Your Anchor

As we move through this course and address various methods of communication, keep the outcome of your MBTI as your anchor. If you can view this course through the lens of your intuitive tendencies, and be aware of other communication styles, you will become a more versatile and skilled communicator. For example, if you are a more “bottom line”, to-the-point communicator by nature, and your audience appreciates a bare-bones approach, the outcome will likely be positive because your styles and thought processes align.

However, take for example, that you need to summarize a report for a manager who is more analytical in nature, someone who needs to know the “how/why” before getting to the end.  Or if you are writing a sensitive email to a colleague who you know needs a detailed why/how/when discussion. The challenge surfaces when you have to communicate outside of your comfort zone. Being flexible and perceptive in your written communication is a desired skill.

Being adaptable in your writing requires a deliberate strategy and thought process, which takes time.

So, before we get started I will encourage you to slow down and think intently about your style and your audience BEFORE you write. This investment of time will pay off 10-fold. Strive for writing that is fluid, purposeful, organized, and articulate. We will work on enhancing all of these skills throughout this course, in written and oral communication forums.

Remember, your answers to the previous Yammer discussion will serve as your anchor throughout this lesson.  With this in mind… take a breath, and let’s get started!