Different Workplace Communication Styles

Organizational goals might be underachieved without proper workplace communication. Several communication styles exist, and workers might prefer different personal styles while interacting with colleagues.

Verbal and non-verbal types of communication styles might apply in a workplace, so managing conversations properly is essential for success. That’s why this article outlines the types of communication and which are best for use in a workplace.

Different Types of Communication Styles

1. Passive

Passive communicators usually express their opinions quietly and aim to avoid attention. Most passive communication promotes indifference and rarely assumes solid assertive stances.

Several obvious signs accompany passive communication styles. The most common signs shown by a passive communicator include:

• Constant apologetic demeanour, etc.
• Indecisiveness
• Lax attitude
• Poor posturing
• Poor/no eye contact
• Soft-spoken

It is usually difficult to communicate with passive styles, especially if both workers apply similar forms of interaction.

2. Assertive

Assertive communication promotes respectful, productive communication in a work environment. The following signs are common in a passive communicator:

• Tendency to collaborate and share ideas
• The warm expression of feelings and ideas
• Adequate posturing
• Unambiguous stance
• Comfortable eye contact

Assertive communicators adopt the perfect interaction style to drive better workplace organization.

3. Aggressive

Aggressive communication involves expressing feelings and thoughts targeted at dominating conversations. Communicators with an aggressive style look to exert their opinion on others without any contest.

Aggressive communicators might act before thinking, which might hurt the workplace relationship and limit productivity.

• Most aggressive communicators exhibit the following signs:
• Penchant for interrupting others abruptly
• A knack for invading private spaces
• Overbearing postures, etc.
• Maintenance of intense eye contact

While aggressive interaction may have initial benefits, it’s not the best option for productive workplace communication

4. Passive-Aggressive

Communicators with a passive-aggressive style usually appear conceited but usually harbour aggressive motivations. People with this communication style usually sound agreeable, but rarely follow whatever they say.

Most passive-aggressive communicators exhibit the following signs:

• Constant denial of actions
• Hidden emotions
• Muttering
• Regular use of sarcasm, etc.

Passive-aggressive communicators are likely to undermine the efforts of coworkers. The form of communication isn’t the best for use in a work setting.

Which Communication Styles are Best For the Workplace?

Assertive communication is best suited to a workplace environment. Major reasons why the assertive style of communication works better than others are:

• Assertive communication exudes respect and never assumes an aggressive stance
• An assertive communicator is result-driven and interacts mainly to fulfill organizational objectives
• Assertive communication allows co-workers to share their thoughts in a confident, polite manner
• All forms of assertive communication are concise and clear among employees

Many other benefits of assertive communication exist. It is best for employers to promote assertive communication styles in the workplace.

How Can ACT Help Improve Workplace Communication?

Advanced CT runs a communication strategies course to equip participants with skills to interact effectively. The course covers several communication modules and is practical in all workplaces.

Signing up for this course makes workplace communication direct, productive, and clear at all times. The course cuts across all types of communication and promotes smarter workplace interaction.

Contact Advanced Consulting & Training today for professional communication strategies training your employees need to succeed!