Communicating for Performance: Unlocking the Potential of Your Team

By: Jeff Sesol - CEO/Founder at Pull the Chute

Communication is the cornerstone of all relationships, yet many leaders and team members struggle to adapt their communication styles to effectively connect with others. A one-size-fits-all approach often leads to misunderstandings, disengagement, or even conflict. To foster an environment of engagement, trust, and motivation, leaders must understand their own communication styles and learn how to adapt to meet their team members where they are. By leveraging this, you can unlock the full potential of your team, regardless of which generation they are from.  This approach will drive performance and take your business to new heights.

Self-Assessing Your Communication Style

Before improving communication with others, it’s essential to understand how you naturally communicate. Your personality, preferences, and experiences influence your communication style. Here’s a simple way to self-assess:

1. Reflect on Your Tendencies:

   • Do you prefer direct, to-the-point conversations, or do you tend to focus on building rapport before addressing tasks?

   • Are you more comfortable giving detailed instructions, or do you trust your team to figure things out independently?

2. Ask for Feedback:

   • Seek input from your team or peers on how they perceive your communication style. For example, do they find you approachable? Clear? Supportive?

3. Take a Communication Style Quiz:

   • Use a tool like DISC, Myers-Briggs, or other communication assessments to gain insights into your tendencies. These tools can identify whether you lean toward analytical, expressive, amiable, or assertive styles.

Understanding your communication style allows you to recognize its strengths and potential blind spots. For instance, a highly analytical communicator may excel at presenting data but struggle with conveying empathy. Once you know your tendencies, you can begin to adjust and refine them to connect better with others.

Exploring Communication Tools for Relating to Team Members

Effective leaders don’t just rely on one method of communication—they adapt their approach based on the situation and the individual. Here are key tools and strategies to help you relate to your team members and drive performance:

1. Active ListeningCommunication is a two-way street; active listening ensures you truly understand the other person. It involves focusing fully on the speaker, asking clarifying questions, and reflecting back on what you’ve heard. For example:

   • “It sounds like you’re concerned about the timeline. Let’s explore how we can address that.”

Active listening shows you value the other person’s perspective, building trust and engagement.

2. Empathy and Emotional IntelligenceEmpathy allows you to connect on a deeper level by understanding the emotions behind someone’s words. Use emotional intelligence to recognize not just what is being said, but how it’s being said. Respond in a way that acknowledges their feelings while keeping the conversation constructive.For example:

   • “I can see this project has been challenging for you. How can I support you in overcoming these obstacles?”

3. Tailoring Your Style to the IndividualSome people communicate differently. Some team members prefer direct, concise instructions, while others thrive on collaborative discussions. Remember, we are in a four-generation workforce that has had extreme influences throughout their lives. So it is important to take that into account when you communicate.  

Here are a few ways to adapt and communicate:

• For analytical thinkers: Use data and logic to support your points.

• For expressive personalities: Focus on big-picture ideas and enthusiasm.

• For amiable team members: Build rapport and emphasize collaboration.

• For assertive individuals: Be direct but respectful and provide clear outcomes.

• For Gen Z, Prioritize transparency and honesty. Focus on output, not behavior. 

• For Millennials, be honest and to the point.

• For Gen X, provide straightforward, concise communication.  

• For Baby Boomers, they prefer formal, face-to-face communication

Meeting people where they are increases engagement and ensures your message resonates.

4. Clarity and TransparencyAmbiguity leads to confusion and frustration. Clear communication includes defining goals, expectations, and timelines. Always confirm understanding to avoid misalignment. For example:

   • “Just to confirm, the goal is to have the report completed by Wednesday. Do you have what you need to make that happen?”

5. Feedback and Open DialogueFeedback is a powerful tool for performance improvement, but it must be delivered constructively. Balance positive reinforcement with constructive suggestions, and encourage feedback to flow both ways.For example:

   • “You’ve done an excellent job with the presentation. One area we could enhance next time is streamlining the key points.”

Adapting Communication to Drive Engagement

When leaders adjust their communication to suit their team members’ styles, it creates a sense of value and understanding. Imagine a leader who provides a detailed plan to an analytical employee while giving a high-level overview to a creative team member. By tailoring their approach, the leader not only improves understanding but also boosts motivation and productivity.

Takeaways for Communicating for Performance

• Self-assess your communication style to understand your strengths and areas for growth.

• Use active listening and empathy to foster trust and open dialogue.

• Tailor your communication style to meet your team members where they are, ensuring clarity and connection.

Mastering these communication skills will not only enhance your leadership effectiveness but also create a culture of engagement, collaboration, and high performance. Great communication is the bridge between good intentions and exceptional results—invest in it, and watch your team thrive.

Pull the Chute provides a dynamic initiative designed to identify, nurture, and empower the next generation of leaders within your organization. Rooted in progressive leadership theories and practices, the programs are meticulously crafted to equip participants with the skills, insights, and mindset needed to excel in leadership roles amidst an ever-changing business environment. 

Take our True Leadership Quiz. See how you stack up. 

Want to know more? Let’s schedule a 30-minute Discovery call to discuss your needs and how we can help. Find a date and time that work for you - https://www.calendly.com/pullthechute.