Tip of the Week

Direction and Leadership

Adapt your communication according to the degree to which your audience wants to receive direction and leadership. Someone who needs direction and structure might appear hesitant, be indecisive, or ask for reinforcement, clarification or simply, “What do you want me to do?” In this instance, provide the person with more details, lists and step-by-step directions.

So What?

Adapting your communication strategy to your audience’s needs and tendencies—instead of assuming that we all have the same needs–will enhance the likelihood that your communication will be effective.