Remember to use the terms "direct" and "active" somewhere in your response. Many companies value senior program manager candidates that use direct communication and active listening skills.

"I would describe myself as a hybrid communicator. I prefer to align my approach with the situation and the people I am communicating with. I am naturally a direct communicator. I like to get to the point, and I often use an approach I learned in a facilitation class called 'give the headline first' to help people know from the beginning where I am going in a conversation. However, I dial that back and use other communication styles when I notice that a direct approach is not the best fit. That is often true in emotionally charged situations. I am familiar with the DISC communication style assessment and see value in all four approaches.

I also lean on active listening. I realize we work in a fast-paced setting with many distractions, but I find that giving my full attention as much as possible offers big rewards. I like to observe others, empathize with their feelings, and listen to their words. The information I gather using those skills is often the most important in a conversation. It helps me determine how to respond in an authentic way that aligns with the style of the person or group I am communicating with."