Written by Leigh Atkinson
Have you ever felt like you and a colleague are speaking two different languages – even though you’re both using English?
The truth is, how we communicate can make or break collaboration. And as leaders, understanding our own leadership communication styles, and those of our team, is one of the most powerful tools we have to build trust, reduce conflict, and drive performance.
In this article, I’ll walk you through four core leadership communication styles: Driver, Amiable, Expressive, and Analytical. These styles shape how we interact, how we make decisions, and how we build relationships at work.
The Four Leadership Communication Styles
1. Driver
The Driver is very much results-oriented. Out of all of the leadership communication styles, they’re the most direct, decisive, and focused on efficiency. Think: “What’s the goal, and how do we get there fast?”
To connect with a Driver:
- Be clear
- Be concise
- Be confident
Avoid over-explaining or going off-topic. Drivers value clarity and speed.
2. Amiable
The Amiable individual is relationship-focused. They’re supportive, empathetic, and great listeners. They care deeply about team harmony and trust.
To connect with an Amiable:
- Don’t rush
- Build rapport
- Show empathy
- Involve them in decisions
Amiables thrive in environments where they feel heard and valued.
3. Expressive
Expressives are creative, outgoing, and full of energy. They love to brainstorm and are motivated by recognition and big-picture thinking.
To connect with an Expressive:
- Be enthusiastic
- Engage their ideas
- Let them talk it out
They respond best when their creativity is encouraged and their contributions are recognised.
4. Analytical
Analytical communicators are detail-oriented. They value structure, logic, and accuracy. They want the “meat on the bone”; the facts, the data, the context.
To connect with an Analytical:
- Come prepared
- Do your research
- Provide relevant data
- Allow time to process
Avoid rushing them into decisions. Give them space to evaluate and respond thoughtfully.
Why Leadership Communication Styles Matter
Understanding these leadership communication styles doesn’t just improve the conversations we’re having, it allows us to build better collaboration across our teams.
Most workplace conflict isn’t caused by disagreement. It’s caused by misunderstanding how someone else prefers to communicate. In fact, 40% of workplace conflicts stem from miscommunication and lack of clarity, according to Gitnux’s 2025 Workplace Conflict Report.
When we misread someone’s style, we risk creating tension, disengagement, or confusion. But when we tune into their preferences, we create conversations that connect us.
Self-Awareness: The First Step in Leadership Communication
Everyone has a dominant one out of these leadership communication styles. The first step is recognising your own.
By increasing our self-awareness, we can understand the impact our style has on others. And we can identify where we might need to adjust to communicate more effectively.
Ask yourself:
- What is my dominant communication style?
- How does it affect the way I lead?
- Who on my team might I need to communicate differently with?
Great leaders flex their style. They recognise their own preferences and adapt to meet the needs of others.
Adapting Your Style to Build Stronger Teams
Flexing your communication style doesn’t mean changing who you are. It means being intentional about how you communicate.
Here’s a quick guide:
- With Drivers: Be direct and outcome-focused.
- With Amiables: Build rapport and show empathy.
- With Expressives: Be enthusiastic and open to ideas.
- With Analyticals: Provide structure and data.
This adaptability helps reduce conflict, improve collaboration, and build trust.
Leaders, Ask Yourself This
When we understand our own communication style, and learn to adapt to others, we create conversations that connect us, not just professionally, but personally.
So ask yourself:
What’s your dominant communication style?
And who on your team might benefit from a different approach?
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