Communication challenges are a universal problem, but by learning to recognize different communication styles and adjust messages, employees can more effectively achieve their desired outcomes.

An upcoming webinar, ‘Maximizing your impact: Tailoring communication to your stakeholders,’ will take place Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 11 a.m. as part of the free weekly Business Breathers webinar series facilitated by the Goodman School of Businesses’ Goodman Group. Business Breathers feature 30 minutes of live industry and faculty expert-led discussions, followed by a 15-minute question-and-answer period. Topics focus on leadership, management and innovation, as well as the financial and social impacts of trending topics.

Jacqueline King, CEO of learning and development company Everleap, will discuss differences in the ways people communicate and its impact on information-processing and decision-making. She’ll teach participants how to recognize communication style and preferences, and how to tailor messages for maximum understanding and impact.

“Most of us have this innate sense that our communication style is ‘the right’ communication style,” said King. “If you’re outspoken, you likely wish everyone would just get to the point. If you take time to process information, you probably think others can miss big issues by rushing into a decision. Just because you like to receive information in a certain way, doesn’t mean everyone else feels the same way. There is no one ‘right’ communication style. Every style brings unique benefits and challenges. Understanding them can help us recognize the value in what others can bring to the table, and conversely, where we may need to improve.”

King recommends starting with a person’s manager, clients, or the employees they manage.

“It may be very beneficial to understand your boss’s style and how to best tailor your communication to them,” she said. “Also, if you understand the communication styles of the staff you manage, you can more effectively cultivate strategies to motivate and develop them.”

Everyone is welcome to attend Business Breathers webinars. Interested participants are asked to register online. A confirmation email will provide a Lifesize link to access the webinar at the date and time it is planned.

Upcoming Business Breathers:

Maximizing your impact: Tailoring communication to your stakeholders
Presented by Jacqueline King, CEO of Everleap
Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 11 a.m.

Small business liability: Staying afloat amongst the chaos
Panel discussion with Erie Mutual Insurance
Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 11 a.m.

The role of childcare in post-pandemic recovery
Presented by Diana Huson, Regional Councilor, Region of Niagara
Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 11 a.m.

Big data analytics: Wisdom or folly
Presented by S. Ejaz Ahmen, Dean, Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Brock University
Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 11 a.m.