Recognize and Adapt to Increase Influence

Bad communication generally leads to unhappy people and unproductive behavior - the exact opposite of what you are trying to accomplish as a leader.

Understanding what makes people tick and adapting your leadership style accordingly can help you to influence, communicate, and manage others (both up and down) more effectively. Once you become adept at identifying key styles around you, your ability to influence, communicate, and make an impact increases significantly. Here are four to be aware of:

1. Chart-the-Course (Directing/Responding). The theme of this style is having a course of action to follow. People of this nature have a pressing need to anticipate. The hallmark of this style is creating plans or points of reference that ensure that projects achieve the desired result.
   
   
2. Behind-the-Scenes (Informing/Responding). The theme of this style is getting the best result possible. People of this nature have a pressing need to integrate information and accommodate multiple inputs. The hallmark of this style is patience for sticking with a project to deliver the optimum result.
   
   
3. In-Charge (Directing/Initiating). The theme of this style is getting things accomplished. People of this nature are results-focused. They keep things on track in an efficient fashion. The hallmark of this style is a driving energy that moves them into action to lead the group to an achievable result.
   
   
4. Get-Things-Going (Informing/Initiating). The theme of this style is persuading and involving others. People of this nature have a pressing need to inspire others to move into action. The hallmark of this style is a contagious enthusiasm that encourages and motivates participation to deliver an embraced result.