We've covered personality differences and motivation drivers. Now let's explore how these show up in daily communication - the most critical people management skill.
Think about your last stakeholder meeting. Some colleagues jumped right into metrics, others wanted to discuss team concerns first. Some pushed for quick decisions, others needed time to process.
Engagement Message
Share one communication difference you've noticed among your team members or stakeholders.
Here's what many people managers overlook: team members don't just have different personalities - they have completely different communication styles and preferences.
What feels natural and effective to you might feel rushed or overwhelming to someone else on your team.
Engagement Message
Can you think of a team member whose communication approach sometimes puzzles you?
Research identifies four primary communication styles based on two key dimensions: how direct people are, and whether they focus on tasks or relationships.
These aren't fixed personality types - they're communication preferences you can observe and adapt to as a manager.
Engagement Message
Do you tend to be more direct or more diplomatic in your management style?
Let's start with directness. Direct communicators get straight to the point: "We need to improve our team efficiency this quarter." They value clarity and quick action.
Indirect communicators soften their approach: "I've been thinking about ways we might enhance our team processes when everyone's ready." They value harmony and thoughtful consideration.
Engagement Message
Which approach—direct or indirect—feels more natural when managing your team?
The second dimension is task focus versus people focus. Task-focused communicators prioritize operational efficiency and measurable outcomes.
People-focused communicators prioritize team dynamics and how decisions affect individual team members. They ask about workload impact and team morale.
