Introduction
Everybody has different learning styles and personality types. This indeed affect the way people learn, communicate and even the way they understand things. While developing an effective communication and collaboration strategy, it is important to recognize these differences in order to achieve common goals among a group of individuals.
Learning Styles, Their Preferences and Strategy for Communication and Collaboration
There are several learning styles. Among them are verbal/linguistic, interpersonal and logical/mathematical. Verbal/linguistic as a learning style entails images and words presented either in written or spoken Language. Verbal/linguistic learners prefer learning new things and teaching other people. Effective communication and collaboration among individuals with such learning styles would therefore include presenting information verbally, conducting interviews and providing group education. Providing written instructions and verbal communication would be effective method of communication and collaboration (Carter, Bishop and Kravits, 2007).
In Interpersonal learning style, individuals learn best by comparing, sharing and cooperating. The learner in this case gives other people’s point of view. The effective communication method is therefore discussion in which they listen to other people’s ideas and hence providing a better way out for a group. A good example is that of a board meeting in which ideas of different people are provided.
Individuals under the logical/mathematical learning style prefer working with abstract, classifying and categorizing. The learners are accurate and organized while solving problems. They prefer to study and understand information before analyzing it. They understand patterns and computations as well as scientific interpretation. One can communicate and collaborate with them effectively by discussion, providing challenging questions and making logical connections. This can be achieved by putting the materials in a logical way. For example providing tests from which the best are sampled.
Personality Types and their Effective Strategy for Communication and Collaboration
In a group of individuals, personality types can conflict or compliment. Communication and collaboration can be enhanced by learning the strengths of each of these personality types. Personality types in a given team have its unique characteristics, interests and concerns. Personality types in a group of people may comprise of adventurer, giver, thinker and organizer.
A giver is honest, friendly and faithful. He appreciates his own potential as well as that of others. He is the peacemaker among other people. Giver works best in a favorable environment for interaction. Effective method of communication and collaboration in this case is discussion groups.
A Thinker is an intelligent and analyzer of the situation. He makes careful consideration before making decisions. Other characteristics are; good at problem solving, and exploring new ideas. To communicate and collaborate effectively to thinkers, one can use written work such as memos and emails. Providing questions is also another method since they are able to solve such problems in form of graphs (Carter, Bishop and Kravits, 2007).
Organizer is responsible, loyal and reliable in a group. He ensures that there is a good flow of the activities by keeping the group focused. The best communication and collaboration strategy include verbal communication and written work. For example use of memos and emails to communicate.
Conclusion
People working together as a team will display different and unique personalities such as desires, abilities and talents. The different learning styles and personality types can hinder communication and collaboration if not considered. It is therefore necessary to know and understand fellow team member’s learning style and personality type. This helps in management such as delegating responsibilities.
Reference
Carter, C., Bishop, J., & Kravits, S. (2007). Keys to College Studying: Becoming an Active Thinker (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
