Last updated on Mar 19, 2024
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Understand their style
2
Respect their time
3
Be confident and assertive
4
Give and receive feedback
5
Appreciate their strengths
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Here’s what else to consider
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Communication is a vital skill in any workplace, but it can be challenging to adapt to different styles and preferences of your colleagues. Some people like to be direct, clear, and concise, while others prefer more nuance, context, and diplomacy. How can you communicate effectively with a colleague who prefers direct communication? Here are some tips to help you.
Key takeaways from this article
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Be succinct and structured:
When chatting with a direct colleague, keep emails and meetings short. Bullet points are your best friend here—they help you stay on point and respect their time.
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Active listening:
Tune into the conversation with full attention. It shows respect and helps you understand their direct style—crucial for working well together.
This summary is powered by AI and these experts
- Fernandez "Frank" Ponds (TS/SCI) Ready to join a team of talented…
1 Understand their style
Direct communicators value honesty, efficiency, and results. They don't like to waste time on small talk, vague language, or irrelevant details. They want to get to the point quickly and solve problems without beating around the bush. They may come across as blunt, assertive, or impatient, but they don't mean to offend or disrespect anyone. They just want to express their opinions and expectations clearly and expect the same from others.
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When talking to someone who likes direct communication, it's best to be straightforward and concise. Being direct doesn't mean being rude; it's about respecting their time and communication preferences. Show that you understand their approach by being honest and clear in your responses, and they'll likely respond positively.
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Be succinct, direct, and open in your communication while interacting with a coworker that values direct communication. Whenever possible, choose in-person interactions or phone calls over emails or other indirect communications services. Be ready to answer concerns or inquiries head-on, without going into too much detail or skirting the subject. It is best to be forthright with your aims and expectations so that there can be an honest discussion and effective settlement of any issues that may arise.
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Be Clear and Concise: Get straight to the point when communicating. Avoid lengthy explanations or small talk.Use Email or Direct Messages: Opt for written communication methods like emails or instant messaging, where you can provide information directly without much elaboration.Seek Clarification if Needed: If unsure about something, ask for clarification promptly. Direct communicators appreciate clear questions and straightforward discussions.
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There is no need to sugar coat your conversation. The good, the bad and the ugly. Identify the problem, point out the invasiveness, get their attention long enough to share a solution or product story, followed by a proof story. They tend make a decisions quickly.
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2 Respect their time
When you communicate with a direct colleague, be mindful of their time and attention span. Don't send them long emails, texts, or messages that require them to scroll or click through multiple links. Instead, use short and simple sentences, bullet points, and headings to highlight the main points, actions, and deadlines. If you need to talk to them in person or on the phone, schedule a meeting or a call in advance and stick to the agenda. Avoid interrupting them when they are busy or distracted and get to the purpose of your communication as soon as possible.
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To communicate effectively with someone who prefers directness, it's important to be clear and specific. This means being concise in your interactions. When sending messages or emails, keep them short, clear, and to the point, focusing on the essential information and actions required. If a conversation is necessary, schedule it beforehand, ensuring it doesn’t disrupt their workflow, and during the conversation, directly address the topic at hand.
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3 Be confident and assertive
Direct communicators appreciate confidence and assertiveness in others. They don't like to deal with hesitation, uncertainty, or indecision. They want you to be confident in your abilities, opinions, and decisions and to communicate them with conviction and clarity. Don't be afraid to disagree with them, challenge them, or ask them questions, as long as you do it respectfully and constructively. They will respect you more if you stand up for yourself and your ideas than if you agree with them just to avoid conflict or please them.
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When communicating with someone who prefers directness, be clear and confident in expressing your ideas and opinions. Speak your mind clearly and back up your points with facts or logical reasoning. Direct communicators respect value straightforwardness. Doing this shows you're engaged and interested in finding the best solutions. This ensures that your conversations are productive and clear while building mutual respect.
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4 Give and receive feedback
Direct communicators are not shy about giving feedback, whether positive or negative. They believe that feedback is essential for improvement and growth and they expect you to do the same. When you give feedback to a direct colleague, be specific, factual, and constructive. Don't sugarcoat, exaggerate, or generalize your comments. Focus on the behavior, not the person, and provide examples and suggestions for improvement. When you receive feedback from a direct colleague, don't take it personally or defensively. Listen carefully, acknowledge their points, and thank them for their input. Show them that you are willing to learn from their feedback and act on it.
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When communicating with someone who prefers directness, feedback plays a key role. To give feedback effectively, be clear, concise, and focus on actions rather than personal traits. Offer practical suggestions for improvement. Receiving feedback from a direct communicator also requires openness. Instead of feeling defensive, listen attentively and see it as an opportunity to grow. Express gratitude for their straightforwardness, showing you value their perspective and are eager to apply their advice.
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- Be direct...clear and concise.- Be an active listener.- Provide direct feedback.- Minimize rhetoric.- Avoid metaphors and similes (figures of speech).
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5 Appreciate their strengths
Direct communicators have many strengths that can benefit you and your team. They are honest, reliable, and goal-oriented. They can make quick decisions, solve problems, and take action. They can also motivate, inspire, and lead others with their vision and enthusiasm. They are not afraid to speak their mind, take risks, or face challenges. Appreciate their strengths and learn from them. Recognize their contributions and achievements and compliment them sincerely. Don't take their directness for granted or assume that they don't need support or recognition.
Communicating with a colleague who prefers direct communication can be rewarding and productive if you understand their style, respect their time, be confident and assertive, give and receive feedback, and appreciate their strengths. By doing so, you can build trust, respect, and rapport with them and enhance your collaboration and performance.
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To work well with a colleague who prefers direct communication, it's good to remember they value straightforwardness and efficiency. Acknowledge the benefits of their approach, like getting to solutions quickly and reducing misunderstandings. Show appreciation for their clear and honest feedback, which can help improve work processes and outcomes. When you interact with them, aim for clarity in your own communication and respect their preference for getting straight to the point.
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6 Here’s what else to consider
This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?
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