[Sharon]

Think of an example of when you adjusted your communication to meet another person’s style. Are you a thinker, feeler, doer or imaginer? Why do you believe that is your style? Share your example and thoughts on the discussion forum.

[Stephanie]

Throughout my career as a nurse there are many times I have had to adjust my communication to meet another person’s style. One example would be during my experience as a clinical instructor I felt I had to be more of a thinker. My nursing students often times wanted and required the data the logic and structure so they had all the information to safely care for there patient assignments. We often worked threw there daily tasks that they needed to complete and wanted to know they were successful in Clinical placement by having all the knowledge. However i think my style is the doer, I generally will know the task set out for me and my goals. In my current role in primary care we have monthly nursing meetings, I initiate my thoughts first out of the team we then discuss and through conversation i feel i can generate and help meet a goal and conclude on a plan within are discussion.

[Jessica]

Thank you for sharing Stephanie. I beleive it’s important to be able to adjust your communication styles to connect with others.
It sounds like by adjusting your communication style you were able to connect with your students more effectively.
I think that having the capability of adapting is important, especially if you are in a role as a mentor/leader.

[Anastasia]

I do think as a nurse we are always changing communication styles depending on the situation and who you are communicating with. In end of life you will be more a feeier, where in acute care fast paced you have to get those tasks done.

[Katherine]

In reflecting on my communication style, I believe I am primarily a Feeler. I tend to focus on relationships, tone, and the emotional impact of what I say. I often find myself thinking about how my message will be received as much as what I am actually saying. I believe this is my style because I naturally value empathy, connection, and creating a supportive environment in conversations.

One example of when I adjusted my communication to meet another person’s style was when I worked with a colleague who was very task-oriented and results-driven — clearly more of a Doer. At first, I would share my thoughts in a way that highlighted collaboration and mutual understanding, but I noticed they became impatient and wanted concrete action. I adjusted by being more concise and focusing on next steps and outcomes instead of emotions or backstory. For instance, instead of saying, “I think the team might feel overwhelmed with this deadline,” I shifted to, “The team has two major deadlines this week, so to keep on track we need to prioritize project A before project B.”

This adjustment helped me get my point across in a way that resonated better with them. It also reminded me that effective leadership communication isn’t just about expressing myself, but also about being flexible and tuning in to the styles of others.

[Trudy]

Hi Katherine!
I too am a feeler so I understand your communication style. You are right, feelers naturally value meaningful supportive connections. I find this communication style easier to create a bond and build rapport. In your example, I love that you were able to adjust to the situation of the doer communication style. This allowed you to get the task at hand complete while being able to get your point across in a respectful way to your peers.

[Mauei Caela]

Hi Katherine,

Thank you for sharing your experience. I realized that having the Feeler style of communication comes naturally due to the nature of our job, just like how you put it together based on your values. I really like how you changed the way you communicated with your colleague to match their style of communication, and it is valuable information for me because I probably would have said “I think…” instead of focusing on what is important for the person I am speaking with. You also showed confidence in giving your advice, which is very admirable and shows leadership skills.

[Amit Kaur]

I am an international educated nurse and came to Canada 20 years ago. As per CNO requirements I passed the English language test and RPN licence exam. From that phase of my life I learned to adjust my communication,according to the person and situation. There are many co-workers and residents who are from different counties and are citizens of Canada.
One particular experience I would like to share where I had a resident from Portugal,her 3 daughters were the care takers but not POA. Her daughters were able to understand a little bit of English but not fluently.
They often miss some communication with staff regarding directions of care.
One day I approached them and explained the care in simple short English words For example: you like this for mama? this way? or another one?. This way I was able to connect and build a connection by thinking about their level of understanding due to language barrier. The family appreciated me during the care conference.
I believe I am a doer, I prioritise my task to meet my goal. when I provide orientation to new hire staff. I perform the task for them not only to verbally provide the information. Recently my supervisor has chosen me for a mentorship programme for new hire staff.

[Katherine]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I really appreciate how you highlighted the importance of adjusting communication based on the situation and the people involved. Your example with the resident’s family from Portugal is a great demonstration of meeting people where they are and finding simple but effective ways to build understanding and trust. That’s such a powerful leadership skill—being adaptable and empathetic.

I also like how you described yourself as a “doer” and showed that in how you orient and mentor new staff. Leading by example is one of the most impactful ways to teach and inspire others, especially in a healthcare environment where actions often speak louder than words. Congratulations on being chosen for the mentorship program—it sounds well deserved!

[Tina]

Amit, it is wonderful how you have been able to adjust your communication styles based on a cultural aspect. I have as well done this at times too, learn what a person prefers and work with them. As a preceptor/mentor it is as well very important to base our communication towards how a student learns, thank you for this as i feel it can help me in the future when I have a student nurse or when I have a new hire to orient. As well soon our PSWs will be Medication Certified and I will mentor them and will task orient them to how best to give the residents their medications and how certain tricks are helpful

[Jessica]

My communication style aligns most accurately with the imaginer.
I am always looking at the bigger picture and looking for ways to improve or grow. Sometimes my ideas may not be attainable in the moment, but let’s just say my dream board is full of future goals – Leadership being one of them.

I began working in my current role 3.5 years ago. At that time, my team was seasoned and had certain procedures/processes that were strictly followed. Change was not welcomed openly, and as a new staff I struggled because I was constantly imagining ways in which we could improve our processess, but the team was hesitant to deter from the current practices.
Over the past year my team has transitioned. New team members welcomed fresh ideas and expertise. Our current team gave us opportunity to review the way we did things, and change some of our processes to reduce work load and increase efficiency. Being an imaginer, naturally I had big ideas for change. Working with my team we were able to brainstorm and take small steps at changing our processes slowly. We trialed different methods and re-evaluated if necessary. These changes have made our jobs so much easier and allowed us to focus on more meaningful tasks such as spending more time educating and bring present on the units for staff.

[Stephanie]

Hi Jessica!

it is nice to hear your perspective from the Imaginer side of communication! I can see both sides of your situation when your new leaderships comes in with changes as fresh eyes and different experiences can help you and your team improve and adjust your policies and procedures to better benefit the team. I have been in the position where new leadership comes with worry and hesitation. it is nice to see that you were able to adapt and work together as a team and bring changes that were benefical to your team!

[Trudy]

In nursing you have to adjust your communication style as it can vary with different situations. My communication style has mainly been a feeler. I try to make that compassionate, emotional connection with client’s, families and my peers. I believe this helps to build rapport and a trusting relationship. Although this communication style is what I am most comfortable with, I have had to switch to in order to get things done in an appropriate time frame or to meet another person’s style.

In my previous job there were often lots of code white calls. This particular time we had a staff from another unit covering for our charge nurse. This staff member was new to the hospital and the unit. I could see the uncertainty and nervousness from the charge nurse, at no fault of her own. It stemmed from not having much experience in these situations. As I knew the patient and staff very well, I asked the charge nurse if she wanted me to take the lead on this code. The charge nurse welcomed the help. In this moment my communication style had to be a doer. Things are hectic during a code white and it’s a time where your training and experience comes in to play quite quickly. Things had to get done in a timely manner, such as maintaining the safety of other staff and patients, calling security, looking at the medication list, making sure the doctor is on the unit, having a the restraint bag close if needed, having PPE on hand, having staff by the phone in case we need more people or to call for police intervention. I was able to effectively help in getting these things organized to reduce the panic and chaos.

[Amit Kaur]

Hello Trudy
Thank you for sharing the feeler style with a very good example of a situation.I can understand when we are new at some workplace or at different unit,how the situation makes us uncomfortable,it arises insecurity questions in mind,what to do? The manager will call me,shall be disciplined?reported?.You supported the other nurse regardless of her designation. It’s a leadership quality of a nurse to support a coworker.I can believe the charge nurse admired you.

[Anastasia]

I see myself as an equal mix of a thinker and a doer. I am very task-focused and driven to get things done, but I also need to understand the rationale behind what I’m doing, which reflects the thinker side of me. Having both traits helps me balance efficiency with logic.

An example of when I had to adjust my communication style was when I transitioned from bedside, hands-on nursing to a supervisory role. At the bedside, my communication was very task-driven and focused on immediate patient care. In supervision, I had to shift toward more of a feeler communication style—slowing down, listening, and explaining processes in a way that supported staff and helped them feel confident. This adjustment allowed me to move from simply completing tasks myself to empowering others to do their work effectively.

[Viatcheslav]

I liked the way your described your Thinker side. I haven’t thought about it this way, but understanding the process instead of blindly going in is also important for me.

[Tina]

A way I have had to learn to adjust my communication style has been with LTC residents. As I work with varying degrees of dementia, some residents still have the ability to talk and communicate well. I have a resident whom I talk to daily and though she does not know why she is there, she as well is a great conversationalist. She dislikes medication and every day she says the same thing to me why she does not take them. So I have learnt to talk to her by living her reality, I sing a song, do a little dance , say “hey my dancing queen” and without fail she takes her medications with no issues. I have been a feeler in that situation and Imaginer as i have to feel out the daily situation, and make up ways that will work to get a resident to take their medications.

I think I am combination of all the communication styles, I have tasks to complete as a nurse and have a set way of doing things the Doer. I have to feel out the daily expressions of my residents collaborate with the team to get a resident to take meds, or even to have a shower.
A thinker who likes to be prepared, I can not do well on a crazy morning, being pulled in different directions, It happens as residents fall, or team members need help.
A imaginer because I have to have lots of options to get a resident to take their medications, let me do a dressing, or to just help the PSWs on the floor when the need arises.
So Ya, I am a little of all styles and more of the Doer and Imaginer, I adjust to the team members I work with and to the residents I am taking care of.

[Stephanie]

I adore that you are a feeler and imaginer, you were really able to connect with that resident in LTC. You not only make your day brighter but also for that resident.
I enjoyed reading how you incorporate all communication styles in each shift and provided examples. Thanks for sharing.

[Stephanie]

I adjust my communication style when communicating with residents about their needs, fears, expectations and what their goals of care are. I find if I change my communication style, I can connect and communicate with residents in a more meaningful way. Advocating for those who cannot; reading the emotions of the unspoken words can deepen the connection.
I have all forms of communication styles, but I believe, the feeler is my prominent communication style. The hospice I work at is a small organization, so I view my team members my community. I can rely on others help support residents in their time of need, while hearing their contributions will improve the overall care.

[CHUNYAN]

I am a RPN working on the floor. During the shift change I have to give report to next shift staff .During the report time I have to adjust my communication style to connect with team member. For example today we have a new admission. The resident is new to all of us. But I met him first have a brief picture. I have to use the imaginer to introduce the resident diet , medical history, mobility , personal hygiene , cognitive level , hobby, give staff the concept who this person is and where is he from. Tell them what I have done for him , which is need to be carry on and our purpose is to let resident settle down to a totally new environment. To get to know more about resident ‘s life style and to provide better care for the new resident. I feel like my effectiveness of communication working well ,

[Mauei Caela]

I’ve discovered that I adapt my communication style based on the situation and desired outcome. Initially, I thought I was a “feeler” type, mirroring how I like to be communicated with. However, I’ve realized I’m a mix of four communication styles, depending on the goal.

When time is of the essence, I’m a “doer.” I focus on efficiency and results, streamlining processes to achieve the goal.

In situations where the scope of practice or policy is a concern, I’m a “thinker.” For instance, if a patient’s care plan exceeds my RPN scope, I’ll question the assignment, explore resources, and offer suggestions.

When brainstorming solutions, I’m an “imaginer.” During a quality conference, I drew on past experiences to suggest ways to manage patient expectations and workload ratios.

My communication style varies depending on the outcome I aim to achieve. I’ve learned to consider not only my own goals but also what others need to attain. This self-awareness will help me communicate more effectively in the future.

[Kayla]

My preferred style is “feeler”, but i often find myself changing it to “thinker” when I am working with my clients, i find that sometimes i need to put the feeling aspect aside as it can lead to burnout, and with thinker i can can provide better care and advocate better for my clients needs

[Marilyn]

Hello everyone,

I’ve been reading your posts and really appreciate your perspectives on leadership in both formal and informal roles. I agree that adapting your communication style is essential for building strong teams and achieving meaningful outcomes. Whether you’re communicating with a ‘Thinker’ who values structure and data, a ‘Feeler’ who connects through empathy and relationships, or an ‘Imaginer’ who responds well to big-picture ideas and creativity, adjusting your approach can make a significant difference. As leaders, recognizing and responding to these different communication styles not only enhances collaboration but also improves the overall quality of the care we provide.

[Viatcheslav]

There were many instances where I had to adjust my communication style to meet that of another person. I believe that most often it happened when dealing with patients or their family members. As nurses we need to be able to adapt our style to explain or convince our patients to follow along with a care plan or with them understanding the importance and necessity of having procedures done. Family members are often overwhelmed, and again it falls on nurses to convey the information in the most positive and therapeutic way for them to understand and accept certain things.

I feel that I combine all 4 styles. However, doer and feeler are probably the strongest traits I have. I believe in work being done promptly and once the decision is made to proceed to the established target via the shortest and most efficient route. At the same time I believe that it shouldn’t negatively impact people on the way there or at least have the harm reduced as much as possible as not to affect their wellbeing or emotional distress.

[Loubna]

I agree with your point Viatsheslav. As nurses, adapting our communication style is important to help patients and their families to feel supported and understand the importance of the care and procedures. I also find that balancing efficiency with empathy is very important. Being able to get tasks done while considering the emotional impact greatly improves patient care and teamwork.

[Loubna]

As an RPN, I consider myself a feeler because I prioritize empathy, understanding others and relationships. This communication style helps me to build trust, support my team, and address concerns and issues in a way that reassures other coworkers and work more effectively together.
During a busy shift, a new RPN was having difficulty completing tasks on time. While my feeler tendency is to focus on emotions and concerns, I realized she responds best to direct guidance. So, I switched to a Doer-style communication by giving clear instructions and outlining priorities. This approach helped us to complete all tasks efficiently and helped my colleague to feel more confident in her role.

[Donna]

I often adjust my communication style to match the needs of different team members and patients. One example was when i worked with a physician who preferred quick, factual updates rather than detailed explanations. Knowing this, I focused on providing concise, organized reports using key clinical information only. This helped streamline communication and ensured that patients care decisions were made efficiently.

I believe I am primarily a feeler because i naturally lead with empathy and emotional awareness in my interactions. I listen carefully, observe body language, and adapt my tone to make others feel heard and respected. This approach has helped me build trust with patients and collaborate effectively with colleagues. At the same time, I’ve learned to incorporate the clarity and focus of a thinker and doer when the situation calls for it.

[Author]

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