Take a quick self quiz to determine your business communication style today --

Directions: Circle A or B

Do you prefer to:

1. (A) Send an e-mail or (B) Make a phone call.

2. (A) Send an announcement or (B) Have a meeting.

3. (A) Send a text message or (B) Leave a personal voicemail.

4. (A) Receive an instant message or (B) Be called.

5. (A) Receive an e-mail or (B) Receive a voicemail.

6. (A) Give a verbal briefing of a report or presentation or (B) Give a written summary instead of spoken summary.

7. (A) Be given a verbal briefing of a report or presentation or (B) Be given a written summary instead of spoken summary.

Scoring:

Add up your A’s________ Add up your B’s________

Analysis:

There are numerous ways to break down and understand communication styles. One quick and effective method is the two-category reader/writer or speaker/listener method, referred to by Peter Drucker in the "Effective Executive," 2002.

More than 3 A’s – You are more of a reader/writer communicator. You do best when you are e-mailed, text messaged and given reports. You would be advised to request that your team members try to accommodate your needs when they are working with you on areas that are especially important to your decision-making. You find yourself saying to the people with the opposite communication style: "Didn’t you read that?" or "It’s written down."

Don’t be frustrated. Simply work with them, refer them to someone who will answer their question, or try to get DVDs or CDs for them when communicating more extensive information. Personalize communications using their names, be professional but friendly, and use illustrations when possible. For more information, see Management Communication Style.

More than 3 Bs - You are more of a speaker/listener in your mode of communication. You do best when you can listen to the information as opposed to reading an email, when you can listen to a voice mail instead of reading a text message. You prefer meeting in person over reading reports. You would be advised to request that your team members try to accommodate your needs when they are working with you on areas that are especially important to your decision-making. You may have a tendency to feel disconnected from someone who asks you to write a report or send e-mails on a regular basis instead of more personal contact. Know that they just have a different communication style.

Don’t be frustrated. Simply work with them, refer them to written sources and make time to meet with them when possible. For more information, see Management Communication Style.