How do you adapt in order to effectively communicate with the other personalities?

2013-12-13T00:52:54-05:00

Do you tailor your communication to fit your audience? Assess how you communicate to your Soldiers. Have you thought of taking a personality test to assess your personality? Do you know who you are?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2013 12:56 AM

2013-12-13T00:56:27-05:00

SSG Jackson,

I believe it is more important for leaders to learn the communication style of their subordinates than it is for our subordinates to learn how to communicate with the leaders.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2013 1:34 AM

2013-12-13T01:34:39-05:00

It is my opinion that the responsibility of ensuring the message is received is the sender. I equate this to trying to communicate with someone that does not speak English. I can get louder and louder with what I am saying in English, but if I do not figure out a way to deliver my message in a way that can be understood by that individual then I am just spinning my wheels.

It is also difficult to hold anyone accountable for their actions if the message sent was not clearly received.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2013 9:12 PM

2013-12-13T21:12:22-05:00

SSG A, I start by just watching and listening and then remembering you won't get effective comms with some no matter how hard you try. Of course, no two Soldiers are alike so my approach with each would be different. Knowing my own strengths and weakness will also enable me to know my leadership style and be able to determine if I'm able (just yet) to be effective in this situation or if I should be bringing in back up. Some Soldiers tend to look at the messenger moreso than the message, which is one of the things that definitely need to be fixed in the Army.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2014 11:40 AM

2014-01-19T11:40:01-05:00

SSG Jackson,

This is a great question, for me to answer this honestly I have to say I never changed my approach to communicate with any soldier.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2014 11:44 AM

2014-01-19T11:44:07-05:00

I once worked directly for a Battalion Commander that was the text book example of an introvert. Being someone that is outspoken and enjoys starting up conversations I really had to take a step back to figure out how I would maintain a professional relationship with my BC. The approach I took was simple speak when spoken to and bother only when absolutely need be. So, an old dog can learn new tricks if needed!