Communication Styles
Have you considered your communication “style”? This refers to “your way” of communicating or sharing information with others. For some, this might be consistent with their personality, a reflection of their values, a result of their upbringing or education, and/or specific to completing a particular task or achieving a certain goal or outcome. How one communicates might vary depending on multiple factors. Regarding communication in the workplace or working in any team, it’s important to be aware of your style of communicating and how you can communicate most effectively with others.
Main Styles of Communication
There are four main styles of communication that have been researched over the years. These include:
Passive Communication,
Aggressive Communication,
Passive-Aggressive Communication, and
Assertive Communication.
Passive Communication
Individuals who communicate passively might not express their feelings or needs, ignore their own rights, and defer to others to make decisions in order to avoid tension or conflict. One example is when someone says, “I’m okay with whatever you want to do.”
Passive communication can lead to misunderstandings, built-up anger, or resentment.
On the other hand, this approach might be helpful when needing to deescalate a situation.
Aggressive Communication
Someone who communicates aggressively might express feelings or needs at the expense of others (ignore the rights of others), alienate and hurt others, and become defensive or hostile when confronted.This style of communication can be characterized by raising one’s voice, blaming, being critical, or becoming physical, to name a few.
Aggressive communication could be helpful when someone needs to quickly stop a situation from becoming worse (when personal safety is threatened).
Passive-Aggressive Communication
A person who communicates passive-aggressively might express feelings or needs indirectly (appear passive on the surface but subtly act out anger) and exert control over others by using sarcasm or avoiding the conversation. Some examples include appearing passive but giving the “silent treatment”, spreading rumors about others, or sabotaging the efforts of others.
Assertive Communication
Assertive Communication is characterized by individuals’ utilization of direct, honest communication of feelings or needs (asserting their feelings or needs while respecting those of others). It’s important to not confuse assertive communication with aggressive communication. Examples of assertive communication include using “I” statements, making eye contact, having straight posture, and showing relaxed gestures.
Read more information about these communication styles and related resources.
In addition to the main four styles of communication previously noted, you might find other styles, such as direct, functional, or collaborative, relevant for you.
Implications for Leaders/Organizations
Whether in the workplace or working in any team, understanding communication styles is important for achieving effective communication. If you’re a leader, you also play an important role in supporting the growth and development of members of your team, as well as establishing standards for and modeling healthy communication and workplace culture. Effective communication can contribute to engagement, retention, and productivity, among other positive outcomes.
What is your communication “style”? Are you aware of how you can communicate most effectively with others?
Not sure about your communication style? Take a quiz!
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