We set the scene…
The two owners of a particular company got along very well, but their methods of communication were quite different. One was clearly a practical communicator while the other, a verbal.
The Observations…
When it came time to get anything done, their discussion went like this. “Blah, blah, reasons, blah, logic, joking, blah, reasons again…” and from the Partner, “You’re repeating yourself. Just say what needs to happen.” “Again, from the top, blah, blah, reason, blah, logic, blah, joking, blah…” Finally, an interruption came from the practical communicator, “I don’t understand what you want. You’re repeating yourself. I have to go.”
Consider a Different Scenario…
When the two were in business mode, discussing critical business matters, the verbal communicator could cut to the chase. This means skip the whole movie and just get to the chase scene. Setting socializing aside, plan ahead for how best to communicate as simply and clearly what needs to be discussed. Staying direct and concise would move the meeting along more effectively. Leave the fluff and jokes for later.
Clues to the Potential Problem…
Some sure signs that you are not communicating in someone’s language
- looking at a watch or clock
- eyes glazing over
- stirrings and signs of impatience
- standing up
- fiddling with gadgets
- looking at a computer screen or cell phone instead of making active eye contact
The Takeaway…
A practical communicator will often not have the patience for how someone arrived at their way of thinking. They are results oriented. And in the case of a verbal and a practical, it will be the verbal that must adjust their more flowery and verbose tendencies for the most productive outcome.