Supporting diverse expression in teams
Communication is the basis of effective teamwork, yet how we express ourselves varies dramatically across individuals. During Men’s Health Month, we want to explore how gender socialisation can influence communication patterns and how organisations can create environments where diverse communication styles, including those more common among men, are understood, valued, and effectively integrated.
Understanding communication differences
Research consistently shows that communication tendencies often correlate with gender socialisation. According to research published in the Harvard Business Review by Deborah Tannen, men in professional settings often adopt more direct communication approaches, use more assertive language, speak more in groups, and focus communication primarily on information exchange rather than relationship building.
These patterns aren’t inherently problematic. Directness can bring clarity, assertion can drive action, and information focus can enhance efficiency. However, difficulties arise when different communication styles interact without mutual understanding or when organisational cultures privilege one approach while devaluing others.
The communication conundrum for men
Men often face unique communication challenges in evolving workplace cultures. Many have been socialised to communicate in ways now sometimes labelled as problematic. This creates a dilemma. Adapt to communication styles that feel unnatural or risk being perceived as insensitive to contemporary workplace norms.
At the same time, men who naturally communicate in ways traditionally associated with feminine communication for example more collaborative, relationship-focused, or emotionally expressive, may face judgement from both peers and organisational cultures that still harbour expectations about masculine behaviour.
More than binary thinking
At The Thrive Team, we advocate moving beyond simplistic gender binaries in communication to recognise the rich diversity of expression within and across gender identities. Each team member brings a unique communication repertoire shaped by personality, culture, professional background, and individual experience alongside gender socialisation.
Rather than trying to homogenise communication, forward-thinking organisations create environments where diverse styles can coexist productively. This approach views different communication tendencies as complementary strengths rather than competing approaches, with each offering value in different contexts.
Building communication bridges
Creating environments where diverse communication styles thrive requires intentional effort. At The Thrive Team, our development focuses on several effective approaches:
- Developing awareness of different styles. When team members understand various approaches to communication as different rather than deficient, they can adjust expectations accordingly.
- Expanding communication repertoires benefits everyone. Through our coaching programmes, we encourage flexibility, learning when to employ different approaches depending on context.
- Establishing shared understanding about which communication approaches work best for different situations prevents unnecessary friction.
Supporting men’s communication development
During Men’s Health Month, it’s worth considering specific approaches that support men in developing communication flexibility while honouring their authentic expression styles. Our coaching and development services can focus on:
- Framing communication skill development as performance enhancement rather than deficiency correction. A development opportunity presented as a chance to add to skills rather than fix a problem is easier to embrace. Our coaching emphasises strength-building rather than gap-filling.
- Providing concrete models of effective communication across styles. Rather than offering abstract advice to “be more empathetic” or “communicate more directly” we incorporate practical scenarios and language templates that can be immediately applied.
- Creating psychologically safe spaces for experimentation. Learning new communication approaches inevitably involves missteps. Men often withdraw from skill development when early attempts meet with critical rather than constructive responses. Facilitated practice sessions provide supportive environments for developing new communication patterns.
- Recognising and celebrating communication strengths traditionally associated with masculine socialisation. Direct communication, solution focus, and concise expression represent valuable contributions to team effectiveness when deployed appropriately. Our balanced approach acknowledges these strengths while expanding versatility.
The business case for communication diversity
Embracing diverse communication styles delivers measurable business benefits. Research by McKinsey found that teams with greater stylistic diversity, when effectively managed, demonstrate enhanced innovation, more thorough risk assessment, and stronger decision-making.
The key lies not in privileging any single approach but in creating cultures where diverse styles interact productively, with each adding unique value to collective understanding and decision-making.
Men’s Health Month
Creating truly inclusive communication environments requires ongoing attention rather than one-time interventions. At The Thrive Team, we work with organisations to develop cultures that support diverse expression while maintaining clarity and effectiveness.
This Men’s Health Month, consider how your organisation responds to different communication styles. Does your culture privilege certain approaches while devaluing others? Do team members understand diverse communication styles as different rather than deficient? Is communication flexibility celebrated and developed across your organisation?
By supporting all team members in developing communication flexibility while honouring authentic expression, organisations create environments where everyone can contribute their best thinking and maintain their wellbeing.
If you’d like to explore how to create environments that support diverse expression styles, contact us to discuss our team training and development and coaching services. Our experienced team specialise in creating inclusive practices that enhance both individual wellbeing and team performance.
