The Open Communicator Persona

Calculate your total score by adding the points for each answer choice. The persona with the highest score represents your dominant communication style.

Based on the selection of your answers, Your preferred persona is “The Open Communicator”

The Open Leader's Guide to Communication: Building Trust and Transparency with Your Team

01
Mastering the Art of Active Listening: Three Levels of Listening:

 

a. Practice Focused Attention: Minimize distractions like phones or laptops during conversations. Make eye contact and turn your body towards the speaker.

b. Show Verbal and Non-Verbal Cues: Use encouraging nods, open postures, and verbal affirmations like “I understand” or “That’s interesting.”

c. Ask Clarifying Questions: Don’t assume you understand everything. Rephrase what you hear to ensure understanding and encourage deeper exploration of ideas.

02
Transparency & Recognition: Building Trust and Morale:

 

a. Deliver both good and bad news promptly and directly:  Avoid sugarcoating or delaying difficult conversations.

b. Provide context and rationale behind decisions: This helps your team understand the “why” behind what’s happening.

c. Celebrate achievements publicly: Recognize individual and team accomplishments verbally, in emails, or during team meetings.

03
Keeping Everyone Informed and Engaged

 

a. Schedule regular team meetings: (weekly or bi-weekly) to discuss progress, challenges, and upcoming goals. Encourage open discussion and feedback.

b. Utilize communication channels: Like emails or internal platforms for updates, project announcements, and reminders.

c. Foster a culture of “information sharing:” Where team members feel comfortable asking questions and raising concerns.

​Explore Other Leadership Communication Style Personas

The Inaccessible Director (10-13 points)

Do you find yourself unintentionally coming across as distant or unapproachable to your team? Leading with an open and accessible style fosters a more collaborative and productive work environment.

The Authoritarian Leader (14 – 17)

This persona embodies the authoritarian leader communicator. Their communication style is direct, assertive, and brooks little room for dissent. They prioritize efficiency and control, with a strong focus on achieving results. While this approach can be effective in crisis situations or when clear direction is needed, it can also stifle creativity, innovation, and employee morale in the long run.

The Empathetic Listener (18-21 points)

The Empathetic Communicator Leader persona embodies a leadership style built on compassion, understanding, and a genuine interest in the well-being of their team members. They excel at creating a safe space for open communication, actively listening to concerns and perspectives, and fostering a collaborative environment.

The Open Communicator (22-and above points)

The Open Communicator Leader persona embodies a leadership style built on transparency, information sharing, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative work environment. These leaders prioritize open dialogue, actively solicit feedback, and keep their teams informed.