We have discussed the Powerful and Direct Communicator previously however, here is a quick summary for you. The dominant styles are after results, they don’t mess around, they are straightforward, task focused. They like to make quick decisions, are big picture thinkers and think their way is the ONLY way.  They can come across as aggressive, competitive, sometimes bossy and harsh. However, they get loads done, are goal focused and won’t give in.

The Playful and Influencing style is one that is warm, fun and engaging. These guys are all about relationship and having fun. If you know someone with this style they can range from warm and friendly to zany and full of life, the life of the party.  This style does not care so much for organisation, rules, processes, work – it is simply not colourful or fun enough. As you can imagine, if you work with this style and don’t understand it, you could be having some frustrations. These guys are very good at motivating and energising people to do the work, not necessarily doing the work!

So what can happen when these two styles come together? They are both outgoing so have similar energy levels however, the Dominant style is all about results and the Inspiring style is all about recognition. The Dominant or “Powerful and Direct” style can be perceived by the Inspiring or “Playful and Influencing” style as cold and too focused on results, less on people.

While the “Playful and Influencing” style can be perceived by the “Powerful and Direct” style too emotional and lacking focus. Can you imagine these two working on a project together? The “Powerful and Direct” can be all about its their way or the highway while the “Playful and Influencing” has great ideas too, they just may not express them in a short succinct way like the “Powerful and Direct” needs to hear. The “Playful and Influencing” may be telling stories and nattering away while the “Powerful and Direct” goes crazy thinking of all the work they are not getting done.

The “Powerful and Direct” would love the enthusiasm, energy and motivating power that the “Playful and Influencing” has toward others, rather than potentially offending and scaring people like a strong “Powerful and Direct” can. These two styles can work so well together if they are aware of how they can potentially cause tension and how to bring out the best in others.

For example, the Strong “Powerful and Direct” can be all about results but an aware “Powerful and Direct” will realise that getting results through people is smart. The Strong “Playful and Influencing” may be more focused on people and relationships however at some point will need to produce a result. The two can work together to get a great result with a motivated and inspired team working with them.

It all comes down to realising we are all different and that we all have something to offer, something valuable. So next time that Strong “Powerful and Direct” communicator is telling you what to do and is not open to suggestions; a good starting point may be to understand they are all about the result and they don’t realise how offensive their direct style can be.

Next time the Strong “Playful and Influencing” is talking your ear off again about what they have been up to and is just not getting the job done, understand they just want to feel liked and appreciated for who they are. Some focused attention may be all they need.

If you would like to understand your own Communication style and that of those you work with, check out our workshops and resources.  understudying your own communication style and who to understand others is such a rewarding and worthwhile investment of your time.

Until next time, Care, Connect and be a Courageous Communicator.  Let’s change the world we live in one conversation at a time.