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Unit17

We need to be fancy. I want a style of com-

munication that bridges generation gap.

Min: Hello Jam! Are you busy?

Jam: I just have a few emails to answer. What can I do for you?
Min: I will be having a lunch meeting later on. My boss wants our suggestions to improve the
current situation in our department.

Jam: What seems to be the problem?
Min: There have been frequent conflicts among employees. It could be due to communication
differences.
Jam: Oh, I see.
Min: I understand that you took some communication courses during your college time.
Jam: That’s right. We did discuss the different communication styles.
Min: I never thought of differences in communication styles before. I didn’t think it can cause
such trouble.
Jam: Well, generally, people adjust to each other’s communicating styles so there is not much of
a problem.
Min: Then, why are we having difficulties?
Jam: If the communicating styles are very different, people may have a hard time adjusting.

Min: Could you tell me more about this? I really want to share some valuable input at our meet-
ing.

Jam: There are three basic styles: aggressive, assertive and passive.
Min: How do you differentiate them?
Jam: They differ in their behavior, speech, mottos and beliefs among other things.
Min: How do we determine what communication styles employees have?
Jam: There are personality tests they can take such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator instru-
ment, psychological assessments, and self-assessments.
Min: I see. I learned a lot! Thanks very much!
Jam: You’re most welcome!

1. Can you describe your communicating style?

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