Communication Styles &
Methods: Meeting the Needs of
the Firm
Presented by
Kristine A. Sexter
CM30
5/21/2014
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
May 19-22, 2014, Toronto ON Canada
The handouts and presentations attached are copyright and trademark
protected and provided for individual use only.
1
Communication Styles & Methods: Meeting
the Needs of the Firm
1
A trek into the jungleto discover how not merely to survive, but to thrive!
2
2
Objectives & Goals
• Identify your individual ‘wild’ communication style
• Determine how to talk to the ‘other animals in your jungle’
• Discuss the top seven barriers to clear, concise communication
3
Learn Your Wild Communication Style
1.Locate the handout.
2. For each question (horizontal), check the onebox that BEST represents your preferences.
2. When completed, add columns vertically.
3. Place numerical score on line below that column.
4
3
If your highest score is in column #1
HORSE• People oriented• Very likeable• Warm, friendly and accepting • Steady and calm • Loyal and dependable • Team-players• Able to gain support
of others • Excellent listeners • Patient and considerate • Dislikes interpersonal conflict • Guards their emotions• Accepts change slowly • Slow to act; slow to decide • Asks many questions
5
HORSE
Motivated by: • Harmonious relationships• Sincere appreciation
Stressed by: • Pushy, aggressive behavior• Fast change• Possibility of offending others• Presenting in front of others
6
4
HORSE
Others may see them as:
• A pushover• Wishy washy• Submissive• Indecisive• Defensive• Needing acceptance• Unable to complete tasks
7
HORSEHow to Adaptif You're a Horse: • Say no more often• When relevant, put task
completion over others feelings
• Take the well-calculated risk
• Ask for help; delegate to others
• Adapt more readily to positive change
• Confidently state opinions & thoughts 8
5
If your highest score is in column #2 MONKEY
• People Oriented• Very friendly• Enthusiastic; Spontaneous • Talkative• Promotes group collaboration • Quick paced • Optimistic• Likes involvement • Risk taker• Jumps from one thing to next• Shows emotions • Exaggerates and generalizes • Undisciplined about time • Not always prepared• Tends to be disorganized 9
MONKEYMotivated by: • Sincere recognition &
appreciation• Opportunities to help• Be involved• Stable, predictable
environments• Attention
Stressed by: • Social rejection
• Disapproval
• Being ignored
• Being alone10
6
MONKEY
Others may see them as:
• Manipulative• Over eager• Time-waster• Lacking in focus• Superficial• Overly-emotional
11
MONKEY
How to Adapt if You're a Monkey:• Focus on completing tasks
• Control emotions when necessary to remain objective
• Consciously manage time
• Concentrate on the task at hand (‘Unitask’)
• Engage in active listening
12
7
If your highest score is in column #3
LION• Task Oriented• Wants immediate results• Confident; Authoritative • Good organizational skills • Decisive; Goal-orientated • Independent; Competitive• Likes challenges • Bold, adventurous • Prefers being alone • Seeks to have power• Strong ego; dominant• Low tolerance for feelings,
attitudes and advice of others • Likes, and seeks, control • Fast, impatient pace 13
LIONMotivated by: • Winning, success• Getting tasks completed• Hitting goals• Being a leaderStressed by: • Wasting time• 'Touchy-feely' behavior
that blocks actions/results• Inaction in others• Disorganization• High-maintenance
situations and individuals14
8
LION
Others may see them as:
• Aloof• Egotistical• Cold• Pushy• Arrogant• Insensitive• Impatient
15
LIONHow to Adapt if You're a Lion:• Listen more effectively
• Consider the emotions, feelings of others, especially in tense situations
• Be more patient
• Allow others to lead and make decisions
• Use more caution
• Slow down 16
9
If your highest score is in column #4
OWL• Task Oriented• Seeks facts, data, objectivity• Serious, persistent • Orderly, logical • Follows directions &standards • Time-disciplined and precise • Perfectionist, must be right• Structured and organized • Conventional, systematic• Works in slow, cautious pace • Prefers to work alone • Over-relies on data & proof • Dislikes involvement • Wants to always be right 17
OWL
Motivated by: • Opportunities to use
expertise & gain knowledge
• Being correct; right Stressed by: • Strong displays of emotion• Criticism• Being wrong• Casual approaches to
projects• Disorganized processes &
people 18
10
OWL
Others may see them as:
• Unemotional• Lacking in imagination• Resentful• Withdrawn; aloof• Resistant to change• Too reliant on facts,
data• Weak• Perfectionistic
19
OWLHow to Adapt if You're an Owl
• Be willing to accept constructive criticism
• Share opinions, feelings
• Seek fast methods to achieve objectives
• When appropriate, relax standards so that perfectionism does not paralyze forward momentum 20
11
• Be congenial and pleasant,• Be warm, approachable.• Show concern for
their feelings. • Offer your point of view, but
in an easygoing manner.• Indicate your willingness to
work collaboratively with them.
• Offer options, not demands.
• Be willing to compromise. 21
When communicating with the HORSE
• Be optimistic and enthusiastic.
• Talk in terms of collaboration, team work.
• Praise and recognize their efforts.
• Make it a point to make a personal connection.
• Value their energy.
• Appreciate their talent for getting others involved.
• Assure them that you value the relationship. 22
When communicating with the MONKEY
12
When communicating with the LION
• Get straight to the point.
• Talk in terms of action andresults.
• Focus on the big picture and avoid over analysis.
• Expect directness, candor. Don’t take it personally.
• Be prepared to answer questions with confidence.
• Appeal to their desire to set goals, compete, win, be victorious
• Match their quick pace. 23
When communicating with the OWL• Talk about the
objective, fact-based aspects.
• Speak with a calm and methodical tone.
• Do not pressure for an immediate decision.
• Expect skepticism.
• Show appreciation for their knowledge, logic.
• Do not be forceful or emotional in your approach.
• Expect assumptions to be challenged. 24
13
The Top 7 Barriersto Clear, Concise Communication
“There is little doubt that organizational communication has
changed. Top down approaches and controlled messaging is
no longer the accepted methodof sharing information.
Technology, generational differences, shortages of highly skilled and semi-skilled workers
and economic challenges have all contributed to a dramatic shift in communication best practices.”25
The Top 7 Barriersto Clear, Concise Communication
1. Organizational Vision, Mission, Values and Goals that are nonexistent or simply irrelevant, rhetoric
26
14
The Top 7 Barriersto Clear, Concise Communication
2. Maintaining a hierarchical, closed and/or silo-approach to sharing information.
27
The Top 7 Barriersto Clear, Concise Communication
3. Failing to capitalize upon all methods and mediums of communication.
28
2nd Quarter Town Hall Meeting
15
The Top 7 Barriersto Clear, Concise Communication
4. Lack of recognition, combined with a lack of broadcasting, communicating individual recognition to the organization.
29
The Top 7 Barriersto Clear, Concise Communication
5. Inconsistent communication.
30
16
The Top 7 Barriers
to Clear, Concise Communication
6. Failing to recognize the power of ‘what is not being said.’
31
The Top 7 Barriers
to Clear, Concise Communication7. Leaders who are not role models of the organizational Vision, Mission, Values and Goals.
32
WorkWise Productions and
KristineSexter.com LLC
Association of Legal Administrators- 2014 Annual Conference
presents:
“Communication Styles & Methods- Meeting the Needs of the Firm!”
2014 Full reprint permission granted to all ALA Members. www.KristineSexter.com 1
Communication Styles & Methods:
Meeting the Needs of the Firm
“To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive
the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others.” -Tony Robbins
elcome to this unique and very engaging educational event designed specifically for
business of law leaders. As a role model and leader of your law firm’s ‘jungle,’ your ability to
communicate with persons inside (and out) the ‘tribal organization’ is critical to thriving, and
not merely surviving, as a business of law leader.
Objectives & goals of this training:
Identify your individual ‘wild’
communication style
Determine how to talk to the ‘other
animals in your jungle’
Discuss the top seven barriers to clear,
concise communication
Introduction
W
WorkWise Productions and
KristineSexter.com LLC
Association of Legal Administrators- 2014 Annual Conference
presents:
“Communication Styles & Methods- Meeting the Needs of the Firm!”
2014 Full reprint permission granted to all ALA Members. www.KristineSexter.com 2
I. Learn Your ‘Wild’ Communication Style: For each question, check the one box
that BEST represents your preferences. When completed, add the checkmarks on each vertical
column. Place the numerical score on the line below that column.
1. Manner is
basically: Patient;
Calm Enthusiastic;
Talkative
Results-
oriented:
Confident Analytical:
Quiet
2.
Decision
making: Methodical;
Cautious Emotional;
Consensus Quick;
Purposeful Fact-based;
Systematic
3.
I talk about:
Personal,
heartfelt
experiences;
Positive side of
others
Social network;
Building teams
Achievements;
Overcoming
challenges The facts;
Best approaches
4. Using time: Not rushed
Socializer
Hurrying
Precisely on time
5. Relates to others: Supportive;
Listens
Accepting;
Highly social
Direct;
Commands
Restrained;
Quiet
6. Gestures: Sparse; minimal
Open;
welcoming Thought-out;
Impatient
Closed; Little to
none
7. Clothing: Timeless basics;
Conforms Today’s trends;
Bright Formal, yet
stylish Conservative;
Monochromatic
8. Work pace: Steady
Enthusiastic
Fast
Controlled
9. Listening: Interested
Distracted
Impatient
Selective
10. Work area has: Keepsakes
Pictures
Awards
Charts
11. Oriented toward: Support;
Status Quo
Socializing;
Positive
recognition
Getting results;
Leading,
Winning
Accuracy, Facts,
Gaining
knowledge
12. Basic
personality: Laid back
Outgoing
Assertive
Stoic; No-
nonsense
13. Communication: Low-key
Animated
Direct
Reserved
14. Responsive to
others Steady
Friendly
Restless
Guarded
1.____________ 2. ____________ 3. ____________ 4. ____________
WorkWise Productions and
KristineSexter.com LLC
Association of Legal Administrators- 2014 Annual Conference
presents:
“Communication Styles & Methods- Meeting the Needs of the Firm!”
2014 Full reprint permission granted to all ALA Members. www.KristineSexter.com 3
If your highest score is in column #1, your animal style is:
The HORSE
Overall:
People oriented
Very likeable
Warm, friendly and accepting
Aware of the reactions of others
Agreeable and supportive
Steady and calm
Loyal and dependable
Humble
Team-players
Great ability to gain support from others
Excellent listeners
Supportive of others
Prefers first name/informality
Consistent
Patient and considerate
Dislikes interpersonal conflict
Guard their emotions in front of others
Accepts change slowly and reluctantly
Approaches risk cautiously
Slow to take action and make decisions
Asks many questions
Motivated by: Harmonious relationships, sincere appreciation
Stressed by: Pushy, aggressive behavior from others, fast change, possibility of offending others,
presenting in front of others.
Others may see them as: A pushover, wishy washy, submissive, indecisive, defensive, needing
acceptance, unable to complete tasks,
In adapting to your jungle, may want to consider:
Learn to effectively say no more often
Place task completion over others feelings when necessary
Step outside comfort zone and take the well-calculated risk
Ask for help; delegate to others
Adapt more readily to positive change
Confidently state opinions and thoughts when important
WorkWise Productions and
KristineSexter.com LLC
Association of Legal Administrators- 2014 Annual Conference
presents:
“Communication Styles & Methods- Meeting the Needs of the Firm!”
2014 Full reprint permission granted to all ALA Members. www.KristineSexter.com 4
If your highest score is in column #2, your animal style is:
The MONKEY
Overall:
People Oriented
Very friendly
Enthusiastic
Spontaneous
Talkative
Promotes group collaboration
Quick paced
Optimistic
Likes involvement
Risk taker
Persuasive
Jumps from one activity to another
Shows emotions
Relies on intuition
Exaggerates and generalizes
Undisciplined about time
Not always prepared
Tends to be disorganized
Motivated by: Sincere recognition and appreciation, opportunities to help and be involved, stable,
predictable environments, attention
Stressed by: Social rejection, disapproval, being ignored, being alone
Others may see them as: Manipulative, over eager, time-waster, lacking in focus, superficial, overly-
emotional
In adapting to your jungle, may want to consider:
Focusing on completing tasks
Controlling emotions when necessary to remain objective
Managing time
Concentrating on the task at hand
Engaging in active listening
WorkWise Productions and
KristineSexter.com LLC
Association of Legal Administrators- 2014 Annual Conference
presents:
“Communication Styles & Methods- Meeting the Needs of the Firm!”
2014 Full reprint permission granted to all ALA Members. www.KristineSexter.com 5
If your highest score is in column #3, your animal style is:
The LION
Overall:
Task Oriented
Wants immediate results
Takes action
Confident
Good administrative, organizational skills
Decisive
Goal-orientated
Independent
Competitive
Likes challenges and solving problems
Bold, adventurous
Strong-willed, authoritative
Prefers autonomy
Seeks to have power
Strong ego and dominant
Low tolerance for feelings, attitudes and
advice of others
Likes and seeks control
Fast, impatient pace
Questions status quo
Motivated by: Winning, success, getting tasks completed, hitting goals, being a leader
Stressed by: Wasting time, 'Touchy-feely' behavior that blocks actions/results, inaction in others,
disorganization, ‘high-maintenance’ situations and individuals
Others may see them as: Aloof, egotistical, cold, pushy, arrogant, insensitive, impatient
In adapting to your jungle , may want to consider:
Listen more effectively
Consider the emotions and feelings of others, especially in tense situations
Be more patient
Allow others to lead and make decisions
Use more caution
Slow down
WorkWise Productions and
KristineSexter.com LLC
Association of Legal Administrators- 2014 Annual Conference
presents:
“Communication Styles & Methods- Meeting the Needs of the Firm!”
2014 Full reprint permission granted to all ALA Members. www.KristineSexter.com 6
If your highest score is in column #4, your animal style is:
The OWL
Overall:
Task Oriented
Seeks facts, data, objectivity
Serious, persistent
Orderly, logical
Follows directions and standards
Time-disciplined and precise
Good problem-solving skills
Perfectionist, wants to be right
Structured and organized
Conventional, systematic
Works in a slow, cautious pace
Concentrates on detail
Complies with authority
Prefers to work alone in a slow and
precise manner
Likes controlled circumstances
Over-relies on data collection and proof
Critical of others’ performance
Dislikes too much involvement
Wants to always be right
Motivated by: Opportunities to use expertise and gain knowledge, being correct and right,
Stressed by: Strong displays of emotion, criticism, being wrong, casual approaches to projects, and
disorganized processes.
Others may see them as: Unemotional, lacking in imagination, resentful, withdrawn, and resistant to
change, too reliant on facts and data, weak, perfectionist.
In adapting to your jungle, may want to consider:
Be willing to accept constructive criticism
Share opinions and feelings more often
Seek fast methods to achieve objectives
When appropriate, relaxing standards so that perfectionism does not paralyze forward
momentum
WorkWise Productions and
KristineSexter.com LLC
Association of Legal Administrators- 2014 Annual Conference
presents:
“Communication Styles & Methods- Meeting the Needs of the Firm!”
2014 Full reprint permission granted to all ALA Members. www.KristineSexter.com 7
Let’s Talk to the Animals….
When communicating with the HORSE
Be congenial and pleasant.
Be warm and approachable.
Show concern for their feelings.
Offer your point of view, but in an easygoing manner.
Indicate your willingness to work collaboratively with them.
Offer options, not demands.
Be willing to compromise.
“Charlene, good morning! How was the new healthcare law training last
week? Did you enjoy it and find it valuable? What was the best part? I stopped
by today to see if you would consider partnering with me for an upcoming
mock trial for the interns. The topic is certainly your strength and it would be
great if we could co-facilitate it. I understand how incredibly busy you are so I
thought that maybe you could pick the date and I’d get all the materials
organized. How do you feel about this? ”
When communicating with the MONKEY
Be optimistic and enthusiastic.
Talk in terms of collaboration, team work.
Praise and recognize their efforts.
Make it a point to make a personal connection.
Value their energy.
Appreciate their talent for getting others involved.
Assure them that you value the relationship.
Hey Jim! How’s it going?! Play any golf lately? You and I need to
hit the greens again soon. How about Sunday? Anyway, I wanted
to stop by to ask you a couple of things. Got 10 minutes? I’ve
decided to volunteer as our firm’s leader for the United Way
Campaign. I remember how amazing you were last year when
you got a group together and raised a bunch of money for the
American Heart Association. We can hang out together while we
help run a couple of great events to raise money for Tulsa’s
United Way. Channel 6 is going to be there interviewing us. I’d
really appreciate your help and all the nonprofits that get United Way monies will too. It would
mean a lot. So, what do ya think? And what about that golf game this Sunday”
WorkWise Productions and
KristineSexter.com LLC
Association of Legal Administrators- 2014 Annual Conference
presents:
“Communication Styles & Methods- Meeting the Needs of the Firm!”
2014 Full reprint permission granted to all ALA Members. www.KristineSexter.com 8
When communicating with the LION
Get straight to the point.
Talk in terms of action and results.
Focus on the big picture and avoid over analysis.
Expect directness, candor. Don’t take it personally.
Be prepared to answer questions with confidence.
Appeal to their desire to set goals, compete, win, be
victorious
Match their quick pace.
“Judy, is this a convenient time? I have a quick question for
you. I need a volunteer to review the applications for the open
paralegal position with me. Will last about 90 minutes. I am
determined to only bring the finest candidates into the firm from
now on. I have full confidence you’re the ideal choice to assist in
this tough job. Yes or no?”
When communicating with the OWL
Talk about the objective, fact-based aspects.
Speak with a calm and methodical tone.
Do not pressure for an immediate decision.
Expect skepticism.
Show appreciation for their knowledge, logic.
Do not be forceful or emotional in your approach.
Expect assumptions to be challenged.
“Barbara, Thank you for your promptness to this meeting to discuss the sequencing and final
presentation schedule for the Marcus case. In review, we are, one, on schedule for the
January 28th preliminary. Please accept my sincerest appreciation for all your diligence and
attention to detail in keeping this project on schedule. Your efforts kept us on budget, and on
time. Two, the fact remains that you and I must now prepare the post-project report to our
Senior Partners. I would like to see it their desks no later than February 1 because you and I
both know they expect deadlines to be hit. Based on your
current workload, when do you believe we could meet again
to focus primarily on the report? How about you check your
schedule and get back to me within a day or 2? Would that
work for you? Thank you again Barbara, Great job..”
WorkWise Productions and
KristineSexter.com LLC
Association of Legal Administrators- 2014 Annual Conference
presents:
“Communication Styles & Methods- Meeting the Needs of the Firm!”
2014 Full reprint permission granted to all ALA Members. www.KristineSexter.com 9
Overview of Communication Styles: (Remove this page and keep handy on your desk)
LION
Priorities: Getting results; hitting goals; challenges
Attributes: Task-oriented; pushes for results; decisive;
confident; conveys urgency; speaks up about concerns;
fast-paced; independent; seeks power.
Relate to them by: Get to the point; minimize small talk;
focus on end results; avoid over analysis; don’t take their
bluntness personally; expect candor
Misunderstood as: Blunt; rude; unfriendly; intimidating;
egotistical; loners; aloof; pushy
People I know who are Lions:
MONKEY
Priorities: Group inclusiveness; team collaboration; positive
relationships
Attributes: People-oriented; generates enthusiasm in others;
highly social; talkative; spontaneous; risk-taker; emotional
Relate to them by: Listening; show value in the relationship;
praise their efforts; talk in terms of collaboration; teamwork
Misunderstood as: Disorganized; too emotional; in need of
lots of recognition; too willing to take unnecessary risks;
manipulative; superficial; overeager
People I know who are Monkeys:
OWL
Priorities: Accuracy; maintaining high standards; order;
objectivity
Attributes: Task-oriented; reliable; logical; questions ideas;
skeptical; conventional; serious; slow; cautious; detailed;
autonomous; on-time
Relate to them by: Bring facts and research to support your
position; do not pressure to make a decision; respect their
time; avoid emotionalism
Misunderstood as: Arrogant; fault-finding; too cautious;
unemotional; weak; perfectionist; withdrawn
People I know who are Owls:
HORSE
Priorities: Harmonious relationships, stability; support; sincere
appreciation
Attributes: People-oriented; calm; tactful; patient; likeable;
loyal; dependable; team players; accommodating; avoids
confrontation; risk-adverse; indecisive
Relate to them by: Avoid last minute changes; allow time to
process information; be congenial; offer options; be willing
to compromise; show respect for their feelings
Misunderstood as: Too accommodating; submissive,
indecisive, needing acceptance, unable to complete tasks
People I know who are Horses:
WorkWise Productions and
KristineSexter.com LLC
Association of Legal Administrators- 2014 Annual Conference
presents:
“Communication Styles & Methods- Meeting the Needs of the Firm!”
2014 Full reprint permission granted to all ALA Members. www.KristineSexter.com 10
III. The Top 7 Barriers to Clear, Concise
Communication
here is little doubt that organizational communication has changed. Top down approaches
and controlled messaging is no longer the accepted method of sharing information.
Technology, generational differences, shortages of highly skilled and semi-skilled workers and
economic challenges have all contributed to a dramatic shift in communication best practices.
1. Organizational Vision, Mission, Values and Goals that are nonexistent or simply irrelevant, rhetoric.
This is the single most vital facet when seeking to build (or re-build) a high-functioning, trust-filled and
communicative workplace. The Vision, Mission, Values and Goals are the touchstone, the defining
voice that gives the organization its authentic meaning and direction. Generation X and Y
particularly need for this sense of higher purpose and integrity.
2. Maintaining a hierarchical, closed and/or silo-
approach to sharing information. This type of
communication, or lack thereof, breeds resentment, fear
and distrust in employees. Highly productive, profitable
organizations understand that transparent, honest and
inclusive communications, company-wide builds trust.
3. Failing to capitalize upon all methods and mediums of
communication. Highly communicative workplaces utilize
both old-school forms of communication (Company-wide,
in person meetings; printed intra-company newsletter,
bulletin boards, voicemail, email, written letters) and
modern and emerging types of communication (video
messaging, electronic messaging, Facebook, Twitter,
large-scale monitors, etc).
4. Lack of recognition combined with a lack of broadcasting, communicating individual recognition
to the organization. Verbal appreciation that is genuine, specific and delivered in a timely manner is
a major component of employee engagement and trust. Sharing the names (and pictures!) of those
being recognized to the entire organization brings dramatic increases in productivity and morale!
5. Inconsistent communication. Schedule all routine, non-emergent communications. And never miss
a deadline! Ensure steps are taken to avoid ‘mixed messages’ as well.
T
WorkWise Productions and
KristineSexter.com LLC
Association of Legal Administrators- 2014 Annual Conference
presents:
“Communication Styles & Methods- Meeting the Needs of the Firm!”
2014 Full reprint permission granted to all ALA Members. www.KristineSexter.com 11
6. Failing to recognize the power of ‘what is not being said.’ Absent senior leaders, hypocritical
actions, inappropriate behavior, and tolerance of underperforming, even toxic, employees
communicate, loud and clear, that the organization is not to be trusted, no matter what they ‘say.’
7. Leaders who are not role models of the organizational Vision, Mission, Values and Goals. It comes
full circle, back to #1. Every employee who is in a leadership and/or management position must be
the unwavering role model of the organizational values and communications.
Notes:
WorkWise Productions and
KristineSexter.com LLC
Association of Legal Administrators- 2014 Annual Conference
presents:
“Communication Styles & Methods- Meeting the Needs of the Firm!”
2014 Full reprint permission granted to all ALA Members. www.KristineSexter.com 1
I. Learn Your ‘Wild’ Communication Style: For each question, check the one box
that BEST represents your preferences. When completed, add the checkmarks on each vertical
column. Place the numerical score on the line below that column.
1. Manner is
basically: Patient;
Calm Enthusiastic;
Talkative
Results-
oriented:
Confident Analytical:
Quiet
2.
Decision
making: Methodical;
Cautious Emotional;
Consensus Quick;
Purposeful Fact-based;
Systematic
3.
I talk about:
Personal,
heartfelt
experiences;
Positive side of
others
Social network;
Building teams
Achievements;
Overcoming
challenges The facts;
Best approaches
4. Using time: Not rushed
Socializer
Hurrying
Precisely on time
5. Relates to others: Supportive;
Listens
Accepting;
Highly social
Direct;
Commands
Restrained;
Quiet
6. Gestures: Sparse; minimal
Open;
welcoming Thought-out;
Impatient
Closed; Little to
none
7. Clothing: Timeless basics;
Conforms Today’s trends;
Bright Formal, yet
stylish Conservative;
Monochromatic
8. Work pace: Steady
Enthusiastic
Fast
Controlled
9. Listening: Interested
Distracted
Impatient
Selective
10. Work area has: Keepsakes
Pictures
Awards
Charts
11. Oriented toward: Support;
Status Quo
Socializing;
Positive
recognition
Getting results;
Leading,
Winning
Accuracy, Facts,
Gaining
knowledge
12. Basic
personality: Laid back
Outgoing
Assertive
Stoic; No-
nonsense
13. Communication: Low-key
Animated
Direct
Reserved
14. Responsive to
others Steady
Friendly
Restless
Guarded
1.____________ 2. ____________ 3. ____________ 4. ____________
WorkWise Productions and
KristineSexter.com LLC
Association of Legal Administrators- 2014 Annual Conference
presents:
“Communication Styles & Methods- Meeting the Needs of the Firm!”
2014 Full reprint permission granted to all ALA Members. www.KristineSexter.com 2
Overview of Communication Styles: (Remove this page and keep handy on your desk)
LION
Priorities: Getting results; hitting goals; challenges
Attributes: Task-oriented; pushes for results; decisive;
confident; conveys urgency; speaks up about concerns;
fast-paced; independent; seeks power.
Relate to them by: Get to the point; minimize small talk;
focus on end results; avoid over analysis; don’t take their
bluntness personally; expect candor
Misunderstood as: Blunt; rude; unfriendly; intimidating;
egotistical; loners; aloof; pushy
People I know who are Lions:
MONKEY
Priorities: Group inclusiveness; team collaboration; positive
relationships
Attributes: People-oriented; generates enthusiasm in
others; highly social; talkative; spontaneous; risk-taker;
emotional
Relate to them by: Listening; show value in the relationship;
praise their efforts; talk in terms of collaboration; teamwork
Misunderstood as: Disorganized; too emotional; in need of
lots of recognition; too willing to take unnecessary risks;
manipulative; superficial; overeager
People I know who are Monkeys:
OWL
Priorities: Accuracy; maintaining high standards; order;
objectivity
Attributes: Task-oriented; reliable; logical; questions ideas;
skeptical; conventional; serious; slow; cautious; detailed;
autonomous; on-time
Relate to them by: Bring facts and research to support your
position; do not pressure to make a decision; respect their
time; avoid emotionalism
Misunderstood as: Arrogant; fault-finding; too cautious;
unemotional; weak; perfectionist; withdrawn
People I know who are Owls:
HORSE
Priorities: Harmonious relationships, stability; support; sincere
appreciation
Attributes: People-oriented; calm; tactful; patient; likeable;
loyal; dependable; team players; accommodating; avoids
confrontation; risk-adverse; indecisive
Relate to them by: Avoid last minute changes; allow time
to process information; be congenial; offer options; be
willing to compromise; show respect for their feelings
Misunderstood as: Too accommodating; submissive,
indecisive, needing acceptance, unable to complete
tasks
People I know who are Horses: