One of the trickiest communication challenges we all face is how to make sure we get our message across successfully. Whether talking to your partner, colleague or boss we have all had experience of when communication has gone well or really been messed up. Our recent IABC UK event on 29 March explored all these issues and more.
Guest speaker, Nick Fewings, co-founder of The Colour Works lead a fun and interactive session where we explored different psychological types and what this means for how we communicate. The Colour Works uses the colour-based Insights Discovery System to help people understand their preferences and how this translates into how they prefer to communicate.
During the session we discovered what blend of 'Cool Blue', 'Fiery Red', 'Earth Green' or 'Sunshine Yellow' we all were. We then did some fun exercises to show how people with particular preferences look at the world in different ways - all revolving around how we would approach organising a village fete. This led to lots of laughter as well as more than a few 'ah ha' moments. If you'd like to discover more about what was shared at the event then you can find a copy of Nick's presentation together with several other articles he's written on our events page.
So why was a session like this of value to professional communicators? Understanding other people and their preferences lies at the heart of influencing others and also of crafting messages that are really compelling. Once you appreciate the similarities and differences between people it opens up a whole new way of understanding how communication really works. The Insight Discover System that The Colour Works team uses is one tool you can use. There are also others - many of which are, like Insight, based on the work of Carl Jung. These include
- The Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) - the most extensively researched and used tool of its type. This can only be administered by a qualified practitioner. I qualified using this tool about 5 years ago and have found it has transformed the way I approach what I do. I recently wrote a piece for the Simply Communicate site introducing the tool and how communicators can use it. You can down load a copy here. Download introducting_the_mbti.pdf
- The Kiersey Type Indicator - Similar to the MBTI but more accessible. Visit www.kiersey.com to find out more.
- The Strength Deployment Inventory (SDI) - This a tool that helps you understand your strengths and how to use them to improve your work and personal relationships. Visit www.personalstrengths.co.uk.
In many ways it doesn't matter which of the above work best for you - they will all provide you with invaluable insights into yourself, others and what makes communication work.
Finally I promised to share a list of good reads in this area with those who attended the session. My top four are:
Please Understand me 2 by David Kiersey - this includes a questionnaire and then detailed write-ups on each of the different temperments. It also explores how this influences relationships with partners and children and what it means for leadership style. Very illuminating.
Life Types by Sandra Krebs Hirsh & Jean Kummerow - This introduces you to each of the types - how they like to live, learn, work, lead, spend their spare time, love (!) and lose. Could completely change your understanding of people...
Beside Ourselves by Naomi L. Quenk - this explores what happens to us when we are having a 'bad day' and what this means for how we interact and communicate with others. If you have ever wondered why you or others behave out of character this will reveal all.
And at the more fun end of the spectrum, Nigel Risner has written a great quick read on "It's a zoo around here - new rules for better communication" this time using animals to reflect different communication styles (Are you a lion, monkey, elephant or dolphin?). Further details are available from his website www.nigelrisner.com
I hope you find the above helps you explore this fascinating area in more detail. And like lots of valuable things, the more you read, the more you realise there is to discover.
Jacqui Hitt
VP Professional Development, IABC UK
Comments