Have you ever wondered why your carefully worded suggestions get ignored, or why someone thought you were angry when you were simply being clear? The answer might lie in your influence style.
In this illuminating episode, Ken and Patti Leith delve into the third component of their Interface Methods collaboration tool: influence styles. Building on previous discussions about detail orientation and information processing, they explore the fascinating dynamic between direct and cautious communicators.
Direct communicators speak succinctly, state facts plainly, and get straight to the point. Cautious communicators use qualifying words (might, maybe, possibly), provide context, and emphasize diplomacy. While neither style is inherently better, these differences essentially create two different languages, even when both parties are speaking English.
Through engaging stories and relatable examples, Ken and Patti demonstrate how these communication differences lead to misunderstandings in both professional and personal settings. A cautious boss saying "you might want to consider waiting" might intend a firm directive, while the direct employee hears merely an optional suggestion. Similarly, when a direct person makes a straightforward statement, a cautious receiver often perceives more intensity or frustration than was ever intended.
What makes this challenge particularly difficult is that while we can adapt how we speak relatively easily, it's much harder to change how we hear and interpret others' communication. This places more responsibility on the message sender to adapt their delivery style to match the receiver's preference.
The good news? These differences are behavioral, not personality-based, which means they can be recognized and adapted to with practice. By spotting these differences and willingly adapting our approach, we can dramatically improve our connections with others.
Whether in the workplace, at home, or in community involvement, understanding these influence styles can transform our relationships. Join us to discover how to bridge these communication gaps and connect more effectively with everyone in your life.
Share this episode with someone you think could benefit from understanding these communication differences, and subscribe to catch our exciting plans for the upcoming year!

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