How to Collaborate with Colleagues with Different Interpersonal Styles
When you work with others, chances are good that your co-workers have different communication preferences than you do. This can lead to friction, misunderstandings, and conflict. It's important to recognize these differences and find ways to collaborate despite them. Here are some tips for working effectively with people who communicate differently than you do:
1. Start by asking yourself what you want out of the collaboration. Think about how your goals align with theirs and how they might differ from yours.
2. Find common ground between your approaches to communication. Try to focus on areas where you both agree on how to work together rather than getting hung up on points of disagreement.
3. Make an effort to understand why your colleague communicates the way he or she does. Look for clues in their body language, tone of voice, and choice of words.
4. Be open to trying new things when it comes to communication methods. If your colleague prefers email while you like face-to-face meetings, try switching things up every once in awhile.
5. Listen carefully to your partner's feedback. Don't assume that because you communicate differently, your approach is wrong. Instead, consider how you might adjust your style to make your message more clear.
6. Don't take criticism personally. Remember that everyone has different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to communication. Your colleague may be pointing out something you could improve upon so that the two of you can work better together.
7. If all else fails, talk directly to your partner about the issue. Let him or her know how you prefer to communicate and ask if there is anything you can do to accommodate their needs as well.
8. In the end, remember that communication isn't just about sending messages - it's also about receiving them. Pay attention to nonverbal cues such as facial expressions, gestures, and posture. This will help you read between the lines and avoid miscommunications down the road.
By understanding your differences and finding ways to bridge those gaps, you can build strong collaborative relationships with co-workers who have different interpersonal styles than yours. With time and patience, these partnerships can become some of your most productive and rewarding professional experiences.
How do teammates navigate long-term collaboration with colleagues whose interpersonal styles differ sharply from their own?
It is not uncommon for team members to work alongside those who have diverse communication styles. While each of us has our distinct way of interacting with others, we still need to cooperate productively as part of a team to achieve shared goals. When there is a disparity between how one communicates and another's communication preferences, it can result in difficulties in understanding and collaboration.