Communicating Effectively: 4 Questions to Make Sure You’re Doing It Right with Clients

Every style (a la DiSC) has different professional priorities that drive it (see my blog post about that for more info about the styles and their priorities); the way in which every style communicates is different as a result. Learning what those differences are–and how they manifest so that you can use that information to serve your relationship positively–goes a long way toward establishing more effective communication and, therefore, a richer and enhanced relationship.  Once you identify your client’s behavioral style (if you don’t know how to do this, see my blog post about how to guesstimate someone’s style), the next step is to apply that information to how you communicate  (so you can do it more effectively).

Question #1: What are your client’s or customer’s priorities?

For example, if they prioritize support and collaboration, how do you rate yourself in those two areas? If you rate yourself less than a perfect 10, what could you do to improve or enhance your efforts in these areas? Think about this and jot down a few notes to yourself. Explore how you might be able to genuinely appreciate what their priorities bring to workplace.

Question #2: If your client’s or customer’s priorities are different than your own, which come most and least naturally to you?

If you are a quick-thinking, fast-talking, get-er-done type working with a reflective and laid-back client, how will you bridge the gap in your styles in the least painless manner? What can you do meet in the middle? What are the benefits of doing so?

Question #3: If you share the same priorities, what might be the source of your challenges?

Remember, sometimes two “likes” repel each other. If this is the case, how can you best manage your interactions with this client/customer? Get curious about this and allow yourself to really see the situation  (and the solution) for what it is. Then, adjust accordingly.

Question #4: How might your awareness of the differences or similarities in your priorities affect your relationship?

Give yourself permission to think critically about your relationship.  Don’t shy away from recognizing and naming the ways in which your style may be impacting your relationships (good or bad) with your clients/customers. Embrace what is, allow it to be, and create space for change and acceptance, if necessary. You will see a big shift in how you show up when you become more aware…and that serves both you and your client!