Supportive Communication Style | SUGGESTIONS FOR SELF-IMPROVEMENT

SELLING TODAY Communication Styles Exercise
SUGGESTIONS FOR SELF-IMPROVEMENT
Person							Preferred Communication Style
Name							Supportive
A Supportive may enjoy more happiness and success by saying “no” occasionally, and attending to the completion of tasks without oversensitivity to the feelings of others. He or she should be more willing to delegate to others and to reach beyond his or her comfort zone to set goals that require some stretch and risk.
Specifically, a Supportive may enjoy more success when communicating with other styles in the following manner:
Communicating More Effectively With The Directive
The key to relating to a Directive is to keep the relationship somewhat businesslike. Developing a strong personal relationship is not a high priority for Directives. In other words, friendship is not usually a condition for a good working relationship. Your goal is to be as efficient, time disciplined, and well organized as possible and to provide appropriate facts, figures, and success probabilities. Most Directives are goal-oriented people, so try to identify their primary objectives and then determine ways to support and help with these objectives. Ask specific questions and carefully note responses. Look for specific points you can respond to when it is time to present your ideas.
Communicating More Effectively With The Emotive
If you are communicating with an Emotive person, you will need to move at a somewhat rapid pace that holds their attention. Be enthusiastic and avoid an approach may be stiff and formal. Take time to establish goodwill and build relationships. Do not place too much emphasis on facts and details. To deal effectively with Emotive people, plan actions that provides support for their opinions, ideas, and dreams. Plan to ask questions concerning their opinions and ideas, but be prepared to help them get “back on track” if they move too far away from the topic being discussed. Maintain good eye contact and, above all, be a good listener.
Communicating Effectively with the Reflective
The Reflective person responds in a positive way to thoughtful and well-organized ideas and plans. Arrive at meetings on time and be well prepared. In most cases it is not necessary to spend a great deal of time working on a social relationship. Reflective people appreciate a no-nonsense, businesslike relationship. Use specific questions that show clear direction, and once you have information concerning the reflective’s needs and interests present your thoughts in a slow, deliberate way. Provide facts and as much documentation as possible. Do not be in a hurry and be careful about pressuring the Reflective to make a quick decision.