Tailoring your message to different types of people

Analytical
• Formal
• Measured
• Seek accuracy and precision
• Dislike unpredictability and surprises.
How to communicate
• Provide facts and figures in an orderly
fashion, with supporting documentation.
• Define the change clearly and their role in it.
• Give them a chance to examine it all
carefully and think about it – actively listen
to their concerns and encourage them to
think through solutions.
Driver
• Business-like
• Fast and decisive
• Seek control
• Dislike inefficiency and indecision.
How to communicate
• Want to know what we are going to do,
and how soon we can do it?
• Talk results, don’t waste time, find
short cuts.
• Involve them in the pilot/prototype so they
see a real model of change.
Amiable
• Conforming
• Easy going; less rushed
• Seek appreciation between others
• Dislike insensitivity and impatience.
How to communicate
• Make sure you include the human
dimensions of the situation.
• Want to know how others feel, who else
will be involved – take time to talk.
• Encourage them to chat through with
colleagues throughout the change – value
and use the feedback they provide.
Expressive
• Fast and spontaneous
• Seek recognition
• Dislike routine and get easily bored
• Like brainstorming ideas.
How to communicate
• Will be looking for what’s new, exciting and innovative.
• Don’t want the detail.
• Keep it fast-paced and fun.
• Let them try out the change and then
motivate others through their enthusiasm.

Adapted from source reference: Merrill and Reid 1999 as in Improvement Leaders’ Guide – Managing the human dimensions of change (from the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement)

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