“Communication,” derived from the Latin word commūnicāre, means “to share.” The Online Etymology Dictionary defines it as, “the activity of conveying information through the exchange of thoughts, messages, or information, as by speech, visuals, signals, written, or behavior. It is the meaningful exchange of information between two or more living creatures.”
Effective communication is essential to the success of both our personal and professional relationships. This fact seems fairly obvious and simple on a cognitive level; why, then, are we plagued by problems of communication with our spouses, partners, children, parents, colleagues, and friends – not to mention our clients and advisors?
Here at TWC, one of the tools we use to help us better understand each other and many of our clients is the Kolbe Index. The Kolbe measures an individual’s instinctive strengths, and describes the natural way a person is likely to take action in four different Modes of Operation (modus operandi). Using the insights gained by understanding our own strengths and that of others, the Kolbe allows us to identify the best method of communicating across styles. In a nutshell, there are four Action Modes:
- Fact Finder (the way we gather information)
- Follow Thru (the way we organize information)
- Quick Start (the way we deal with time and uncertainty)
- Implementor (the way we seek tangible solutions)
An individual’s score in each of these four modes is displayed across three Zones of Operation:
- Prevent (1 to 3) – how you won’t act or how you will seek to prevent problems
- Respond (4 to 6) – how you are willing to act or respond to opportunities
- Initiate (7 to 10) – how you will act or initiate solutions
We often think of each other in terms of our Kolbe numbers. For example, I (Karen) am a 7922. In other words, I initiate in Fact Finder and Follow Thru, and prevent in Quick Start and Implementor. I need details, research, and a sense of order, and will do whatever is in my power to control chaos. I don’t need physical evidence (and please don’t ask me to use machinery!). My TWC colleagues are sensitive to how I operate and know that if they approach me with generalities, or a challenge that is too open-ended, I will become stressed and ineffectual. Likewise, the best approach to communicating with my colleagues who prevent in Fact Finder (Myra is a “1,” for example) is to not bog them down in details. While I might desire a high degree of detail, inflicting this on others may cause immediate and extreme boredom, and a communication breakdown will result. Viewing our interactions from the Kolbe perspective helps us put ourselves in each other’s shoes.
While communication itself seems effortless, doing so effectively requires both a conscious effort and a clear understanding of the needs of others. Oftentimes we communicate with others in precisely the way we want to be communicated with, rather than communicating to them the way they need. While it may not be necessary or even possible to always discern this with everyone we interact with, it is essential that we make this effort with important relationships. If we are to thrive in our personal and professional lives, we need to understand each other. Take the time to improve your listening skills. Listen empathetically and without judgment. Gaining a greater understanding of the people in our lives is worth the effort!
To learn more about the Kolbe Index, visit www.kolbe.com.