Owning Your Communication Style

by and | Jul 26, 2022 | Culture

You have heard it a thousand times— “communication is important.”  But communication styles, like pant styles, vary among generations, genders, and level of authority. Most people think they are expressing their thoughts in a way that everyone understands, however, that is rarely the case.   More often, people are not always aware of non-verbal cues including body language and tone and how such cues are perceived by others. The easiest way to become more aware of our behaviors is to seek and give feedback in situations where miscommunication threatens the success of an engagement.  

Together, Tax Manager, Yitz Kolodny, and Tax Senior, Jessica Correll, offer three tips to improve communication exchanges among team members. 

Be Compassionate 

Communications over email, instant messenger, and even virtual calls can lack important cues as to how to interpret a message. Facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language are missing from written responses and virtual communication.  As a result, the tone and message can be misconstrued easily. When working with someone whose style of written communication differs from your own, consider the individual’s personality and adjust your expectations when you interact with them.It is natural for some people to be more flowery while others are more direct. Neither are wrong, but with a compassionate read, it’s easier to get to the point and not be offended by the other person’s style. 

Be Courageous  

If you do encounter a co-worker who communicates differently than you prefer, consider if the topic should be addressed directly with that person or if it can be overlooked.It is preferable to clear any miscommunications when they occur instead of after the instance has passed and  gone. We often shy from these discussions because they can be uncomfortable, but we should view them as a tool for a successful engagement and not as a confrontation. Most of the time, the co-worker is unaware that their communication style is affecting the engagement and will be willing to adjust to ensure success. By addressing the issue and finding a method that works for both parties, ownership increases.  

Be Patient 

Communication styles can be difficult to modify, and results may not be seen immediately. It is common to hope one conversation or email will ease any issues. However, it is important to continue to have open communications with co-workers. Dedication to having a conversation about the conversation will, undoubtedly, pay off in the long run. 

Interested in learning more about our firm? Contact our Houston team!  

Do not underestimate the importance of communication culture in a work environment.  It is one of the most important components of job satisfaction for employees. By supporting open and positive lines of communication, you can contribute to the overall dynamic in your workplace. 

You may also like:

Ownership at the Workplace: Empowering Employees to Drive Success

In today's fast-paced business world, companies are always looking for ways to improve their productivity and bottom line. One effective approach is cultivating a culture of ownership at the workplace. When employees feel that they have a stake in the success of their...

The Importance of Mental Health On and Off the Clock

It is no secret that mental health is essential to our overall well-being. Taking care of ourselves both physically and mentally is vital, especially in the workplace where mental health can easily take a back seat to work demands. However, taking the time to care for...

All Things Social Unites Hybrid Colleagues

Did you join a company during the pandemic when everyone was working from home? Are you still finding it hard to meet all your colleagues due to different hybrid work schedules? With some people only coming into the office twice a week, it’s possible you may not see...

The Great Tax Sunset: How To Prepare

In December 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was passed by Congress and signed by former President Donald Trump. This legislation reduced personal, corporate and estate taxes. Although many corporate tax changes were made permanent, most individual changes will...

International Women’s Day: Balancing Life as a Mom in the Workforce

Flexibility and adaptability to change is key when you’re a mom. I will share a bit about my experience and some tips that have helped me navigate working a full-time job in public accounting and being a parent. I’ve stopped trying to be a “super mom.” That is an...

Latest Posts