The 4 Communication Styles You Will Observe in the Real-Estate Workplace

As real-estate agents, communication is a big part of your job. Your communication style shows how you interact with other people, and it directs how you speak, act, and react in different situations. Therefore, learning the different communication styles will help you become a better communicator and listener.  

4 Main Communication Styles:

 

Passive Communication Style

As real estate agents, you need to know how to speak up your thoughts to your client. This establishes a sense of trust between you and your client.

Passive communicators are usually the quiet ones. They do not participate during debates and rarely speak up for themselves. Therefore, it is highly likely to be challenging to identify when they are not comfortable or when they need help with an important project.

You can determine a passive communicator with the following traits:

• They have difficulty in saying no.
• They have poor posture.
• They have an easy-going attitude.
• They rarely make eye contact.
• They are soft-spoken.
• They are very apologetic.
• They are usually fidgeting when they feel uncomfortable.

Here’s how you can deal with a Passive Communicator:

• Be direct. Ask for a one-on-one conversation. Private interactions are more comfortable for passive communicators.
• Always ask their opinions. Give them time to think over their answers.
• Be broad when speaking. Do not ask “yes” or “no” questions. Be patient with long silences because passive communicators take time thinking through a response.

If you find yourself a passive communicator, we recommend working on your communication skills. Look for opportunities where you feel comfortable speaking up. If you feel uncomfortable in group settings, ask for personal meetings. If written communication is more comfortable, communicate via email. 

 

Aggressive Communication Style

As real estate agents, we need to think before we communicate. Therefore, you need to listen first to your client’s thinking and give an appropriate response.

Aggressive communicators usually communicate their thoughts and feelings and dominate the conversation. Mostly at the expense of others. An aggressive communicator tends to react before thinking. This can negatively affect relationships and decrease productivity. 

While this communication style might command respect in certain leadership situations, you will find aggressive communicators intimidating to those who respond in a calm approach. 

You can determine an Aggressive  Communicator with the following traits:

• They interrupt people while they’re speaking.
• They invade others’ personal space.
• They have an overbearing posture.
• They use aggressive gestures.
• They make intense eye contact.

Consider these methods when working with an aggressive communicator:

• First, always be calm yet assertive. Don’t let their nature be intimidating and focus on an actionable approach to the given issue.
• Always keep the conversations professional. Do not let personal issues and emotions direct the conversation.
• Know when to stop. Remember to walk away from the situation if the aggressive communicator is being demanding or the conversation is no longer making positive progress.

If you realize that you are an aggressive communicator, learning more positive communication techniques will help you overcome most of your aggressive tendencies.

 

Passive-Aggressive Communication Style

As real estate agents, you need to be transparent with your client. Remember, speaking up your thoughts establish trust between you and your client and when that trust is established, always think of what’s best for them. 

Passive-aggressive communicators will appear passive on the surface, but they have more aggressive motivations that drive their actions. Their words may sound agreeable, but their actions often do not align with their words. They can quietly manipulate situations into something that will benefit them. 

Passive-aggressive communicators may use the following approaches:

• They usually mutter instead of talking aloud.
• They are typically sarcastic.
• They are sometimes in denial.
• On the other hand, they present a happy face even when it is evident that they are upset.
• They often give the silent treatment.

Consider these approaches when dealing with a passive-aggressive communicator:

• Be clear with your requests and directions. Do not make room for confusion.
• Be upfront when you notice negative behavior. Talk to them about it.
• Always ask for their feedback. Always make them try to elicit honest communication.

If you find yourself being a passive-aggressive communicator, always find opportunities where you can communicate your thoughts. First, look for a clear and honest line of communication to make sure you feel heard. Then, take active steps to address an issue directly. 

 

Assertive Communication Style

As real estate agents, you need to know when to draw boundaries. As much as you need to establish a good relationship between you and your client, you need to remember that productivity in the workplace is a must too.

Assertive communicators are those who are respected and productive people in the workplace. They share their thoughts and ideas confidently, yet they are always polite.

They know how to say “no” when it’s needed. They understand their limits and protect their boundaries without being aggressive or defensive. They know how to make others feel comfortable, and they can easily create a productive conversation.

Assertive communicators have the following traits:

• They have expansive gestures.

• They are collaborative.
• They have healthy expressions of ideas and feelings.
• They have good posture.
• They have a clear voice.
• They maintain friendly eye contact.

If you identify assertive communicators on your team, encourage them to share their ideas, place them in leadership positions, and ask for their help dealing with passive, passive-aggressive, and aggressive communicators. 

As real estate agents, knowing how to identify the type of communicators you talk to within the workplace –your clients, boss, or colleagues- will help you be more productive and likely get the results you want after a specific conversation.