Training Tip Tuesday: Engage With a C-Style Communicator
We begin this month where we left off in February: tips to engage with the four DISC communication styles. When we practice styles in The Gym, we first focus on non verbals. How quickly and loudly should we speak? Should we use eye contact? What kinds of hand gestures are appropriate? And our body posture: lean in or back? Should I be warm and friendly, with a smile? Or shall I be more direct and down to business? These nonverbals actually contribute more to the credibility of our message than our actual words! Once we learn to physically adapt our style, we begin the process of adding keywords to our message. These style specific words are another tool we can use to convey our message.
Let’s look at a Compliant Communication Style today. This detached, introverted person speaks slowly, makes little eye contact, and uses few or no gestures. A gym member recently described an interaction that illustrates one version of this style. The Gym member described him as “Positive Eeyore.” The leader of his team, a high C-Style, brought the group together to congratulate them for a stellar year. The message was slow, flat, and impersonal. Considering the situation, the message may have been lost in its delivery.
This type of communicator thrives on data, rules, and safety procedures. They tend to be averse to risk and abrupt change, especially if there is no logical reason or data supporting the change. While they may appear insensitive or inflexible, they do desire team involvement. If you manage a C Style Communicator, you may consider providing them help with people skills and negotiations.
When you know you will be meeting with a C-Style Communicator and you are not one, you should make an effort ahead of time to practice your delivery. If you arrive disorganized, giddy, and deliver your message casually, you have guaranteed a lack of receptiveness to your message. Instead, arrive with an organized package and deliver it calmly. Be prepared to explain research or data. There is no need to break the ice with personal talk. Get to the point and once you have provided the necessary information, allow time to process your message and make a decision.
Once you have practiced your delivery, it is time to add style specific keywords to your message. In addition to facts and data, include words like:
proven
track record
procedure
evidence
systematic
rational
logic
analysis
accurate
proven
Your Training Tip today is to identify conversations/meetings/proposals on your agenda this week in which you anticipate speaking with a High C communicator. Prepare several sentences using the keywords above and then practice them out loud.
To challenge yourself more, include nonverbals in your message: keep your body still and speak slowly and directly.
Once you identify the adjustments you need to make, practice them!
Say them out loud, in front of a mirror, in the car, or with a supportive friend or partner.
Don’t just think about the changes you will make. Practice them each day before those conversations.
We are certain your effort will improve the outcome of your conversations…for all of you in that conversation.
As with any physical skill, the more you practice, the more skilled you become. If you prefer to practice with others, apply to join one of our Professional Practice Groups.
Non-competing peers + coaching + group and individual practice = YOUR success
