Module 4 — Communicating Across Work Styles

Module Purpose

This module focuses on adapting communication across different work styles using cognitive flexibility. Participants learn to recognize how the same message can be interpreted differently and adjust their communication to improve understanding and collaboration. 

What You’ll Learn

• Identify common workplace communication styles and their preferences
  
  

• Apply cognitive flexibility to adjust message delivery without changing intent
  
  

• Practice perspective-taking to reduce misinterpretation across work styles
  
  

Key Idea

Under stress, the brain prioritizes speed over accuracy. Without awareness, communication becomes reactive instead of intentional.

Tools:

Communication Styles
Common workplace communication styles include:

• Direct
  
  

• Analytical
  
  

• Supportive
  
  

• Expressive
  
  

CBT Skill: Cognitive Flexibility
Cognitive flexibility involves:

• Holding more than one perspective
  
  

• Delivering the same message in different ways
  
  

• Adjusting communication without changing the core message
  
  

Perspective Shift
Before communicating, ask:

• “How might someone with a different work style interpret this message?”
  
  

Workplace Example

An urgent email arrives late in the day. Instead of replying immediately, you pause and respond clearly the next morning.

Practice

• Think of a recent message you sent or received that led to confusion.
  
  

• Identify the communication style you were using.
  
  

• Rewrite the message for a different communication style and note what changes.

Workbook

Workbook Activity: Stress Awareness Check

What’s Next

Finally, we integrate all tools into everyday communication habits.