Your Team Dynamics + the Process Communication Model
Would you describe your team dynamics as more “tepid” than “warm,” even on a good day? Nothing has ever crossed the line into “hostile” territory, but there’s certainly room for improvement.
The Process Communication Model (PCM) can help with that.
The strategy: Focus not on what the other person is saying but on how they are saying it.
Why it works: It gets to the root of a classic problem: You’re too keen on the details to realize you and the person you’re arguing with are actually saying the same thing.
Different people often perceive the same thing in different ways. Instead of just listening to the words, also consider the other person’s body language and tone of voice as another way to gauge how close you are to consensus.
The strategy: Consider what the other person might need and focus on meeting that need. For example, is the person in need of recognition for solving a problem or do they require help in solving a problem?
Why it works: While some communications are just for fun, most people initiate them to fulfill a present need. Considering the need that brought someone to you can help you arrive sooner and more efficiently at mutually agreeable next steps.
The strategy: Understand the energies that, according to the PCM, motivate people and watch for them while you’re communicating.
Why it works: When you care enough to guess what energies might be present in the people you’re talking to, you can adapt your communication approach to complement theirs and ultimately enjoy a more positive interaction.