Morning Motivator – Hello!! Do You Understand What I’m Saying??

"The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them."
-Ralph Nichols

Communication – the most helpful and detrimental of all human interactions. The ability to communicate creates GREAT leadership and can CRIPPLE a great leader if incapable. Ask yourself: What is my communication style? How do I best communicate? Does everyone know my preferred communications – email, phone, face to face, smoke signal, carrier pigeon..?

Everyday we are challenged with effective COMMUNICATION. Frequently, you hear someone in the business world say, "all I want is to know whats going on!" The common frustrations that accompany poor communication are enough to TARNISH a reputation, place question on one's ABILITIES and thwart the efforts to achieve IMPACTFUL leadership. It is YOUR duty to find the BEST ways to communicate effectively with your clients, family, friends and co workers. YOU are responsible for the messages you send – verbal and non verbal. If you say the "right thing" with a smug face – DON'T expect a great response. If you say the "wrong thing" in a tone that is positive and hopeful –the results should be better than expected. Remember – the perception of your words and actions is what defines your position. Take a minute to think about what you want to say – then take action. Do you hear what im saying?? :)

2 DEGREE SUCCESS STEP:
Effective communication starts with understanding how YOU like best to communicate, then how OTHERS prefer to communicate as well. Here are some steps to help you define your best actions:

1. DETERMINE your most confident and comfortable communication forms (I prefer to email or talk in person)

2. ASK the people you communicate with HOW they wish to be contacted (you may love phone, but they love email – leaving voice mails is NOT effective!)

3. Communicate in the FORMAT that OTHERS best respond to (if you work with them – they WILL work with you on style)

4. REFINFORCE your message (ask lots of questions to make sure you are clear and repeat how you want to follow up)

5. RESPECT others communications (TIMING is as critical as delivery… ask WHEN the time is right, THEN use their preferred style to communicate)

Sharing thoughts with someone is an intimate experience and your communications are the delivery tool to this. People are naturally skeptical about sharing time and information if they don't feel there will be value. Show that you are willing to work with someone to find the best TIMING and STYLE of communication … the WILL understand what you are saying!!

Cheers,
Zach

*To enjoy past editions of the Morning Motivator go to – http://grow-learn-lead.blogspot.com

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