. Even though virtual spaces offer many benefits, one drawback is keeping the right level of communication.
However, many of the skills you have learned can be applied to the virtual world – with some exceptions. Let us drive into it – and explore ways of effectively communicating with your virtual team.
Understanding different people and their styles
If you are a business owner or manager, it is crucial to take some time to gain a good grasp of your staff’s communication styles. People are all different; their communication styles will also differ.
Some general styles have been identified, such as dominant, influencer, steady, or conscientious (see the diagram below). However, people usually are not exclusively dominant or steady. Instead, people reflect many overlapping shades of these four communication styles.
Understanding people’s communication styles helps you not to misinterpret their actions. If you are communicating via video, you need to understand the communicator’s style and not misunderstand them.
Knowing an individual style can enhance your interpersonal skills, increase task accomplishment, build trust, and help you experience less frustration. Let’s explore the four predominant styles.
Dominant
Those with a “dominant” communication personal style are the drivers or directors. They love action and are results-focused. They look at the big picture, not the more minor details. Sensitivity and patience are not their strengths; reflecting these qualities requires effort.
If you are communicating with a “dominant” personality, then note: Stay on the topic and get down to business immediately. Be ready for impromptu follow-up questions (and you’d better answer them with confidence). Dominant people can be blunt and decisive, so don’t take this to heart.
To help you focus on people with this style – do this
To repeat – don’t take their follow-up questions, their blunt remarks, or impatience personally. They love a good challenge, so don’t tempt them if you aren’t keen. Don’t make empty promises.
Influencer
These are the imitators or socializers – they love people. They are friendly, on the pulse of what is new, and very upbeat. Interpersonal relationships are their thing. They make good collaborators. However, they lack long-term focus and don’t always follow through on their actions.
When communicating with an “influencer,” consider these points: approach them casually and friendly. Add in some humor when communicating with them. Remember, they lack long-term focus, so put everything in writing. You might have to refer to notes after your conversation. These people can sometimes be too optimistic about their abilities, so keep that in mind.
To help you avoid conflict, do this!
Don’t talk down to such people; don’t confine or stifle their ideas, but explore them. They will go deep into the nuts and bolts with you, but that is just who they are. They trust people readily, so they can be on your side to get the process moving if you want to motivate others.
Steady
The harmonizer or relator loves teamwork and does not like conflict. These people value consistency, loyalty, and stability above everything. Such people are great for customer support and other roles that require helping people. Yet, even though they love their patterns, they can mostly adapt very quickly.
When dealing with “steadies,” do this.
You need to practice active listening. After they speak, summarize what they have said and repeat this. Always approach them in a relaxed manner. Compliment them to help break the ice. But note they will ask you for more details, so be prepared.
It is best not to force such a person into a decision. They might not be bored even though they remain silent. Do ask them their thoughts, just to make sure. They would want deadlines, so spell these out. However, they are team players with a good sense of their responsibilities and roles.
Conscientious
These are the thinkers or the analyzers. They like precision and competency. They will want to show their skills and are eager to learn new skills. However, they can come across as unfriendly, but fear not – they are just a bit reserved.
To communicate with the “conscientious” types
Offer as many details as you can. Also, offer them clear expectations and allow them to work independently. They will double-check info – this is not a reflection on you – they simply like to ensure they offer you the correct info.
There are a few things you should avoid. Their feedback is constructive, not negative. Don’t use words such as ‘think,’ ‘feel,’ or ‘know,’ since they will take these words up personally. Use small talk to warm them up so they feel more relaxed. The conversation will follow quickly, and you can get more done. Note that these people are very systematic and will assess risks before taking on a project. This is a good thing since it will help the team prepare.
Circumnavigating these different communication styles doesn’t need to be stressful.
Even if you don’t fully understand others, don’t stress – they might not understand your style. However, there needs to be some level of proper communication flow for effective communication.
With virtual spaces, you do not have the luxury of seeing a person’s body language. As far as possible, initiate Zoom meetings to chat face-to-face. Be careful with your emails.
Remember that people communicate differently; as they do in real life, they will do in their emails. Limit your emails to the necessary info. You can discuss the rest in a weekly chat. It might take some time to get used to each other, but the trust will develop quickly enough so the communication will flow more smoothly.
https://youtu.be/UkCVlB5QYb4
How to communicate with your employee.