Regardless of where you work, communication is the key to your success. How you communicate can mean the difference between getting ahead and falling behind. In the workplace, there are many things at stake. Whether you are understood, is just one of them. People in powerful positions are likely to reward similar styles because they feel comfortable with people who think and act like them. They see these people as more likely to share their views and be loyal to them. This self-reinforcing behaviour creates an echo chamber in which people with similar styles reinforce each other’s views, pushing people with different types to the margins.
This tendency can have severe consequences in the workplace. For example, research shows that people who are directive when giving orders (that is, those who tell subordinates what to do clearly and concisely) are more likely to be rewarded with promotions than those who are indirect. This is because their style is seen as more in line with the expectations of an influential person. Those who are indirect may be seen as needing more confidence and, therefore, may not be seen as a good fit for a high-level position.
What can one do?
There are many ways to give criticism, give orders, or communicate, but some methods are better than others. Some people believe that the best way to give criticism is to be as blunt and honest as possible. This can often be very effective, as it gets the message across quickly and unambiguously. However, it can also be very harsh and can easily offend the person receiving the criticism.
Another method is to couch the criticism in more favourable terms. This can make it easier to hear, but it can also make it less effective, as the person receiving it may need to understand that there is something wrong with their behaviour. Ultimately, the best way to give criticism, order, or communicate depends on the situation and the people involved. What works for one person may not work for another. Each method will only work for some people involved.
Different ways of speaking can produce different results in different situations. For example, a company’s culture can influence how speakers are perceived. Additionally, the speaker’s rank can also affect how they are received. The speaker’s linguistic style can also influence how they are perceived. Finally, how these styles interact with one another can also produce different outcomes.
A linguistic style is a powerful tool that can be used to communicate with people in different situations. The ability to be aware of the power of linguistic style and use it to communicate effectively is a critical skill for managers to ensure that valuable voices are heard. For example, If you think unstructured meetings give everyone an equal chance to speak, think again. Different conversational styles can create opportunities for some people to dominate the discussion. At such meetings, those comfortable speaking up in groups, who need little or no silence before raising their hands, or who speak out quickly without waiting to be recognised are more likely to be heard. In a meeting of like-minded individuals, following the same rules will ensure your voice is heard. However, if you meet with people who adhere to different regulations, it may be easier for you to be heard.
Gender socialisation often dictates that boys learn one communication style and girls learn another. This can often be seen in meetings, where men are more likely to be heard than women. Women participating in one-on-one discussions or all-female groups may be less likely to be heard in a meeting with most men. However, some women share the communication style more commonly than men and risk being seen as too aggressive.
Linguistic Strategy and Leadership
A manager who understands the dynamics of linguistic style can develop more adaptive and flexible approaches to running or participating in meetings, mentoring or advancing the careers of others, evaluating performance, and so on. A manager can ensure that everyone’s ideas are heard and credited by being aware of how people communicate. No single solution will fit all contexts, but a manager can create a more inclusive and productive work environment by being mindful of how people communicate.
The ability to read interactions and adjust one’s style to the people they interact with is a crucial skill for any manager in today’s culturally diverse and global business environment. By understanding that different people have different ways of saying what they mean, managers can take advantage of the talents of people with a broad range of linguistic styles.