Communication preferences for successful knowledge translation

People with strong connections still have difficulty engaging with those connections or stakeholders when it comes to disseminating or translating their findings into usable outputs.

It is important to consider the stakeholders you know and with whom you already have an existing relationship. We often assume that having a connection is sufficient; however, people also have preferences regarding communication. There is great value in understanding how best to communicate with your stakeholders and how their information and communication preferences differ.

For example, a policymaker may have many demands on their time and will need information delivered in a way that is suitable and relevant to their context. In addition, it is helpful to understand how best to communicate with them based on their individual preferences.

What do we mean by preferences?

Some people want to know all the details, the background, and really get to know a person before they will take something on or even believe in you; others prefer communication that is quick, less detailed and to the point. Using the wrong style will be less successful and may even damage your chances of future involvement. Your personal style will not always be the best one; understanding this and being willing to adapt your style is the key to your success.

How do we know these preferences?

First, you need to understand your own preference. I personally like to use DISC profiles because they are simple to use and easy to understand without too many layers or types to contend with. DISC is a behaviour assessment tool first developed by psychologist William Moulton Marston. The tool focuses on four different behavioural traits: dominance, inducement, submission, and compliance, and was further developed into a behavioural assessment tool by industrial psychologist Walter Vernon Clarke in the early 1980’s. You can find out more about the tool here.

I suggest that you download the DISC assessment and complete it yourself initially. Once you understand your own communication and interpersonal style, you will be able to identify others’ preferences.

Usually, we are not able to approach our stakeholders and ask them to take a behaviour assessment; in fact, this probably wouldn’t go down well with many people. You can use this with your project team, though.

“The best use of DISC is to learn more about oneself, others and how to deal with situations where interpersonal relationships are involved.” Wikipedia

Determining preferences

Never fear, there are some more subtle ways that you can identify other people’s preferences. You can determine this information from your in-person meetings, telephone calls or even email responses and dialogue. Use the following questions to consider your stakeholders.

First, consider the person’s communication pace.

• • Do they respond rapidly, assertively or with a fast pace? (Quick)
  • Or do they pause before acting, responding more thoughtfully, calmly, and methodically?  (Deliberate)

Now, consider their priority when communicating:

• • Are they questioning the task, or challenging the premise? (Task-focused)
  • Are they empathetic and agreeable? (People focused)

For more guidance on this, check out this SlideShare.

Now you should have some indication of the way they like their information and communication. The next step is to tailor your communication accordingly. In the next blog, I will outline some tips and tricks to consider when communicating with the different behaviour types.

If you are having difficulty communicating with your stakeholders, you can contact us, and we can develop some immediate strategies to get things moving.