Hebert sees the importance in clearly communi-
With so many different behavioral styles, it is
cating when he offers his Leadership Challenge
easy to understand why miscommunication
Workshop, a two-day training series designed to
erodes trust from every day interactions.
help attendees unearth their leadership potential.
As such, it’s imperative to be a communica-
Though the program usually comes with a ticket
tion chameleon. For instance, someone who
fee, Hebert offers it for free for Atrion clients.
exhibits “Driving” tendencies may be averse to
lengthy, narrative-laden presentations. It may
Why would a technology company offer a free,
actually have the adverse effect for which you
two-day workshop on leadership to their clients?
intended. So amend your style by presenting
What are they trying to sell? These are some of
a fact-based, succinct presentation.
the questions that might pop into a client’s mind
3. Be Authentic
and without a clear answer, this could lead to
a level of distrust or suspicion.
Chances are you’ve been on the receiving
Hebert and his team feel compelled to explain
end of inauthentic communication—a cur-
their intention clearly when discussing the
sory compliment, a passive aggressive email…
Leadership Challenge policy. Hebert opines,
the list goes on. On the other hand, you’ve
“Our company was founded on the principle of
likely been privy to authentic communication,
paying it forward and having a positive impact
conversations that are characterized by such a
on the lives of others. Sharing our leadership
high degree of transparency, vulnerability and
program with our clients allows us to make
honesty that you feel invigorated after the fact.
good on those founding principles.”
To establish trust, you have to be focus on
2. Adapt Your Communication Style on the Fly
being your true self. Being authentic is about
allowing yourself to see others as they truly
According to the Tarcom Group, a social intelli-
are but more importantly, allowing yourself
gence company, our unique behavioral patterns
to be seen.
fall into one of four styles:
“When it comes to relationship building, the
• Analytical Style: People who tend to be
most important ingredient is to be genuine;
slow-paced and detail-oriented, driven
this is what fosters credibility, trust and most
by the need for accuracy
importantly the ability to relate in a way that
• Amiable Style: People who seek strong
exalts one’s strengths,” says Jorge Garcia,
relationships and personal security
Atrion’s Director of Professional Services and
Workforce Agility. “When you have a partner-
• Expressive Style: People who are high
ship grounded in authenticity, you are able to
responsive yet high assertive
enlist all parties in ways that promote empowerment, shared goals, change and growth.
• Driving Style: People who seek control
over a situation and are focused on
big-picture results
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