Diane Amundson & Associates Newsletter

We have all experienced them in our lives whether they are a co-worker, boss, customer or family member. Who are they? The person who speaks directly to us in short bullet sentences that can intimidate us because they do not exhibit any friendly nonverbals gestures.. They may resemble Mr. Spock from Star Trek and we are left wondering how to interact and communciate with someone so direct. According to Ned Herrmann, an educational developer and author of The Creative Brain, there are four unique styles of thinking and communicating in our daily lives. In this edition, we are going to identify one of those four styles and give you tips on how to communiciate more effectively with that style. Individuals that choose to speak like Mr. Spock are often fact driven, task oriented, and good with numbers. Herrmann calls this way of thinking the "A Quadrant". In addition to these characteristics an A quadrant communicator tends to be logical, analytical, and critical. The best way to communicate with an A quadrant is to do your homework. Make sure you have analyzed your numbers, can speak to the facts, and realize that getting the task done is of utmost importance to this style. Oh, and they love to play devil's advocate, so don't take it personally. If it's difficult for you to think and communicate with an A quadrant style, then partner with someone who has this style or who can adapt to it. Let them assist you in preparing a report or proposal that will speak to the A quadrant's need for facts, numbers and analysis. With these preparation tips, you will gain credibility quickly with this style thinker and have better results in your communication efforts.

Next week we will introduce Ned Herrmann's B Quadrant style communicator that prefers to think in a safekeeping, risk-averse way. I will give you tips on how to gain credibility with them and help them move beyond fear to possiblity thinking.