Assessment: who are you?
Knowing your audience is key for any type of interaction. You need to be alert, and aware of who you are speaking to at all times to avoid a communication disconnect.
Communication disconnects are one of the largest sources of frustration in the office. 
Why don’t they get it?
Are you two even speaking the same language? If you are having communication issues, there are a few things that you might want to check out.
Are they a right brain person or a left brain person?
This is one of the most common communication disconnects in the ad industry.
Creatives and account executives speak two entirely different languages.
Stereotypically, both types are easy to spot after you have spent a few years in the industry.
Execs: This group is clean-cut and usually dressed to the nines, especially if they have a meeting with a client. They are fashionable, yet somewhat conservative in their dress. They speak professionally, and tend to CC anyone that could possibly be applicable in their emails. Execs are detail-oriented and generally analytical. They are personable, have great presentation skills, and a fantastic golf handicap.
Creatives: This group is a bit different in their style. They generally dress in their own personal fashion preferences, some of which may not be understandable to anyone but themselves. Many creatives show their expression through their clothing, hairstyle, or tattoos. Creatives tend to be a bit more laid back in personality, but don’t let that fool you, they are extremely detail-oriented. Creatives take great pride in their projects and strive for excellence. Although some creatives are extremely personable, many love to hole up in their little “creative cave” and construct things in a mad scientist-esque manner.
There are certainly exceptions to these general stereotypes. I have seen many mixtures and variations of these two groups. This is why it is absolutely essential that you pay attention to who you are talking to.
Brittany Bee
