Communicating for Success
Adapting Communication Styles
Picture this: You're at the helm, steering the conversation, but you're not getting the results you want (or any response at all). What could be the issue? Understanding human nuances and having the ability to decode different personalities can increase your chances of building rapport with clients or colleagues. Remember, an effective communication style is not a one-size-fits-all affair, you have to do some detective work and full-on tailoring to form connections successfully.
In this blog, I will share a treasure trove of insights on how to bridge different communication styles with specific personality types. Whether you're dealing with Sam from Sales who's excited to talk business over coffee, or Sarah from Finance, who has a no-nonsense approach, you'll learn how to win them over.
Maria Gonzaga, Head of Customer Experience at Real Estate Webmasters networking at Inman Las Vegas.
How Do You Communicate?
Are you a visual, auditory, or emotional (feel) communicator? We all have our preferred way of interacting, and it's essential to be aware of that when dealing with someone. We just have to do a bit of sleuthing to uncover their unique communication style.
Auditory
Here are the clues to watch out for to determine if someone is an auditory communicator. Do they say:
- I hear you have a new feature
- I heard about this new dialer coming out soon
- I would like to speak to you about…
- I would like to talk to you about…
If you see or hear someone communicate this way, there's a big chance that they prefer an auditory method. These people should be sent videos, called, or talked to in person so they can understand you better.
Visual
Figure out if someone is a "show me" type of person if they say:
- I saw something online about a new feature
- I read about your dialer that is coming out soon
- I would like you to send me the information via email
- I would like to see a demo of how it works
In contrast to auditory communicators, visual people should be sent brochures, presentations, emails, and videos.
Feel/ Emotional
Spotting emotional communicators might be trickier than the other two, but look out for these indicators when they say:
- I was really excited to find out about your new feature
- Can you tell me how your new dialer can help me make more sales?
- I am very frustrated when I try to do this…
- Your product is amazing
The best way to connect with these people is through calls and in-person meetings. Avoid being overly formal and focus on personalization and creating bonds. They want to know you're a human with feelings, not a robot.
Maria Gonzaga, Head of Customer Experience at Real Estate Webmasters at Inman Las Vegas.
Personality Colors
You may already know whether you're an introvert or extrovert, but have you ever dived deeper into your personality color? It's a snapshot of your traits and paints a clearer picture of your strengths, preferences, and communication style. There are so many amazing courses on personality colors and I highly recommend them. They will give you so much more in-depth knowledge than anything high-level I can provide.
Check out the differences between the blue, yellow, red, and green personality colors and discover which hue reflects your essence the most.
Introvert Personality Traits - Blue And Green
The blue and green personality colors are under the introvert umbrella.
People with blue personality colors are more analytical, with data and details being their jam. They're process-driven and prefer to look at graphs and visual presentations. Make sure not to rush your explanations when speaking to blue personality types. Overall, they are:
- Precise
- Calm
- Formal
- Detail-oriented
- Likes structure
If you have a green personality trait, you focus on individuals and value relationships. You need to know the "why" to give you more incentive to participate. Overall, you are:
- Patient
- Relaxed
- Empathic
- Emotional
- Value relationships
Do any of these personality colors sound like you? If not, we still have the extrovert corner to explore.
Extrovert Personality Traits - Red And Yellow
You may think extroverts are two peas in a pod, but they still have a whole spectrum of uniqueness. The red and yellow personality colors represent these differences.
People who have red traits are typically seen as leaders with strong personalities. They thrive in fast-paced environments, are always part of the decision-making, and look at the bigger picture. Generally, they are known to be:
- Purposeful
- Outgoing
- Strong-willed
- Persistent
- Prefers speed
On the other hand, those possessing the yellow personality trait are considered cheerleaders and the life of the party. They exude positivity and are always open to any engagement. As a whole, they are:
- Enthusiastic
- Sociable
- Energetic
- Persuasive
- Value relationships
Keep in mind that people's personalities aren't always black or white, or in this case, just blue, green, red, or yellow. In fact, most of us, including myself, are a dazzling mix of these colors. So whether you find yourself predominantly matched with one color or splashed with a bit of each, embrace it and learn how to use it to communicate effectively.
Quiz- What Color Are You?
If you're still unsure whether you belong to the blue, green, red, or yellow personality type, give our quiz below a shot. We tried to make it fun and relevant for our great team here at Real Estate Webmasters but we should be able to relate with most people.
Get a pen and paper and award yourself a point for every question you answer, 'yes'. When you're done, the color with the most points will likely be your spirit color!
Are you ready? Here we go:
Blue
- Do you love details/ Do you need details to make a decision?
- Do you prefer a step-by-step process? (Think Ikea instructions)
- Do you want explanations to be slow or detailed?
- Do you want to see or create graphs/ visuals/ presentations?
- Do you like data digging?
- Do you like to follow a policy?
- Do you like having a SOP (standard operating procedure)?
- Do you like to crunch numbers?
- If you go on vacation, do you need to have an itinerary?
- Would you rather have a teacher teach you than learn it on your own?
Green
- Are you value-driven?
- Do you need to know the "why"?
- Do you use "love" or "happy" in your communication?
- Do you have more than 20 good friends or more than 2 officemates you have a relationship with outside of work?
- Do you cry watching movies?
- Are you a hugger?
- Have you ever worked with someone with a disability?
- Can you listen to someone with a personal crisis without interrupting them?
- Do you call your parents or best friends?
- Do you volunteer or are you part of a community group?
Red
- Are you fast-paced?
- Can you make a decision without all the details?
- Do you wonder how a process affects other departments?
- I don't want to talk about it/ I simply want to get it done?
- Try and fail instead of doing a ton of research?
- Are you someone who researches before installing an app rather than figuring it out along the way?
- Can you email while talking on the phone?
- Can you pick up the phone to speak to someone blindly?
- Can you try new food without an explanation of what it is?
- Can you take a vacation without an itinerary?
Yellow
- Are you more of a half-glass full or half-glass empty type of person?
- Do you enjoy participating in team buildings?
- Are you a cheerleader?
- Do you ask questions when you're in a group or meeting?
- Do you talk to the majority of the people in gatherings or tell jokes?
- Do you smile more than 3 times per hour?
- Do you karaoke or dance outside your home or of your immediate family?
- Do you enjoy talking to people more hours in the day than not?
- Do you laugh more than 3 times per day?
- Would you rather play with children than read a book?
Conclusion
Communication is a two-way street wherein you need to determine your own and the other person's communication style. Doing this unlocks meaningful conversations, which is especially important in Real Estate where relationships hold immense value.
Remember, people grow, so don't treat personality traits and communication styles as set in stone. Stay observant because things can change over time.
Oh, and I'm really curious about your quiz results and your thoughts on this blog.
Communication Playbook FAQ
How can understanding personality types improve communication?
Recognizing personality types can offer insights into communication preferences, helping foster understanding and reducing misunderstanding.
Are there universal communication strategies that work well regardless of personality type?
Yes, active listening, showing empathy, and being respectful are universally appreciated. While specific strategies can be tailored to personality types, these foundational skills are always beneficial.
How can I practice and improve my adaptive communication skills?
Engage in diverse conversations, seek feedback, and reflect on interactions. Role-playing exercises and attending workshops or courses on communication can also be beneficial.
How do I handle situations where multiple personality types are present, like in meetings?
In group settings, aim for inclusivity. Use a mix of communication styles, encourage open dialogue, and be observant of group dynamics to ensure everyone feels heard and understood.
Can adapting my communication style be perceived as inauthentic?
While adapting can enhance understanding, it's essential to remain genuine. It's about meeting others halfway, not changing who you are. Authenticity is key to building trust.