It Takes Two to Tango (or Tangle): Part II

In the spring issue of JVViews, I introduced the idea of learning styles and illustrated how this knowledge can prevent communication breakdown and crisis. I promised to give you some clues as to quickly identifying a person's preferred learning style. Fortunately, people will usually tell you how they best process information whenever you have difficulties conveying information to them. All you have to do is listen for one or two of the following four types of language clues and refine your presentation as required.

Clue #1 - your communication partner says something like: "I just don't see this. What is this showing me?" From this, you know you are dealing with a visual learner! You need to help them see what you are trying to impart. Send this person emails or leave them notes on their computer screen. If you are giving them directions, give them visual cues - "You'll see a video store on your left, look for the next turn to the right." Even better - draw a picture for them. Voice mail may not be effective, especially when you need to get information across quickly in a stressful situation. If you are a visual learner, you have to remind yourself that if someone doesn't understand your maps, it doesn't always mean they are just being stupid.

Clue #2 - your communication partner says something like: "What are you telling me? This just doesn't speak to me". You are dealing with an auditory learner! You need to help these people to hear what they need to know. Make sure you talk to them in person or leave them voice messages, even if you have provided good visual information. "I've left a map on your desk that tells you who owns the pipelines in this area. The red lines are owned by us, the green lines are owned by others". Don't rely on leaving notes for these people, they may not see them. If you are an auditory learner, you need to remind yourself that not everyone is capable of listening as well as you do.

Clue #3 - your communication partner says something like: "What are you driving at? Where is this going?" Aha, you realize you have a kinesthetic learner. You need to help these people get to where you want them to be. It is best if you can provide actual physical experience or movement to help them process information. Catch these people in the hall and walk with them as you talk. Use lots of active verbs if you have to sit and talk to them: "Let me walk you through this". If you are presenting to them, move around a lot so they have to follow you with their eyes at least. If you are a kinesthetic learner you need to realize that not everyone needs to experience something to understand it, and some may actually think it is a really inefficient way to learn.

Clue #4 - your communication partner says something like: "What are you thinking? What's the purpose of this?" Recognize this is the language of an intuitive learner. You need to give these people a general outline and the underlying information, then let them understand on their own. These people are notorious for making huge leaps of logic and being impatient when forced to go through all the rational steps. Given specific directions they will often get lost in the details. Miraculously, they will consistently find their way if given such vague directions as "Keep heading west and make sure you turn left at the four way stop". If you are an intuitive learner, you need to remember many people can't follow your illogical leaps and that they probably think you don't know a whole lot and rely on dumb luck.

In summary - knowing your own learning style and recognizing the learning style of someone you are communicating with can be hugely beneficial to the effective and efficient exchange of knowledge.

Jan McLean, Joint Venture Representative, Conoco Canada Resources Limited