Effective communication is the key to running a successful and profitable business with minimal drama. As a leader, understanding your communication style and the styles of those around you is crucial for building trust and creating a culture of talking and listening within your team.
We will explore the four main types of communication styles: passive, aggressive, passive aggressive, and assertive. By understanding these styles, you can improve on how to effectively talk to your team.
Passive communication: As a leader, having a passive communication style is characterized by having a neutral attitude and a lack of strong opinions. As a passive communicators you may avoid confrontation and defer to others in decision-making. However, this style of communication can be frustrating for team members and lead to confusion and resentment. Passive communicators may need to work on expressing their thoughts and needs more clearly.
Passive aggressive communication: As a leader, having a passive aggressive communication style is characterized by having indirect or subtle hostility. As a passive aggressive communicator you may make snide comments or use sarcasm. This style of communication can be confusing and lead to tension in relationships. Passive aggressive communicators should work on expressing their feelings directly and finding a more assertive way of communicating.
Aggressive communication: As a leader, having an aggressive communication style, means you communicate forcefully and domineering. As an aggressive communicator you may interrupt others, speak loudly, and use threatening language. This style of communication can be intimidating and lead to conflict. Aggressive communicators should work on listening to others and finding common ground.
Assertive communication: As a leader, having an assertive communication style is characterized by having clear and direct communication. As an assertive communicator you express your thoughts and needs clearly and listen to the thoughts and needs of others. This style of communication can lead to effective problem-solving and positive relationships.
By understanding these styles, you can build trust, create a culture of listening, and make your team feel heard and open to sharing.
Lead From Within: Successful leadership is a way of thinking, a way of acting, and most importantly a way of communicating effectively.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
- A Leadership Manifesto: A Guide To Greatness
- How to Succeed as A New Leader
- 12 of The Most Common Lies Leaders Tell Themselves
- 4 Proven Reasons Why Intuitive Leaders Make Great Leaders
- The One Quality Every Leader Needs To Succeed
- The Deception Trap of Leadership
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.