Communication, influenced by an individual's personality style, plays a crucial role in relationships. Various personality styles have communication styles that mirror their traits. Different personality styles tend to have distinct communication styles that reflect their underlying traits and tendencies. As mentioned in a different article, in conflict situations I was both avoidant and competing, depending on how personal the conflict was. These behaviors manifested in my communication.
Engaging in personal and professional development improved my communication skills enhancing my understanding of my personality style in these situations. The point of view that I will bring today, is not in a conflict situation but rather a broader aspect of communication and personality traits.
Avoidant Personality & Communication Style
People with an avoidant personality style tend to be anxious and fearful, and their communication style may reflect this. They may avoid social interactions and situations, fearing rejection or criticism. In communication, they may be limited in their way of expressing themselves hence tend to keep their thoughts and feelings to themselves. The reason for avoiding initiating conversations or expressing their opinions can be fear and a wish to circumvent any potential conflict, rejection, or confrontation. In the workplace, it can be hard to maintain effective and positive communication in case you overuse this style, as your colleagues will not know what you are actually thinking. The worst trait in my opinion, something I did myself is ghosting, which is the epitome of an avoidant communication style.
Compromising Personality & Communication Style
Individuals with a compromising personality style tend to seek a middle ground and find solutions that work for everyone. Their communication style may reflect this in their skilled way of finding common ground and making compromises. Using active listening and seeking to understand the perspectives of others before proposing a solution are typical traits. We can see this correlation in their communication skills as they may be diplomatic and tactful, using language that acknowledges the opinions of others. The communication skill they might need to work on is to be more direct as it can be seen as they communicate for “all sides”.
Accommodating Personality & Communication Style
People with an accommodating personality style tend to be selfless and cooperative, and their communication style may reflect this. The willingness to put the needs of others before their own, and seeking to maintain harmony and avoid conflict, are typical traits.
In communication, they may be empathetic and attentive to the feelings of others. They may be skilled at diffusing tension and finding compromises that work for everyone. However, their communication style may also be passive and non-assertive, and they may be hesitant to speak up for their own needs and desires.
Collaborative Personality & Communication Style
Individuals with a collaborative personality style tend to be cooperative and assertive, and their communication style may reflect this. They may seek to work together with others to achieve a common goal, valuing mutual respect and understanding. They may be skilled at active listening and have effective and clear communication; expressing themselves clearly and assertively. They may be willing to share ideas and brainstorm solutions with others, using open and honest communication to build trust and respect.
Competing Personality & Communication Style
People with a competing personality style tend to be assertive and focused on achieving their goals, and their communication style may reflect this. They may be more likely to assert their opinions and ideas, seeking to persuade others to their point of view. In communication, they may be direct and clear, using language that is assertive and confident. They may be less interested in finding common ground and may be more likely to take an adversarial stance, seeking to win the argument or achieve their goals at all costs.
One thing that is important to note is that each style has its strengths and weaknesses, and being able to work on our professional development, and communication skills is the key to effective and positive communication. Simultaneously as we work on our professional development we also increase the chances of well-being and an improved workplace where people feel good being. By tweaking our own communication style; implementing more positive communication structures and mindset, and removing and mitigating negative connotations we can make people feel valued, and people that feel valued will produce better results.
In conclusion, understanding the correlation between personality style and communication style can help individuals better communicate with others and build stronger relationships. By identifying my own style I have been able to analyze it and see what was not working, and then improve it. Improved communication skills will definitely assist any professional to get what they want, mitigate problems and issues additionally increase the well-being in the workplace, and make it into a place where everyone feels valued and where Monday morning does not mean Monday blues.