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There’s a term that has been around for decades now: WYSIWYG. It stands for “What You See Is What You Get.”

When WYSIWYG came along, it was a game changer. Gone were the “code in the foreground days” that meant you had to continually refresh screens to see the end result. You could actually see what you were doing, visually and in real time. You could preview a document and see how it would print before wasting a ream of paper.

WYSIWYG…

• It is clear.
• It is direct.
• It is true to the source.
• It prevents errors.
• And it saves time.

WYSIWYG in Communication.

Now, let’s apply WYSIWYG to communication – where it translates to: “What You Say Is What You Get.”

Let’s just say this form of WYSIWYG has not advanced as quickly as the “seeing” kind.

• Have you ever given someone what you believed were clear directions, only for them to bring a result that did not at all match your intent?
• Have you ever received communication that sounded like a “secret code”, where you were left to “figure it out”?
• Have you ever been told only part of the story, which gave you an unclear picture of what was really true?
• Has someone told you one thing, while their actions said another thing?

These are like the old days of “foreground coding”. Someone speaks a code and then you have to refresh the conversation frequently in order to interpret it.

It’s time to bring WYSIWYG to communication!

“What” Definition

Before you have a conversation, be sure you are clear on what is your desired end result.

For example, do you want action, a creative solution, a system, or a quality product?

Depending on your desired end result, you will want to engage the team member or members with the strengths you need to achieve it.

Your Style

Know your communication style.

• If you are D-wired, you will naturally be direct and action-oriented. Your communication drives people to action.
• If you are I-wired, you will naturally be creative and connective. Your communication draws people to ideas.
• If you are S-wired, you will naturally be detailed and systematic. Your communication draws people together to get things done.
• If you are C-wired, you will naturally be clear and concise. Your communication cuts to the desired end result, with a plan to get there efficiently.

Style Adaptation

Let’s say you are a PhD, and you have been called in to teach physics to a kindergarten class.

If you speak full-on academic, as you would peer to peer or in a research paper, the class will not understand. You realize that, to connect with the class, you must speak in terms they understand. To accomplish this, you may bring visuals and tell stories. You may involve them in hands-on activities that demonstrate how a law of physics works.

Now apply this to everyday conversations you have as a leader. When you speak to different strengths styles, you must adapt your conversation in order to connect.

• It may mean speaking directly and concisely with a D-wired person, using action words.
• It may mean bringing in a fun or creative element when speaking with an I-wired person.
• It may mean conveying the big picture and the “why” to an S-wired person who sees things systematically and who can then determine the details.
• Or it may mean addressing the questions of a C-wired person as they think through what you are saying.

Illustrate the Vision

A picture is, indeed, worth a thousand words.

This is where illustrations can be used to communicate.

• A visual of the end result for a D-wired person.
• A colorful idea board for an I-wired person.
• A whiteboard for an S-wired person.
• A diagram for a C-wired person.

This allows your style and their style to visualize together, creating a clear picture.

Why it Matters

Good communication includes a “why”. If people know that what they are doing matters, they will be more apt to carry through. If all you ever do is assign tasks, you will want to practice conveying the “why” in order to give your team a sense of purpose and belonging.

Your Goals

It is important to communicate your goals to your team. Newsflash: They can’t read your mind!

Be clear as to outcomes, deadlines, and accountability.

Guide Your Team

There are, unfortunately, leaders who demand respect, rather than earn it, and those who speak “at” their people instead of “with” them.

Great leaders communicate well by guiding their team. This means listening to questions and helping those you lead learn to solve issues. It is coaching them to success.

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Action Plan

If “What You Say Is What You Get”, based on your current communications, what will you get?

• Will you get results that fall short? A team that is confused or frustrated? A team who just does what you say and then goes home each day?
• Or will you get the desired result and a team that is cohesive, engaged, and clear on the actions they will take each day?

Your communication as a leader can make all the difference. Remember…WYSIWYG!

For valuable resources on Leadership Strengths and Tools, click here.

Deb Ingino is a highly sought-after executive coach, mentor, consultant, and speaker worldwide. Deb is well versed in business operations and in the importance of asking key questions most business leaders won’t ask themselves. She brings deep experience in leadership development, strategy, high performance team building and effective communication. She has a passion for leading people to discover and maximize their strengths as well as those of fellow team members, while offering advanced strategies to achieve high performance. Deb is the perfect fit if you’re ready to take your leadership and impact to the next level!