How Do You Communicate with Others?

Working with people can be exhausting. Largely, that is because of how we communicate with each other. Most of us default to communicating with others the way we prefer to be communicated with. Yet, with at least four primary communication styles, these well-intentioned efforts can actually prove to be disastrous.

I recently had the privilege of working with Merrick Rosenberg to dig deep into this subject with one of my Vistage groups. Merrick equates the four communications styles to four types of birds:

• Eagles
• Owls
• Parrots
• Doves

No one style is better than another. The key to effective communication is to understand not only your style but also the styles of the people you work and live with. For example, Eagles are direct and results-oriented, while Parrots are group-oriented and social. Owls love detail and are analytical, while Doves are empathetic and focused on relationships.

After our session, Merrick and I had a brief chat. During that conversation, I asked him about the different styles and what he recommends when asked about communications. Watch our discussion now to learn what he suggests.

Whether you’re an Eagle, Dove, Parrot, or Owl, make sure that when your conversations take flight, you know exactly who’s soaring beside you.

TRANSCRIPT

Chad Harvey (00:05): Hey there. Chad Harvey here in beautiful Avalon, New Jersey with personality guru, author, speaker, Merrick Rosenberg. Merrick, we just talked about parrots, eagles, doves, owls, all the different personality styles. It was fantastic. What’s the one thing you’d love for people to know about working with others and how personality styles influence?

Merrick Rosenberg (00:25): Well, a lot of times what people do, they impose their personality style on others. So if you are an owl and very detail-oriented, how much detail do you provide? A lot. But what if you’re dealing with a parrot who’s just like, “Tell me what I need to know, I’ll make it happen”? You’ve got to look at the person who you’re talking to, communicate to them in a way they would want to be communicated to, and not impose your style on them.

Chad Harvey (00:47): Very good advice. I love it. Thanks so much.

Merrick Rosenberg (00:49): Thank you so much.