The Elevated Communicator: How to Master Your Style and Strengthen Well-Being at Work

by Maryanne O'Brien

Discover your communication style and elevate consciousness at work to build trust, strengthen collaboration, relieve stress, and improve well-being. Our work lives revolve around effective communication. It is essential for cultivating trust and team collaboration, as well as strengthening our motivation and well-being at work. And with teams experiencing more anxiety, stress, and burnout than ever before, strong communication skills have never been more essential.The key to this clear and effective communication begins with understanding our own personal communication styles. Bringing our whole and authentic selves to work improves relationships and teamwork. The better we know what drives us, how we impact others, and how our wellbeing impacts our communication, the faster we can close communication gaps to build healthy, successful, and satisfying work lives and more intentional careers. Drawing on more than a decade of original research on communication tendencies and proven mindfulness and habit-formation techniques, Maryanne O’Brien has developed a proprietary model of communication Expressive, Reserved, Direct, or Harmonious.In The Elevated Communicator, you will -A self-assessment to discover your style -An in-depth style profile to strengthen self-awareness and help you play to your strengths -Strategies to manage your communication style under stress -Practices to improve your wellbeing and reduce conflict -Ways to care for your communication style and improve your wellbeing -Methods to flex toward other styles to communicate more effectively with people -Advice on building healthy, trusted, and productive working relationshipsPerfect for fans of StrengthsFinders 2.0 and Gretchen Rubin’s The Four Tendencies, The Elevated Communicator is a “refreshing, insightful, and user-friendly” (Tara Peyerl, executive coach and success director, Salesforce) approach to develop daily practices to spiral up, raise consciousness, inspire accountability, and discover your full potential at work.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Self Help, Professional Development, Leadership, Audiobook, Communication

224 pages, Hardcover

Published April 27, 2021

About the author

Maryanne O’Brien has spent decades guiding people and cultures to foster open communication, cultivate empathy, and deepen trust. She has a depth of experience building iconic brands and purpose-driven organizations, and helping businesses to consciously transform. She’s worked with big brands like Nordstrom, Coca-Cola, and Apple, as well as small, independent businesses.

Her background in advertising, consulting, and corporate coaching taught her to value authentic leadership and healthy cultures, and inspired her to found Conscious Company. Maryanne is dedicated to supporting shifts in conscious leadership, communication, and well-being. She also leads classes in intuition development and energetic healing techniques—mentoring people on a path to higher consciousness. She lives with her husband on a hobby farm just outside Minneapolis, where she leads retreats.

Reviews

[Ell · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you'd like to improve your communication skills in your work environment and are looking for simple, effective and straight-to-the-point advice, this book is for you. It's easy to read and very straightforward. It has nuggets of useful information that are practical and easy to employ. I enjoyed this book. It's not dense or verbose or theoretical and therefore very reader-friendly. Four stars.

[Ange · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a good book with interesting content for all so I would still recommend everyone read it. It will help with your understanding of communication styles for yourself and others.
I think I rated it lower because the knowledge wasn’t new and it was written too much in an informative way and lacked its own unique presentation style; comparing it to say, Thomas Erikson’s style, where he captures your attention a bit better while also educating. Maybe that points to my style/personality!

[Megan Easton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book in terms of information, but was written very straightforward and didn’t have many personal anecdotes. It was somewhat repetitive, but I liked learning about their perspective on communication styles. It also linked to a bonus quiz to find out your style.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good not great - book lacked focus for me. I think it could have just been about communication styles and cut out everything else. I like the descriptions of how we communicate but they were so general that they felt like horoscopes. I wish the author would have unpacked more sub types within the big 4. I think they are so much more nuanced in reality and would like to see how the research/ author would take “thinner slices” through the communication styles.

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found The Elevated Communicator to be an excellent book that gave me insight into how to expand my awareness of my unconscious actions and how to channel that insight to elevate the way I communicate and connect with every sort of person–personally and especially at work.

Since getting my communication style and reading the book I’ve noticed a significant increase in my ability to connect with clients in my work in consulting. I find I’m able to better set myself up to be at my best more often and am able to recognize my client’s communication styles so I can best tailor my delivery and findings to increase understanding and receptivity.

I highly recommend to all professionals looking to increase their effectiveness and well-being at work.

[Albin · Rating 2 out of 5]

O'Brien identifies four styles of communication. As with similar classifications, this tends towards astrology: if you're so inclined, I'm sure that you can shoehorn yourself into on of these types and have that "omg, this is so me"-moment. Personally I can see myself in all four. In the end of the day, I don't find these four that helpful. When O'Brien describes specific scenarios, however, her breakdown of how different personalities might clash is more potent. And her examples of how to temporarily adjust your behaviour to lessen friction was pretty interesting. There's also some not-so-helpful woo-woo sprinkled in about quantom mechanics and energies and what not.

All in all, this could've been a blog post.

[Kathryn Bowler · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars. This book reminds me that the average IQ is 100, and that a good number of people I regularly encounter live in a reality where this content is considered plausible. Pro-tips like “get sleep” and “take time to reflect” are treated as revolutionary insights. That reminder alone made the book worthwhile in a corporate context.

It’s all over the place. The author begins with magical thinking and sweeping misinterpretations of quantum physics to argue for our deep interconnectedness. I laughed so hard I cried. At one point, it felt like we were on the verge of unlocking psychic abilities. Alas, we land instead on the “four communication styles” I don’t buy into. It is more tarot cards than tools. I want my psychic abilities!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Communication is key. Having worked in the hospitality industry for more than twenty-five years, interacting with all kinds of people, I know how vital our ability to effectively communicate truly is. The Elevated Communicator really hits the mark and expertly helps you to not only understand your unique communication style, but also to cultivate its most healthy and intentional expression. Maryanne O’Brien’s book provides a viable path to achieving trust, authenticity and wellbeing in the workplace and beyond. An invaluable resource for all those seeking to expand their capacity for true connection and purpose.

[Karthik · Rating 3 out of 5]

1. The primary value of the book is the 4 communication types that the author introduces.
2. Using the 4 types as a baseline, the author offers tips on how to communicate with the other 3 communication types. Recognizing the various types and being willing to adapt is probably the biggest takeaway for most readers.
3. The writing style is easy to read and the book can be finished quickly.
4. As with any book, not all content is useful. For example, the initial chapters and content about how the brain works was not new for me, though others might value the context if they haven't heard it before.

[Carolyn Ferreira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the background at the beginning of the book. It set the stage well and got me thinking. I found the assessment and descriptions of the styles to be very accurate. I enjoyed the exercises and wish there were more of them, particularly in the second half of the book. I found the section on flexing your style to be interesting, but I wish the book had touched on how to avoid burnout by flexing too often and how to keep it from feeling like masking. If you have a work relationship, particularly with a superior, where they never flex to you and you have to flex to them in every conversation, how do you do that effectively without ongoing mental strain?

[AL Kepple · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found a lot in this book to think about. The information identifying the four communication styles was interesting and insightful.

I took the test and agreed with the descriptions for my primary and secondary communication styles. What really sold me was doing the test for a friend and then comparing what she got when she took the test. We both got the same results for her. The descriptions for her primary and secondary communication styles fit her as well.

I'm holding on to this book to refer to, I want to use it's insights into improving my ability to communicate with others.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some good insights in this book, especially in the later chapters. It seems to be much more suited to those who work with a team, are managing, or are working on large group projects. I didn't find things as relevant to my work situation. I would have preferred to see more of the advice be applicable to any type of communication and not specifically focused on workplace.

[Sandra Young · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing exciting to say about this book. Read it for my MBA book club and glad it done. There are so many ways you can paint communication styles and how to work with others. Meyers-Briggs is one of the more famous ones. I suppose if you are young and just starting out, this might seem revolutionary but I found it repetitive and just another way to paint the picture.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's an interesting framework the author sets out (the four communication styles they've defined and the interplay between them). However, the book is trying to do too many things. In the middle it has a large section on your well-being (if you sleep better, you'll feel better then you'll communicate better!) that seems to be a diversion from the more interesting point.

[Jonathan Farrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another Meyers-Briggs derivative that focuses on being self-aware in your professional communication and collaboration. It seems to be much more suited to those who work within a large team, are managing, or are working in a large organization. I would have preferred to see more of the advice be applicable to any type of communication and not specifically focused on large organizational workplaces. It's a good book with interesting content and good insights for all, so I would still recommend everyone read it. It will help with your understanding of communication styles for yourself and others.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Elevated Communicator provides practical insights and strategies that are easy to understand and apply in real-world situations. It's a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their skills and approach to business challenges.

[Turquoise Brennan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Such high hopes for this one. I did enjoy the quick and free personality test and the large chunk of the book is dedicated to which one you are out if the 4 chosen. It seemed to be an off shot of what they have been working on for years at Penns Positive Psych program with Adam Grant work.

[Adelaide McIntyre · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to DNF this at 30% because they say the same thing over and over. Also, if you try to go to the site to find out what kind of communicator you are, it's not working at this point.

[Henry Mitton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully insightful and easily accessible. A very important topic that we could all benefit from understanding!

[Rosemary Cons · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great opportunity to revisit and think about my communication style and be aware of the best way to build great communication with my work mates but also all the relationships in my life.

[David Fredh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting with good advice for work and life how communication matters and how energy between people affect us

[Peter Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book very impactful and incredibly helpful on learning how to communicate more effectively. Well worth the read

[Eric Tran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read to identify what type of communicator you are in life and work. Good to go back and re-read about your style once in a while.

[Tiana Royal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight. It provides simple, yet effective tips to help a person effectively communicate with anyone.

[Aleeza Reyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful read — if you want to improve your communication skills and be better at it. To incorporate and blend it with your well-being. This is a good read. 💯

[Princesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as part of my office book club: it was cool learning more about myself and my communication style.

[Danielle Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, digestible, and relatable. I will be re-reading this one from time to time to brush up on my skills.

[Gail Harper · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d recommend this to anyone seeking to communicate better and increase productivity with their teams at work. The self-assessment is particularly helpful. I could’ve maybe used less explanation of each type and more examples of how each communication style might work together. But then again, I’m direct and then reserved after all.

[Tracie Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Elevated Communicator by Maryanne O'Brien

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DETAILS
-PRINT: © April 27, 2021; 978-1982154721; S&S/Simon Element; 224 pages.; unabridged (Hardbound Info from Amazon.com)
-DIGITAL: © October 19, 2022; S&S/Simon Element / Tiller Press; unabridged (Kindle info from Amazon.com)
- *Audio: © April 26, 2021; Simon & Schuster Audio; 6 hours (approx..); unabridged (Audio info from Libby app version.)
-FILM: No

SERIES: No.

CHARACTERS:
N/A

SUMMARY/ EVALUATION:
-SELECTED: I’d done a search on English with an interest in vocabulary and speech patterns in mind. This was one of the results. Not exactly what I was looking for, but it looked interesting.
-ABOUT: The art of communication. The author asserts that communication runs on emotions. At the author’s website, by the same name as the book's title, she says she has a quick test anyone can take for free to assess their communication style. Classifications are similar to the Myers-Briggs test, but not as elaborate. Several of the chapters discuss how to flex one’s own style of communication to better communicate with each of the styles. The author promotes introspection to learn your style and what your triggers are to anger or agitation.
-OVERALL IMPRESSION: Some of her assertions are things I have read or heard in various New Age circles. It’s fun to encounter them in a book targeting professionals. My favorite, that isn’t exactly something I’ve heard before, but along the lines thereof, was an assertion that one person who keeps company with a happy person, spreads that happiness to others. It sounds like it could have a domino effect.

AUTHOR: Maryanne Obrien. From Simon & Schuster:
“Maryanne O’Brien has spent decades guiding people and cultures to foster open communication, cultivate empathy, and deepen trust. She’s worked with big brands like Nordstrom, Coca-Cola, Apple, and small, independent businesses. Her advertising, consulting, and corporate coaching background taught her to value authentic leadership and healthy cultures and inspired her to found Conscious Company. She lives with her husband on a hobby farm just outside Minneapolis, where she leads retreats. Visit her online at Conscious-Company.com.”

NARRATOR: Lameece Issaq : Excerpt from imeu.org”
“In 2015, actor and writer Lameece Issaq will celebrate the five-year anniversary of Noor Theatre, the production company she co-founded that is dedicated to developing and supporting the work of Middle Eastern theater artists. Since its inception in 2010, Noor Theatre has been in residence at the renowned off-Broadway New York Theatre Workshop in Manhattan, and as Issaq looks back, she’s thrilled to find that what she’s doing is gaining traction.”

GENRE: Non-fiction; Self-help; Psychology; Personal development

LOCATIONS: N/A

TIME FRAME: Current - 2021

SUBJECTS: Listening; Speaking; Self-discipline; Courtesy; Respect; Conversations; Psychology; Communication Styles; Adapting your own style to that of others

DEDICATION: Not Found

SAMPLE QUOTATION: Excerpt From Chapter 1: “Communication Is at the Heart of Our Success”

“When you think about it, nearly all of our work revolves around communication in some form. No matter what form of work you’re in, it’s hard to imagine a day where we don’t connect with someone through emails, texts, or phone calls. We routinely run meetings, give and receive feedback, and facilitate brainstorms. In fact, we communicate so frequently that we rarely give it much consideration. But we should. How we communicate influences everything, from how effective we build relationships to our level of personal wellbeing.
Communication is so central to every job that it continually tops the list of what recruiters and employers from around the world look for when hiring.1 Every company wants to hire people who can present their ideas clearly, listen effectively, and work collaboratively. So, it only makes sense that the more effectively we communicate the more success we experience. All the intelligence in the world won’t help you if you can’t get your point across and connect with people.”

RATING: 4 stars.

STARTED-FINISHED
10/22/2023-10/27/2023

[Valerie Koh · Rating 3 out of 5]

[AUDIOBOOK]

- Good reminder abt things you probably already know

1) when you are not stressed, slept well, full (physically healthy), you would be in a better mind space and so would be more able to communicate well

2) self-awareness is key - know when you need to take a break, when you are triggered, when you need to step back, when you need to leverage on the strength of your natural communication styles.

3) there are 4 styles (at least this is
- expressive - personable and forthcoming
- direct - task-focused and forthcoming
- reserved - task-focused and introverted
- harmonious - personable and introverted

4) For me as an expressive / direct, I can tend to dominate conversations so it’s better to listen and know when not to lead.

But in health, I can be seen as “high-energy, charming, balanced, good listener who is interested in other’s opinions”.

5) Practice, practice, practice - to become a better communicator you have to know what you’re weak at and then practice to minimise that before it becomes the default.

(A small point abt the Zero Point field - how thoughts become matter. That sounds like pretentious business pseudoscience speak… but I agree that ppl can vibe you out so it’s always good to communicate from a place of actual good intention and good health.)