Communicating in the workplace: ADAPTING TO DIFFERENT BEHAVIORS

In both our interpersonal and professional relationships, we are exposed to personalities that are different from our own. These differences in personality characteristics affect our communication styles.

The MPO Communication model allows you to be aware of your own style and to understand the behaviors that result from it. Being aware of the importance of good communication in business is the first step towards harmonious interactions.

There are 4 main dynamics according to MPO Communication:

• Authoritative: combines a high degree of self-control with strong assertiveness
• Expressive: combines strong assertiveness and spontaneity
• Cooperative: combines great spontaneity and caution
• Analytical: combines great self-control and caution

Whether you are the transmitter or the receiver, knowing your dynamics and those of the other person will help you adapt your behavior to facilitate an effective and productive exchange.

 

ADAPTABILITY AND IMPROVED COMMUNICATIONS

Adaptability is the process by which we adapt our behaviors to make them more acceptable to others, less stressful and less harmful. When we communicate, we seek first to be understood, but also sometimes to influence others. Even without being aware of it, our message conveys certain objectives that we are trying to achieve. Knowing how to adapt means first of all being able to recognize your style and knowing that it does not work with everyone in the same way. By adapting, we reduce the level of tension and are then better heard.

The only person you have any real control over in a relationship is yourself. Find out our tips on how to adapt to the other person.

 

A 4-STEP PROCESS TO ADAPT TO OTHERS

1. You must first be aware of your communication style. What is your natural way of communicating? How does it influence others? What are your strengths?
2. You will then be able to control yourself and your behaviors in your interactions. Be aware of the negative effects and take steps to correct them.
3. Do your best to understand others. What are their dynamics? What are their perceptions, their needs, their goals?
4. Then respond to their needs and dynamics. Therefore, adapt your behaviors both verbally and non-verbally.

 

ADAPT TO DIFFERENT DYNAMICS

Discover some tips to adapt to the different profiles that your team may have. You will find all the tips on our page MPO Communication.

ADAPTING TO THE AUTHORITATIVE

The authoritative person needs to feel in control of the situation. He wants you to be direct and factual with him.

• If you have a different opinion from him, support your position with logical arguments
• Be direct and to the point in your questions
• Propose solutions that will help them achieve their personal goals
• Be factual and results-oriented
• Develop action plans with timelines

ADAPT TO THE EXPRESSIVE

The expressive is more impulsive and persuasive. They are very spontaneous, so they can be more sensitive than others.

• Ask them about their plans and ideas for the future and be prepared to listen
• Approach situations in a general way first
• Listen to his point of view
• Don’t force them to go into too much details
• Value the search for common ground or compromise
• Clearly identify roles and timelines

ADAPTING TO THE COOPERATIVE

The cooperative cares about people. They are persuasive and impulsive, but communicate with caution.

• Take the time to establish the relationship before talking about goals and tasks
• Take an active interest in them (what drives them, what they care about, what their interests are, etc.)
• Use a collaborative strategy
• Be patient and calm
• Present your ideas in a concrete manner with examples
• Take the time to review each step before moving on to the next to validate potential concerns
• If there are changes to be made, present them with the benefits they will gain based on their needs

ADAPT TO THE ANALYTIC

The analytical person is task-focused. They are controlling and communicate with caution.

– Present your arguments in a concrete, factual and logical way

– Don’t be friendly too quickly, be patient

– Use written, concrete documents to communicate your ideas

– Use facts or evidence to make your point

– Be direct and to the point

– If a decision has to be made, don’t put pressure

It is often said that opposites attract. Yet it is also true that opposites also push each other away. The most complementary dynamics also present the greatest challenges in terms of adaptability.

MPO Communication allows you to establish your profile and that of your employees to facilitate daily exchanges and improve efficiency in your projects. The strength of a team lies in the harmony between the different profiles. Give yourself the tools to reach your objectives.