How The Playful Speak Up
In our recent post, we discussed the importance of being able to speak up. In my Communication DNA model I teach of the 4 communication DNA styles. The Powerful, Playful, Patient and Perfectionist. In today’s post I will outline how the Playful Communication DNA style deals with the idea of speaking up. Their struggle is different to the Powerful Communicator but their struggle is real and can affect Communication.
The Playful Communicator, they are warm, funny, talkative and speak in stories. They always strive for RECOGNITION and love social interaction. They naturally are attracted to positions of contact and interaction with people. Why? Because they love to be the centre of attention.
This Communicator has no issue speaking up if it is to make a joke, be funny or tell a story. They re also great at motivating others into change as they are incredibly optimistic. You may agree that these are strengths.
The struggle they face is influencing others with their ideas when relationships or their status is at risk. They can struggle with change if it may mean offending someone or potentially causing conflict. After all the reason we speak up is to create change. So for the Playful Communicator, providing the change is fun and won’t hurt anyone they will speak up.
The unaware Playful Communicator can offend when they speak up if they hog the limelight, offend someone when people think they re not being serious enough, or when they are all talk and no follow through.
The sad thing is this is not the intention of the Playful communicator at all. They have spoken up to improve things but this may not be the result. The Playful communicator just wants you to like them, that is all…..
What can you do?
If you relate to this, you have so many strengths so don’t feel like this is bad news…. Not at all, in fact only a few small tweaks are needed to improve the results when you speak up.
Firstly, be aware that you can come off as blabby and shallow, so to overcome this use less words. Consider pausing so others can add to the conversation. Be aware that listening and allowing others to speak will make you seem more likeable. Watch out for people that may be offended by your clown like antics, don’t take it personally some people are more serious and that is okay. Be open to others contributing. This should be the beginning of a conversation not the end of it.
If you are struggling with a Playful Communicator remember their intention is to improve things and do not take their crazy, zany, chatty style personally. They just want you to like them.
Next time we will spend some time explain how the Patient DNA style has their own strengths when it comes to speaking up and being assertive.
Until then Care Connect and be a Conscious Communicator. Let’s change the world we live in one conversation at a time.