Week 1 – Lets Progress
Lesson 3 It’s not about you. Communication Styles
Activity On Page 2 of your Black Workbook under the heading What Makes a Great Progress Review, I want you to brainstorm by answering these four questions. By doing this you will leverage the intelligence of the CliftonStrengths domains. Write your answers in the four boxes provided
What is the result we want to see, feel and hear? STRATEGIC THINKING
Why do we want to achieve this result? INLFUENCING
Who could help us achieve this result? RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
How are we going to achieve this result? EXECUTING
Activity Complete your communication style profile do determine your preferred style and therefore your approach to a Progress Review conversation. As you look at your brainstorm – how you laid it out and the words that you used, can you see the links between this profile. Click here to complete communication style profile
Circle your preferred communication style on Page 7 of your Black Workbook on the Communication Styles diagram.
The comments you have made in the above activity will be influenced by your Communication Style. Communication styles are like personality fingerprints—they shape how we interact, connect, and influence others. The theory of social styles, pioneered by David Merrill and Roger Reid, offers a simple yet profound framework. At its core, it maps us on two dimensions: assertiveness (how much we take charge) and responsiveness (how much we tune into emotions). Understanding these styles can be the key to unlocking better teamwork, fewer misunderstandings, and stronger relationships. Every style brings its own strengths and quirks.
Driver Straight to the point, no fluff. Drivers are like race cars—fast, focused, and all about results. They thrive on action and making things happen.
Harmonious The peacemakers. Harmonious types are the glue that keeps the team together, always tuning in to emotions and relationships.
Expressive Big ideas, big energy. Expressive’s light up the room with creativity and passion, rallying others around their vision.
Analytical The steady hands in a storm. Analytical’s thrive on facts, structure, and making the right decision (even if it takes a while).
Watch A video that explains the four different communication styles
Activity Complete your communication style profile do determine your preferred style and therefore your approach to a Progress Review conversation. As you look at your brainstorm – how you laid it out and the words that you used, can you see the links between this profile. Click here to complete communication style profile
Circle your preferred communication style on Page 7 of your Black Workbook on the Communication Styles diagram.
Optional Activity Get your team members to discover their preferred communication style. What is one thing you will do differently now that you know this about the members in your team?
What the exercise above shows us, is that it is important we adapt our communication style to the way they want to be communicated with, not in the way that you might want or in the way that is most comfortable for you. We can often assume, everyone thinks the same way we do, everyone has the same talents we do, when someone says something to us, they are talking about us – the truth is they are talking and filtering through their lens. The aim is to learn a person like a topic, so we have all the information to get the best from them. The secret isn’t about trying to change people—it’s about recognising the brilliance in their approach and adapting to meet them where they are. That’s where the magic happens.
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