Your communication cheat sheet

Once you’ve learned about the four styles of communication, use these tips to help you get the most out of your conversations with each type of communicator.

The parakeet

The parakeet is the engaging communicator who is expressive, innovative and focused on the big picture.

Things to say to a parakeet:

• Let’s set up some time to brainstorm solutions
• Here’s the vision, what do you think?
• Who do you think we should involve to get this done?

Giving feedback to a parakeet:

• Focus on the big picture and don’t get bogged down in details
• Inject enthusiasm
• Be ready to discuss ideas and possibilities

Receiving feedback from a parakeet:

• Be ready to contribute ideas
• Be prepared for wide-ranging discussion, that may go off topic
• Remember, stories are there to illustrate the point

The starling

The starling is the cooperative communicator who is calm, collaborative and focused on relationships.

Things to say to a starling:

• This is what we’ll be discussing later
• Now you’ve had time to think about it, how do you think we should proceed?
• Let’s talk about how we can make this work for everyone involved

Giving feedback to a starling:

• Take it slowly and be detailed
• Talk about how this relates to others
• Be supportive and provide time to process

Receiving feedback from a starling:

• Listen attentively
• Don’t be combative
• Be ready to talk about what you need

The heron

The heron is the goal-oriented communicator who is direct, driven and focused on results.

Things to say to a heron:

• Let’s look at the goals
• Let’s discuss solutions
• This needs to be done by

Giving feedback to a heron:

• Get to the point quickly
• Limit time on non-essential details
• End with a clear plan of action

Receiving feedback from a heron:

• Be prepared for a quick and direct approach
• Remember, if it seems blunt, it’s not personal
• Provide responses that stay on point and focus on solutions

The raven

The raven is the analytical communicator. They are systematic, detail-oriented and focused on quality.

Things to say to a raven:

• I’ll set it out in an email and give you time to read it over
• Let’s meet for 15 minutes at 4pm today to discuss these points
• Here are all the details, let me know how we can get the best possible result

Giving feedback to a raven:

• Provide details in writing, preferably ahead of time
• Be logical, systematic and facts focussed
• Set up a later session for questions, to allow time to process

Receiving feedback from a raven:

• Be ready for detailed, fact-based information
• Back-up responses with facts and evidence
• Don’t expect pleasantries or light chitchat