Communicating with Different Personality Types

By Shawn Beach

"Although a single widely accepted definition of personality does not exist, personality type refers to the psychological classification of different types of individuals. It involves a pattern or global operation of mental systems."

-Richard C. EmanuelProfessor of Communications, Alabama State University

Four Major Personality Types

● Helpful Nurturers ● Creative Idealists● Cerebral Realist ● Strategic Directors

Idealist

Nurturer

Realist

Director

Idealist

Tips for Idealist Students

● Study In Groups● Look for the Human Element● Look for connections

Western Nevada College

Nurturer

Communicating with a Nurturer

● Show appreciation for all that they do for others. ● Mention how much you appreciate them as colleagues. ● Ask if they feel okay about their role in a group or task. ● Meet regularly to check-in, maintain good working

relationship.

Ni, Preston. Communication Success with Four Personality Types. p. 10

Realist

Communicating with a Realist

● Use direct and clear communication● Focus on the bottom line ● Limit speculation

McIntosh, P., & Luecke, R. (2008).Interpersonal communication skills in the workplace, second edition (2nd ed.) p. 60

Director

Communicating with a Director

● Get to the point quickly● Minimize small talk● Focus on results to be achieved● Make direct eye contact

Smith, Kate. "Understanding Different Personalities and Communication Styles”

Communicating with Different Personality Types

Works CitedEmanuel, R. C. (2013). Do Certain Personality Types Have a Particular Communication Style? . International journal of social science and humanities,2(1), 22-32.

McIntosh, P., & Luecke, R. (2008).Interpersonal communication skills in the workplace, second edition (2nd ed.). New York: American Management Association.

Ni, P. (2013). Communication Success with Four Personality Types. Los Altos Hills, CA: Preston C. Ni Publications.

Smith, K. (2010). Understanding Different Personalities and Communication Styles.University of Adelaide. Retrieved February 19, 2014, from https://www.adelaide.edu.au/hr/ohs/wellbeing/events/stress_-_personality_styles_5_10_10__RO_.pdf

WNC: Idealists: Intuitive-Feeling. (n.d.).WNC: Idealists: Intuitive-Feeling. Retrieved February 19, 2014, from http://www.wnc.edu/mbti/idealists.php