Overcoming Communications Styles Can Boost Business Efficiencies

Updated: January 05, 2011

BEAVERTON, Ore., Oct. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Ever find that there is one co-worker that is harder to get along with than the others? It might be because you have different communication styles. However, in the work environment, especially in a small business, employees and managers have to get along to meet the bottom-line.

Small- to medium-sized business (SMB) expert, Denise O'Berry, offers advice on how to work with others more effectively by using the I Opt® assessment tool, a proven technique to help identify four key communication styles in the workplace. O'Berry provides insights on what each style looks like in the business environment and how to best work with each one for a positive and productive office environment. Small businesses can visit www.telephones.att.com/smb for O'Berry's advice and learn more about communicating with their employees.

What Communication Style are You?

Trying to work with introverts and extroverts, and ensure that everyone is playing nice in the cubicle sandbox can be challenging. However, examining employees' communication styles can help turn any team into a powerhouse by leveraging the strengths of each person. Most people can fit into one of four communication styles:

• Relational Innovator -- This is an idea person who will communicate in "big picture" terms. A phone call is a great way to help them throw out ideas that pop in their heads.
• Logical Processor -- This person communicates by finding the process of a situation and is very detail oriented. Social media is the worst way to communicate with them, as you can't give enough details in 140 characters!
• Hypothetical Analyzer -- The Hypothetical Analyzer loves to discover the "why" by digging deeply into a discussion to dissect all the elements. Managers should arrange a meeting or phone call to answer questions and help them explore the various options of a problem.
• Reactive Stimulator -- They are an action-oriented communicator with low attention to detail. A quick call or short email is an ideal way to connect with them.

"There will always be conflict in the work space, but by determining each employee's communication style, managers can help connect with staff and increase productivity and efficiency by eliminating confusion and misunderstandings," said O'Berry, SMB blogger and author of Small Business Cash Flow: Strategies for Making Your Business a Financial Success. "If a manager is constantly sending one-off emails to a Relational Innovator, it will only lead to frustration for everyone. They need a conversation or short call to let them talk about their ideas and new, exciting approaches to getting things done."

This article addressing communication styles is part of a series that Advanced American Telephones has planned to help small businesses communicate. Advanced American Telephones, which manufactures AT&T-branded home and office telephones under a license agreement with AT&T Intellectual Property, will be posting these resources on AT&T's site dedicated to SMBs (www.telephones.att.com/SMB).

It Starts with the Right Equipment

AT&T telephony products meet the needs of SMB customers across multiple industries, enabling advanced communication solutions that provide higher value than competing devices.

• Synapse™ Business Phone System: Providing up to 50 extensions with easy management, this system is scalable from one to 16 outside lines, expanding as the business grows, without adding unnecessary expenses. Plus, it offers the option to add accessory cordless handsets, so employees can enjoy mobility in larger work environments.
• SynJ™ Extended Range Phone System: SMB employees work in a variety of places -- from small offices to large warehouses. The SynJ extendable range phone system provides cordless handset extensions, Push-to-Talk functionality, up to a half mile of extended range* (using DECT 6.0 repeaters) and mobile page and conferencing.
• Cordless Headsets: It is easier than ever to go hands-free at work with AT&T's light and comfortable cordless headsets. Ultra-convenient with multiple wearing styles, these headsets allow employees the opportunity to multitask and go farther from the base than most headsets*.

About Advanced American Telephones

Advanced American Telephones (AAT) designs, manufactures and distributes AT&T-branded telephone products in the United States and Canada under a brand license agreement with AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P. AAT is owned by VTech Holdings Ltd. VTech is a widely recognized leader in corded and cordless telephones.

Synapse and SynJ are trademarks of Advanced American Telephones.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates - AT&T operating companies - are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network. AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse(SM) and AT&T|DIRECTV(SM) brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. In 2010, AT&T again ranked among the 50 Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE® magazine.

SOURCE Advanced American Telephones