Speak honestly and to your advantage. If you are direct, talk about how this facilitates efficient communication. If you are a bit more passive, talk about how this facilitates a more harmonious work environment.

"I prefer to communicate as directly a possible but also empathetically. I think it's important to be straightforward to avoid misunderstandings, but at the same time being too direct can hurt people, so over the years I've learned to listen thoroughly first and speak directly to my supervisor's, colleagues', or students' needs."