How The Powerful Speak Up
In our last 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 coming posts I will outline how each style struggles with the idea of speaking up. Their struggles are different but all are real and can affect Communication.
The Powerful Communicator, they are direct, blunt, speak in bullet points. They always strive for RESULTS and love control. They naturally are attracted to positions of power and decision making. Why? Because they love control.
This Communicator has no issue speaking up under normal conditions. They are keen problem solvers and see speaking up as the best way to problem solve. They are also inpatient so do not like to put up with the status quo. You may agree that these are strengths.
The struggle they face is influencing others with their ideas and points view. After all the reason we speak up is to create change. The unaware Powerful Communicator can offend when they speak up because it is often blunt, to the point with absolutely no sugar coating. The result; people may be influenced ( or pushed once) but will then shut down as they can feel bullied.
The sad thing is this is not the intention of the Powerful communicator at all. They have spoken up to improve things but this may not be the result. The Powerful communicator like all of us can get caught up in their own world and may forget that every one has their own perception as well as their own ways of dealing with it.
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 and pushy and blunt, so to overcome this use more words. Consider open ended questions not closed ones as they shut down a conversation. Be aware that there is more than one solution. Be open to finding the best one. Warm up your tone, and be interested in the opinion of others. This should be the beginning of a conversation not the end of it.
If you are struggling with a Powerful Communicator remember their intention is to improve things and do not take their blunt, direct style personally.
Next time we will spend some time explain how the Playful 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.