Have you ever thought you were listening and just didn’t get what someone was telling you? You knew they were painting a picture but it sure didn’t seem like art to you. The communicator is drawing a DaVinci and maybe you only see Luke’s Father.
Is it possible that you’ve been that communicator and someone doesn’t understand you? Feels like a big #FAIL, right?
FAIL BIG TO WIN BIG
Take any one or all of your miscommunication stories and let’s chalk them up to being your First Action in Learning. Take the opportunity NOW to learn key information that will help you grow.
COMMUNICATION…IS KEY
Might seem obvious, but easier said than done. The key to communication is Listening! Listening is a key but the way you listen matters too. Are you ‘listening only to hear the other person stop talking so that you can respond’? Or, are you Listening to understand their perspective? As the brilliant Stephen Covey advised, “Seek first to understand, THEN be understood.” I believe that if everyone followed this sage advise, the world would be forever changed for the better. Imagine someone- everyone- taking time to understand your point of view BEFORE they felt the need to respond or share theirs. And of course, you reciprocating…this is the beginning of building respect for one another, which is fundamental to ultimately building trust and teamwork.
Speaking is also a key, and how you speak to people is equally critical. More and more research shows that how you say something- your tone of voice, facial expressions, body language, etc., is even more important than what you say. So, consider applying an approach where you take into account WHO is speaking and HOW their personality attunes to sending and receiving information. Listen to their information taking into account who they are and respond with questions and input that also accounts for who they are. Build bridges of communication by honoring the unique nature of the people with whom you are interacting.
BRIDGE BUILDING
Building a bridge is an engineering marvel. The analogy of building a communication bridge is fitting because it takes real work, new knowledge, and great understanding to be a world-class communicator.
If you want to improve your communication skills, and/or improve your team’s communication, collaboration, and effectiveness, let’s talk! I am a Certified DiSC trainer and consultant with the John Maxwell Team. Everyone you encounter is motivated differently, communicates differently, and views tasks and relationships differently. The Maxwell DiSC Workshop will help you achieve greater success as you learn to not only understand, value, and leverage your own strengths, but when you do the same with others as well. I would love to help you get started building that bridge on your way to becoming a world-class communicator!
Comment below, or reach out to me at deb@debdredden.com or click on the ‘CONTACT’ button at the top of any page on my site.
