My Coloring Book Doesn’t Look Like Yours

Have you ever wondered why you can communicate with some people better than you can others? Does it seem like your employees don’t know how to properly use their coloring books? Or, you use the same colors they use, but the pictures look really different?

Communication Skills Are Critical

• Learn what your communication style is

• Learn how it meshes or why it doesn’t mesh with others’ style

• Learn when to challenge/when not to challenge

• Don’t sweat the small stuff

What is Your Communication Style?

Behavior Style GridLow Responsiveness

Low Assertiveness High Assertiveness

High Responsiveness

Behavior Style GridLow Responsiveness

Squares TrianglesLow Assertiveness High Assertiveness

Circles Squiggly lines

High Responsiveness

Four Basic Communication Styles

Squares Triangles

Organizers Directors

Analytical Drivers

Detail-oriented Controllers

Black Red

Circles Squiggly lines

Relaters Promoters

Amiables Expressive

Facilitators Advocators

Conformers Creatives

Congenials Magenta

Blue

Squares/Rectangles• Deliberate• Logical• Thinking• Disciplined• Process-oriented• Decision-maker• Takes orders well• Obeys the rules

• Tends to put great value on being correct.

• Often spends a lot of time gathering info and analyzing it.

• Apt to be excellent at details and follow-through

Triangles• Determined• Business-like• Results-oriented• Little tolerance for

inertia, emotions, or advice from others

• Most dominant drive toward success

• Makes quick decisions

• Likes to have authority and control

• Likes to work alone

Squiggly Lines• Emotional• Talkative• People-oriented• Visionary• Creative • Futuristic

• Major drive is for recognition

• Likes to stand apart from the crowd

• Innovative• Inclined to dislike

rules and authority• Impulsive decision-

maker

Circles• Quiet• Unassuming• Supportive• Cooperative• Avoids

interpersonal conflict

• Desires harmony• Wants to be liked

• Concerned for the feelings of others

• Looks for concensus when making a decision

• Prefers to work in a team

Clues to Determining Someone Else’s

Communication Style•Eye Contact•Facial Expressions•Hand Gestures•Rate of Speech•Choice of Words

When Communicating, You’ve Got To . . . . . .“Know when to hold themKnow when to fold themKnow when to walk awayKnow when to run”

Conflict Resolution Styles• Avoidance Style (I lose - You

lose)• Competitive Style (I win - You

lose)• Adaptation Style (I lose - You

win)• Cooperation Style (I win - You

win)

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff”

Because . . . . .

It’s All “SMALL” Stuff