Many years ago, I believed that I was unproductive
because I choose to interact with others to process information and draw
conclusions.
I was wrong.
My learning style is verbal.
For me, it’s through discussion that patterns
emerge, issues fall into place, and options become clear. Talking with others expedites my learning and saves me time.
However, it isn’t always the preferred style of
those around me.
How do you learn?
Are there actions you take that others might
perceive as a waste of time or an inconvenience?
How do your colleagues learn?
Are there actions they take that you believe are a
waste of time or an inconvenience?
It’s challenging to be patient with others while managing our own biases and respecting the constraints or demands they might place
on those around us.
It is, however, essential for teamwork and
progress.
Absolutely, Wally, knowing your audience and your colleagues is fundamental to effective communication.
Just taking a minute to understand how the person on the other side of the message is processing it makes a world of difference!
In my supervisory skills classes we teach two things related to this post.
If you’re the boss, it’s part of your job to know how best to communicate with each of the people who work for you. It’s your job to adapt so that communication is most likely to happen. So pay attention to pace, to preferred imagery, to written or oral and anything else that will help.
It’s also your job as a subordinate, because almost all supervisors have a boss, to figure out what your boss’s preferred style is. Does he or she decide quickly or slowly? Does he or she want frequent reports? Does he or she prefer oral or written briefings? With or without supporting data in an appendix? Does he or she want to know the goal first, or the process, or the people?
Frank, Paul, & Steve,
What great points.
I am without a doubt an extrovert and completely relate to Paul’s comment. It’s been very hard for me to learn (I’ve had mixed success) to step back and let others process information the way they need to.
But an amazing thing happens when we do – the ideas are better, the execution is better, and the entire team feels valued and is able to contribute.
This has personal ramifications for me as well because my husband and I are opposites in this area – and working from home often means the poor guy is sometimes my only sounding board and brainstorming partner (whether he likes it or not)!
Ann
Pithy point, Ann.
I think a lot about things first, then go find someone(s) with whom to discuss the idea and take it to a new place.
Paul’s remark about the Jungian approach to how people get energized is dead on. Understanding one’s preference and the inclinations of those around you can go a long way to boosting productivity and enhancing relationships.
Just recently I was at a corporate team building event and the Facilitator started the session with this….
“There are extroverts and introverts. Extroverts talk to think and introverts think to talk. There is room for both here if we allow it.”
Whether you agree with the extrovert/introvert thing, the idea that some of us require the verbal exchange in order to think and some of us think in order to have a verbal exchange is pretty accurate.
I know I do my best synthesis of an idea when I have the opportunity to discuss it.
The great thing about some of the newer technological advances is that it provides a little of both – you can see the conversation thread (like in this Comments area)- yet it provides a way to keep it from interrupting what you may feel is more pressing. You choose when to make the contribution. Now – as if you were talking – or later – after you’ve thought about it.
Great stuff either way!
I read a lot – like this article -:). I try (and error) to do a lot. But I also need to discuss and exchange a lot. This may happen via web but I need this creative process also in real life.
This way not only prevents me from making the same mistakes that others already learned from but it also emerges new ways one single person wouldn’t have thought of.
Sometimes there are thoughts that don’t seem useful for me but for others. Maybe others can go one step more ahead. Maybe discussions show me I’m wrong.
I know people who still live in the past as nothing had changed in life or business. I really have to be very patient with them 🙂