QI provide analytical support to another team in my company. They're good people, but we don't communicate very well. For example, once we've made a decision, they'll just keep discussing it, while I'm ready to move on to the next issue. How can we get on the same wavelength?
ADevelop your understanding of different communication styles to enhance your relationship with this group.
The inner game
Start by analyzing your issues with this team, reflecting back on recent meetings to recall when you became impatient or frustrated. Apart from dwelling on points that have been resolved, are there other points on which your styles differ? For example, you may be a big-picture thinker, while they need more detail.
Then look at your past management of these dynamics. Despite your best efforts, you may be showing your impatience or frustration. Even if it's subtle, it can damage your working relationships. Consider how your colleagues may be perceiving you in order to assess this; if possible, ask a team member for feedback.
Evaluate your knowledge about communication styles. If your knowledge is thin, you'll benefit from building it; it'll be of broad value for both work and personal relationships. Determine if your company has training resources available to help with this.
The outer game
To help get you started, here's a quick overview of a set of commonly used communication style descriptions (from "The Platinum Rule" by Tony Alessandra and Michael J. O'Connor). These are based on two categories: openness and directness. The combination of these yields four distinct communication types: the Director (closed and direct), the Socializer (open and direct), the Thinker (closed and indirect), and the Relator (open and indirect).